You Know That Saying ... (T/F?)

[~ocean]

From your lips to god's ears

[homoe]

"It Ain't Over Till The Fat Lady Sings"....................





It means that one should not presume to know the outcome of an event which is still in progress.

[~ocean]

this expression says a lot


yada yada yada

[homoe]

"Like A Bull In A China Shop".................



One who is aggressive and clumsy in a situation that requires delicacy and care.

[homoe]

"Hit Or Miss".....................





The definition of hit or miss is a term used to describe something that might be good sometimes and bad others, especially when you cannot predict when it will be good or bad.

[Kätzchen]

Easy Like an Sunday Morning (Lionel Richie).

This particular turn of phrase means exactly what it means :giggle:

You know.....easy, easy like an Sunday morning....

--- sleep in, no fixing breakfast but going out for brunch, then maybe even go for a long drive or just spend time together enjoying the moment..... Easy, right??? :stillheart:

[homoe]

"Going To Hell In A Hand Basket"....................


Heading for trouble! Rapidly deteriorating - on course for disaster.


Sidebar: The expression might possibly have been inspired by the heads of decapitated prisoners falling or being dumped into hand baskets or handcarts.

[homoe]

"If The Shoe Fits"......................


Simmer down femmes this is not in any way, shape, or form about shoe shopping! Butches too, I know we love our shoes/boots as well...:hangloose:

When an unflattering remark applies to you, you should accept it if it's true!

[homoe]

"No Flies On You"..................




It's a compliment you give someone to acknowledge how smart they are or how fast they are on the uptake!

[homoe]

"Having A Few Irons In The Fire"...............






To be involved with many activities or jobs at the same time. To make certain that there are always several possibilities available.

[homoe]

"I Beg To Disagree".........



A very nice and politely way of saying.....I disagree with you.

[homoe]

"He Puts His Pants On One Leg At A Time...............




Someone being spoken of or referred to is just an ordinary human being. Used especially in reference to someone who is of an elevated social status, such as a celebrity, star athlete, member of royalty, etc.

[homoe]

"To Pay The Piper"...................





To face, accept, or suffer repercussions for one's actions or words, especially that would be expected to incur punishment.

[homoe]

"Face The Music"..................






Meaning to receive punishment; to accept the unpleasant results of one's actions or deeds.

[homoe]

"To Beat The Band".............




Very briskly; very fast.

[homoe]

"To Cut Up".....................


To joke or kid around. Having fun.

[homoe]

"Up To One's Old Tricks"..................



Doing things that one was known for doing in the past, especially deceitful or mischievous behavior.

[homoe]

"Laughter Is The Best Medicine"...................



It is widely believed that laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease. Laughter triggers the release of endorphin, the body's natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphin's promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.

[homoe]

"Burst Someone's Bubble"...............





To ruin someone's happy moment or mood, usually by telling them disappointing news or information.

[~ocean]

"To Cut Up".....................


To joke or kid around. Having fun.

that expression seems so Dobbie Gillis lolol

[cathexis]

To cut something (like lights) on or off.


Primarily Southern slang for turning something on or off.

[cathexis]

It ain't a thing.

Telling someone something they did, was not a diss to you (did not offend you).

[homoe]

"Not My Cup Of Tea".........................





Something that a person just does not like!

[EnchantedNightDweller]

"Don't put all your eggs in one basket."

[homoe]

"Don't Rain On My Parade"......(Similar to Burst Your Bubble)






Don't bring someone down when they are enjoying something or someone.

[homoe]

"Between A Rock And A Hard Place".............




In a situation where one is faced with two equally difficult alternatives.

[cathexis]

"It's down the road a piece" or "a fer piece"


Meaning that it's a fairly long way down the road, not a short distance.

[homoe]

"Doesn't Have Both Oars In The Water"......




This is an expression used to describe someone that is thought to be slow or crazy, or just not all there.

[homoe]

"Rules The Roost".




To dominate; to be in charge:

[homoe]

"Doesn't Have A Leg To Stand On"...............




To have no evidence, support, or justification for one's argument or actions.

[homoe]

"Getting Caught With Your Hand In The Cookie Jar"..................



To have been caught in the act or attempt of some wrongdoing, especially one involving bribery or the illicit exploitation of one's position of power or authority.

[homoe]

"Soup's On"....................






The meal is ready to eat. (Said for any food, not just soup.)

[homoe]

"Everything From Soup To Nuts..........




From beginning to end, throughout,


Sidebar: Refers to a once-traditional full course meal, beginning with soup and ending with a dessert of nuts.

[cathexis]

"goose is cooked"

bad outcome has been determined

[cathexis]

"geez'm crow"


primarily New England saying to express surprise or exacerbation

[homoe]

"One Hand Washes The Other".............




All parties involved will benefit from helping each other and/or working together toward the same goal.

Sidebar: If you ever have one hand unavailable due to an injury you'll also find this literally true!

[homoe]

"Don"t Make Waves".............."Don'T Rock The Boat"




Meaning do not cause a disturbance or controversy, keep the status quo.

[homoe]

"Cause For Alarm"................





A reason to be worried, frightened, or concerned about something.

[homoe]

"Cabin Fever" ..........Go Stir-Crazy..............






To become acutely anxious, restless, irritable, irrational, and/or depressed from remaining for too long in a location.

[homoe]

"The Straw That Broke The Camels Back"..............




A seemingly small or inconsequential issue, problem, or burden that proves to be the final catalyst in causing an overworked or overburdened person, system, organization, etc., to fail, give up, or collapse.

[~ocean]

"Cabin Fever" ..........Go Stir-Crazy..............






To become acutely anxious, restless, irritable, irrational, and/or depressed from remaining for too long in a location.

If you don't eat your carrots u will go blinde

[homoe]

If you don't eat your carrots u will go blinde




How true! I've never seen a blind rabbit or EVEN one wearing glasses! :giggle:

[homoe]

"Dumber Than Dirt".............................




Being extremely stupid.

[Kätzchen]

"Dumber Than Dirt".............................




Being extremely stupid.

oh, this reminds me of an movie line from O, Brother, Where Art Thou? and the borrowed expression of ..... "Dumber than a bag of hammers!" :giggle:

Gosh, that movie was funny as all heck get out! LOL.

[homoe]

oh, this reminds me of an movie line from O, Brother, Where Art Thou? and the borrowed expression of ..... "Dumber than a bag of hammers!" :giggle:

Gosh, that movie was funny as all heck get out! LOL.

YES! I remember that

[homoe]

"Waiting For The Other Shoe To Drop".....................




Awaiting a seemingly inevitable event to happen!

[homoe]

"To Get One's Feet Wet"...............



To initiate oneself or be initiated into something; have a first and testing experience of something.

[homoe]

"Wet Behind The Ears"................


Lacking experience; immature.

[homoe]

"Right Off The Bat"..............


Immediately; at once; without delay.

[homoe]

"Roll With The Punches".......................




To tolerate or 'roll' with the hardships one may unexpectedly run into.

Sidebar: Origin of 'rolling with the punches' was, and still is, a boxing term. The term is used to explain how boxers will often angle themselves in certain ways to help lessen the impact of incoming blows. For instance, if an opponent throws a left punch, a boxer can 'roll' with it by moving his body and head backwards and to the right, so that way, even if the punch lands, it wouldn't be quite as damaging as a full contact strike.

[homoe]

"Just Desserts"


For someone to get what is coming to them; what "they" deserve usually negatively.

[~ocean]

"Just Desserts"


For someone to get what is coming to them; what "they" deserve usually negatively.

"Kismet"...........

[Kätzchen]

Curiosity Killed The Cat

Used as an veiled warning about the unnecessary investigation and dangers of being too curious. HOWEVER, the rejoinder expressed is subtly stated as "But satisfaction brought the cat back...".

Interestingly, cats are thought to have at least 9 lives. :giggle:

<<<<<<<~~ Schröedinger's is another fine example of the many aptitudes of the kitty cat. :eyebat:

Side notes: I would say this proverb is false. But it is nice to know we have a strong counter-culture of opinion in support of cats.

[homoe]

"To Get Off Scott Free"......................


This means to get away with something without being punished.

To escape punishment for a crime or wrongdoing; to be acquitted of charges for a crime.

[Kätzchen]

.... Kismet .....

Unlike Karma, Kismet is an expression borrowed from the Turks, probably during the 1800s, but it's origin is of middle-eastern, used by Urdu, Hindi, and Persian people's of Aramaic descent. It's meaning implies.... fate, divine by nature.

[homoe]

.... Kismet .....

Unlike Karma, Kismet is an expression borrowed from the Turks, probably during the 1800s, but it's origin is of middle-eastern, used by Urdu, Hindi, and Persian people's of Aramaic descent. It's meaning implies.... fate, divine by nature.

While Karma refers to the spiritual principle of cause and effect where intent and actions of an individual (cause) influence the future of that individual (effect). Good intent and good deed contribute to good karma and future happiness, while bad intent and bad deed contribute to bad karma and future suffering. Karma is closely associated with the idea of rebirth in many schools of Indian religions. In these schools, karma in the present affects one's future in the current life, as well as the nature and quality of future lives.
With origins in ancient India, karma is a key concept in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism.

[homoe]

“You Snooze, You Lose” ...........






Is an idiom used to warn people who aren't paying attention, wait too long, or are indecisive that they will eventually pass up the opportunity to gain or do something they need, want, or aspire.

[homoe]

"Step Up to the Plate".......................




To take action in response to an opportunity or crisis.

[homoe]

"Older Than Dirt"........................


Something or someone's that's older than the dirt is extremely old.

[EnchantedNightDweller]

"Move your feet, lose your seat." The kids love that one. lol

[homoe]

"Bust A Move"....................



I think it is something related to getting out on the dance floor, or not.....LOL

[homoe]

"Even A Broken Clock Is Right Twice A Day"..............


Success obtained through dumb luck. Even people who are usually wrong can be right sometimes, even if just by accident. From the idea that the stationary hands of a broken clock will still display the correct time at two points during the 24-hour cycle.




Sidebar: This phrase goes back to at least the early 18th century. It was used in a magazine called The Spectator, by Joseph Addison and Richard Steele, from the year 1711:

[homoe]

"Out Of Left Field"................





Suddenly; from an unexpected source or direction.

[~ocean]

mezza mezza Italian means so so ~

[Kätzchen]

"Useless as the toilet paper I flushed three days ago," (courtesy of BFP member ShyStoneFemme in Anya's Presidential forum thread).

http://www.butchfemmeplanet.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1184696&postcount=6344

I'm guessing this is an rarely heard colloquial phrase, but I'm thinking its meaning refers to sh*tty behaviors committed by very disturbed individuals. I nominate this phrase to be added to the vast collection of idiomatic phrases, used world wide, but most likely heard only in America.

Thanks ShyStoneFemme :bunchflowers:

[homoe]

"Better A Crust Of Bread In Peace, Than A Feast In A House Of Strife." ....



This too was previously posted by a member in one of the threads, but I remember my father (who fell away from the Catholic Church) using it more than once after declining invitations from my grandparents around the holidays.

I guess this is more of a proverb than an idiom but I find it true!

[homoe]

"Throw In The Towel"....................


Give up, quit! Admit defeat.

[homoe]

"Calm Before The Storm".....................



A period of unusual tranquility or stability that seems likely to presage difficult times.

[homoe]

"I'm Not Made Of Money".....................





Gosh I remember my father always saying this around the holidays when I was asking for everything under the sun and then some!

[Kätzchen]

"I'm Not Made Of Money".....................

Gosh I remember my father always saying this around the holidays when I was asking for everything under the sun and then some!

I said this often to my son's. :hangloose:

[homoe]

"A Real Stuffed Shirt"............




Someone uptight! Very rigid. Unwilling to bend. Plays by the rules always and mostly doesn't have a sense of adventure or humor!

[homoe]

"Let Sleeping Dogs Lie"....................




To avoid restarting a conflict. Keep one's mouth shut and not bring up a subject that once caused grief or hard feelings!

[homoe]

" A Loose Cannon"...................................





Someone who is unpredictable and can cause damage if not kept in check.

[homoe]

"Rome Was Not Built In One Day":............




If you want something to be completely properly, then its going to take time.

[Chad]

"Bust A Move"....................



I think it is something related to getting out on the dance floor, or not.....LOL

I love this saying!

:danceparty:

[homoe]

I love this saying!

:danceparty:

Me too Chad, I just wished I used it more.......

Besides using it for a dance reference I could use it to get Mary to move a bit faster when we're heading out someplace........SHE TAKES FOREVER....

[homoe]

"Variety Is The Spice Of Life"........................


I think this is SO true...........

The more experiences you try the more exciting life can be.

[homoe]

"Wild and Woolly"..........


Uncultured and unrefined.

[homoe]

"Butter One's Bread On Both Sides".....



To benefit or profit from two or more separate and often contradictory or incompatible things or sources. Also to live comfortably, especially wastefully or in lavish, indulgent excess.

[homoe]

"Cut To The Chase"........................




To get to the point, leaving out all of the unnecessary details.

Sidebar: I am constantly using this idiom whenever Mary attempts to tell me a story on some thing or another! Story telling is not her forte!

[homoe]

"Hitch Your Wagon To A Star"...................



Do not set pessimistic goals aim high and for the stars!

Sidebar: This phrase was used by the American philosopher and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson in 1870 in the context of idealistic aspiration; modern usage generally has the more cynical implication of attaching yourself to someone successful or famous in order to profit from the association.

[homoe]

"No Time Like The Present"...................



Do not put things off! Do it now and get it over and done with.

[homoe]

"Hot Of The Presses".....................



Newly-circulating, as of a bit of news or gossip.

[homoe]

"There Are Always Two Sides To Every Story"............




Often two people tell different stories of the same event. Remain objective until you hear both sides of a story! Don't make a rash decision until you get both person's sides of an event or story.

[homoe]

"Sent On A Wild Goose Chase"..........................



Futilely pursuing something that will never be attainable.

[homoe]

"An Elephant Never Forgets"..............





Refers to a person who has a good memory. Someone who remembers and perhaps lets things fester until they reaching a boiling point!

[homoe]

"Playing Possum".............






Pretending to be dead, or to be deceitful about something.

[homoe]

"Play One's Cards Close To One's Chest"..................




To keep one's plans, intentions, or tactics secret from everyone else.


Also refers to holding one's playing cards close to one's chest in a card game, so as not to allow other players to see one's hand.

[homoe]

"I Need That Like A Hole In My Head".....................



Nobody needs a hole in their head!

This is something you don't need or want!

[homoe]

"In Two Shakes Of A Lamb's Tail"...




In a very short time; very quickly.

[homoe]

"The Tail Wagging The Dog"............




The smallest or least important part of something in control of the larger or more important elements; a reversal of typical roles or dynamics of power.

People talk about the tail wagging the dog to describe a situation where an unimportant part of something or an unimportant person or group involved in something has too much influence over it.

[~ocean]

"The Tail Wagging The Dog"............




The smallest or least important part of something in control of the larger or more important elements; a reversal of typical roles or dynamics of power.

People talk about the tail wagging the dog to describe a situation where an unimportant part of something or an unimportant person or group involved in something has too much influence over it.

lol homoe what a mental image lol

[homoe]

lol homoe what a mental image lol



now the idiom........"Running Around Like A Chicken With Its Head Cut Off" THAT is a mental visual my dear! :giggle:

[homoe]

My mom was a very wise woman when it came to affairs of the heart!! She used to say this idiom to my hetero sister when she was breaking up with one of her many beau's, something to the effect of................

"It's Better To Cut Off The Dog's Tail In One Clean Swift Stroke"


I think it meant to end things abruptly and not to go back then try and end it things once again.

Sidebar: You never realize how smart your parents really were till you get older!

[Kätzchen]

My mom was a very wise woman when it came to affairs of the heart!! She used to say this idiom to my hetero sister when she was breaking up with one of her many beau's, something to the effect of................

"It's Better To Cut Off The Dog's Tail In One Clean Swift Stroke"


I think it meant to end things abruptly and not to go back then try and end it things once again.

Sidebar: You never realize how smart your parents really were till you get older!

I think it's wise to enforce clean breaks. I've never heard of your mother's saying, but it seems very wise to me! :hangloose:

[homoe]

"Some Gets Their Just Desserts".............



They get paid back for dirty deeds they have committed.

[cathexis]

Just waitin' for the Robert E. Lee.

southern saying

Means sitting around waiting for no particular reason and in no hurry to do anything.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Walking in tall cotton.

also southern saying

Means that one has had a good crop this year. Plans to make more money than usual come harvest time.

[homoe]

"Park Yourself"...............

Sit down


To be honest I have no idea if this is an idiom or just something either my mom or myself just made up......:giggle:

[homoe]

"Why Buy The Cow When You Can Get The Milk Free".............




As I recall this has something to do with men getting premarital sex then they wouldn't marry the woman or something to that effect!

[~ocean]

"Why Buy The Cow When You Can Get The Milk Free".............




As I recall this has something to do with men getting premarital sex then they wouldn't marry the woman or something to that effect!

FREE MILK ~ thank god i'm lactose intolerant

[~ocean]

"Park Yourself"...............

Sit down


To be honest I have no idea if this is an idiom or just something either my mom or myself just made up......:giggle:

I can hear the backup sounds now and see'ing 2 guys w/those thingys backing that thing up LOLOL oy u crack me up lol

[homoe]

FREE MILK ~ thank god i'm lactose intolerant

It's been SO LONG since I have had "milk" I've forgot how it "tasted"! wiggling eyebrows

[homoe]

"Go To Bad For"...........................





To lend support to somebody or some project.

[Kätzchen]

I like that idiomatic expression Go To Bat For (f)

It's interesting to me how the game of Baseball is connected to many social expressions!

For example: First Base....

This fragment of an baseball term is used when articulating how one gets to the first base on anything (An job interview, getting an job, or even how to get to first base on getting a date).

[homoe]

"Cover All Your Bases"....................



Leave nothing to chance! Make sure you consider all the options and plan ahead for anything that could go wrong.


Sidebar: Yes many idioms do derive from baseball terms indeed Miss Katz :hangloose:

[homoe]

"Strike Out".........................



To not succeed at something!

[homoe]

"Hit A Home Run"..................:




To succeed at something.

[homoe]

A Ball Park Figure"................




An estimate or guess at how much something may cost!

[homoe]

"Throw A Curve Ball"........................





To surprise someone with something.

[homoe]

"Touch Base".........................




To talk briefly to someone.

[homoe]

"Play Hardball":






To act aggressively and ruthlessly.

[Kätzchen]

YAY!!!! :cheerleader: :cheer:

Thanks homoe for all these baseball idioms! :)

:hk20:

[homoe]

"Step Up To The Plate".....................




To take responsibility for doing something.

[homoe]

"Out Of Left Field".....................



Something suddenly from an unexpected source or direction

[homoe]

"Right Off The Bat"............



?Instantly, immediately.

[homoe]

"Get Out Of Hand" .......................




To get out of control.

[homoe]

"Change Hands"..............





For an object to be passed or sold from one owner to another.

[homoe]

"Got Your Hands Full".......................




To be completely busy or occupied with something.

[homoe]

"Try Your Hand At" ...............





Try doing something for the first time

[homoe]

"At Hand" ...................





Available; anything close and easily reached.

[homoe]

"Give A Hand" /" Lend A Hand"





To help somebody with something – especially something that requires physical effort.

[homoe]

"Wash Your Hands Of"......................







To stop being responsible for or involved in something.

[homoe]

"Hands Are Tied"................................





Not have the ability to help or take action.

[homoe]

"Know Like The Back Of Your Hand"





To know a place, topic, or person very well.

[homoe]

"Hands Down"..............





Obviously, unquestionably, without a doubt.

[homoe]

"A Hand-Me-Down"





A piece of clothing that belonged to an older brother/sister and is passed to a younger brother/sister. It could also be something given to one by a friend as well.

[homoe]

"Second Hand"..............





Something you know from another person or source, not directly. Some item that was previously owned by another.

[homoe]

"In Good Hands"............




In the care of somebody good or knowledgeable.

[homoe]

"Have A Hand In"





Have a role in.

[homoe]

"Take Matters Into Own Hands"..........




To take action on a problem yourself because other people have failed to do so.

[homoe]

"Tip Your Hand"................




To reveal a secret, especially about your own plans or opinions.

[homoe]

"On The One Hand… On The Other Hand".............




This expression is used to compare two aspects of a situation.

[homoe]

"Bird In The Hand Is Worth Two In The Bush".......................



Means that it is better to be satisfied with something you have than to risk losing it by trying to get something better you may not succeed in getting.

[homoe]

“All ?Hands On Deck”................



From nautical terminology, means that a circumstance requires everyone’s attendance or attention.

[homoe]

"To be hand in hand"..........




Is to be in close association.

[homoe]

"A b}Backhanded Compliment"...




A compliment that explicitly or implicitly denigrates the recipient.

[Kätzchen]

When you conclude with the HAND'S portion of our idiom thread, shall we do Whistle next ???? :giggle: :blush: :eyebat:

[homoe]

"To bite the hand that feeds you"........





To attack or reject someone who has helped you.

[homoe]

"To force someone’s hand"........



To maneuver so that someone is compelled to act prematurely or reveal his or her intentions.

[homoe]

"To gain the upper hand"..........



To become dominant or victorious.

[homoe]

"To get one’s hands dirty".......



To directly engage in an activity that may not be appealing, rather than leave it to others, or to become involved in illicit activity.

[homoe]

"To go hand in glove"



Means to be in close agreement or in a close relationship.

[homoe]

"To hand it to someone"........


To acknowledge someone’s accomplishment.

[homoe]

"To hand something to someone on a plate or a platter ".....





To make something easy for someone. To be given something rather easily.

[homoe]

"Something done with a heavy hand"



Something that is done excessively and/or oppressively.

[homoe]

" The Left Hand Doesn’t Know What The Right Hand Is Doing".....





When one entity associated with another is unaware of the second entity’s actions or intentions.

[homoe]

"To play into someone’s hands"




To engage in activity or behavior that makes one vulnerable to another person’s manipulation.

[homoe]

"To overplay one’s hand" ..............



To be overconfident.

[Kätzchen]

" The Left Hand Doesn’t Know What The Right Hand Is Doing".....


When one entity associated with another is unaware of the second entity’s actions or intentions.

When you do something, you should burn yourself completely like a good bonfire;
leaving no trace of yourself. ~ Shunryu Suzuki

[homoe]

"A show Of Hands"........






Is a literal or figurative assessment or vote to determine support for or opposition to an intended course of action or agreement or disagreement with an opinion.

[homoe]

"To Take The Law Into One’s Own Hands".....




Is to seek justice or retribution instead of obtaining assistance through law enforcement or legal procedures.

[homoe]

Who knew there were so many idioms regarding hands!



I didn't even get around to forehand, evenhanded, handspring, or hand job:blink:

[homoe]

When you do something, you should burn yourself completely like a good bonfire;
leaving no trace of yourself. ~ Shunryu Suzuki

Maybe this is in reference to playing with fire?

[homoe]

When you conclude with the HAND'S portion of our idiom thread, shall we do Whistle next ???? :giggle: :blush: :eyebat:

I was thinking more along the lines of fire idioms but it's not set in stone..:giggle:

[Kätzchen]

Maybe this is in reference to playing with fire?

nope, it's an reference to not letting one hand know what the other is doing (your post that I paired with the Suzuki quote).

[Kätzchen]

I was thinking more along the lines of fire idioms but it's not set in stone..:giggle:

o O ..... I see.... I'm not too fond of "fire" idioms, in general.

:hangloose:

[homoe]

o O ..... I see.... I'm not too fond of "fire" idioms, in general.

:hangloose:




I've got an idea seeing you are falling WAY behind in posting in this thread. You do whistle idioms and I will do fire idioms, deal? :hangloose:

[Kätzchen]

I've got an idea seeing you are falling WAY behind in posting in this thread. You do whistle idioms and I will do fire idioms, deal? :hangloose:

OK, it's a deal, sounds GQQD!

:hk20:

[homoe]

"Playing With Fire".............................





Doing something that will have dangerous consequences.

[homoe]

Jumping Out Of The Frying Pan Into The Fire".................




Going from one bad situation into another one that is just as bad.

[homoe]

"Adding Fuel To The Fire"..........................


Some added tidbit that only makes matters worse or more intense or an already bad situation. When someone comes along and tries to help you but only makes things ten times worse.

[homoe]

"They Will Never Set The Thames On Fire"................





Someone who is competent but will never do anything really amazing or dynamic.

[homoe]

"Getting On Like A House On Fire"....................





When two people are seen to be getting on very well with each other.

[homoe]

"Keeping The Home Fires Burning"....................»




To maintain one's home, especially while one's spouse or other housemates are away.

[homoe]

"Old Flame"...................................»







A former girlfriend

[homoe]

"Have Several Irons In The Fire"..........................




To have many things going on all at once. To have several business interests or deals going on at one time.

[Kätzchen]

Blow the whistle

To reveal certain undisclosed facts not known in general.

[Kätzchen]

Wet your whistle

Used primarily to indicate an desire to refresh yourself with a glass of water, to quench your thirst.

[homoe]

"Where there's smoke there's fire".....



When there is some indication of a problem or wrongdoing, such a thing probably occurred or exists. Meaning that there are rumors or signs that something is true so it must be at least partly true.

[homoe]

"Don't burn your bridges"..............


It means that we should always leave situations in good standing, as we may need something from the person in the future.

[homoe]

"Baptism By Fire".....................



A phrase originating from Europe that describes an employee that is learning something the hard way, like being immersed in their field of employment.

[homoe]

"Fight Fire With Fire".........................


To retaliate against someone with the same methods they have used!

[homoe]

"Set the world on fire"................


To do wonderful or exciting things that cause a great or remarkable sensation in the world; to be extremely popular, famous, renowned, etc.

[homoe]

"There's no smoke without fire".....





If unpleasant things are said about someone or something, there is probably a good reason for it:

[homoe]

"A burnt child dreads the fire"..............





Someone who has experienced some kind of negative situation or consequence will try to avoid making the same mistake or experience.

[homoe]

"Come Under Fire"......................



To be subject to intense criticism or judgment.

[homoe]

"Between two fires"..............




Being attacked from two sources or sides simultaneously.

[homoe]

"Carry fire in one hand and water in the other"...................




To be duplicitous. To deceive

[homoe]

"The fat is in the fire"................






Problems are about to begin. Troubles are on the horizon.

[homoe]

"Fire something back"................




To send something back to someone or a group immediately.

[homoe]

"Fire in your belly".................




If you have fire in your belly or fire in the belly, you are ready to do something in a very energetic and passionate way.

[homoe]

"Fire on all cylinders"....................



To function or operate at the most desirable or greatest possible level of efficiency, speed, or productivity.

[homoe]

"Great balls of fire"!



Good heavens!; Wow.

[homoe]

"Hold one's feet to the fire"...........




To put pressure on someone to do, say, or consent to something.

[homoe]

"To Light A Fire Under Someone".............



To urge or move to action.

[homoe]

"Where's the fire"..............





What's the big hurry.

[homoe]

"Put out fires"............




To deal with emergencies or urgent matters rather than ordinary day-to-day tasks.

[homoe]

"Fire blanks".....................




If someone fires blanks, they try hard but fail to achieve something.

[homoe]

'Fire a shot across the bow"..........



To do something as a warning.

Sidebar: The phrase originated as a warning shot from a ship.

[homoe]

"Fire from the hip"............



To speak or act rashly, recklessly, or bluntly, without consideration of potential consequences.

[homoe]

"Dumpster Fire"..............




slang A complete and utter disaster or a completely chaotic situation, likened to a fire in a dumpster, which quickly becomes uncontrollable. The phrase can be applied to both situations and people.

[homoe]

" To fire someone up".........





To motivate someone; to make someone enthusiastic.

[homoe]

'Go through fire and water".........




To face many challenges in the process of doing or accomplishing something.

[homoe]

"A ball of fire"...........




An ambitious and enthusiastic person.

[homoe]

"Heap coals of fire on one's head"..............





To make a special effort to induce feelings of guilt or remorse in another person.

[homoe]

"If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck".





This implies that a person can identify an unknown subject by observing that subject's habitual characteristics.

[Kätzchen]

Clean as a whistle

Indicating that any surface area is very very clean.

[Kätzchen]

Bells and Whistles

An common expression which indicates that an car, for example, comes with extra features that add toward convenience or is an luxury item.

[Kätzchen]

Once in a Blue Moon..... :moonstars:

I like this expression because it's true that "Blue Moon's" don't happen all that often. Maybe once a year? One time, in a recent calendar year, there were two occasions of an "Blue Moon."

So, if one uses this particular expression and you know that the person rarely does x, y or z and they use this particular way of describing their situation, then I think it's reasonable to believe that it was truly an 'Once in a Blue Moon' experience.

.......On a Wing and a Prayer.......

The above social expression finds it roots as an English proverb, born out of an WWII film, starring John Wayne, called The Flying Tigers. (1942, Black and White war propoganda film).

In the film, pilots of planes, nearly on their proverbial last breath, would say that they hoped they could make it back, "on a wing and a prayer."

Sometimes, people will say this phrase when saying goodbye to someone they love and care about too...... "I'll let you fly on a wing and a prayer" ..... which i think is a very very sweet way to say goodbye....... :stillheart:


https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flying_Tigers_%28film%29?wprov=sfla1

......I'd Give You The Shirt Off My Back.....

This idiom is expressive in terms of desire to give all you've got to help another person, that you'd do just about anything, including up to, proverbially, "giving the shirt off your back"....a show of love and devotion and deep concern for another.

..... The Sky Is Blushing .....

..............*ahem* :giggle: ..........

This particular turn of phrase is *not* expressed nearly as often as it should be, but that is because it's kind of rare when it happens. It's usually expressed when two things happen: The sky at sundown is brilliantly pink; the sky at sunrise is aglow in Pink. Hence..... The Sky Is Blushing. :blush:

....Bench Press A Buick...

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/600x315/84/fb/66/84fb6621030ba93d03faa92cb6ae7295.jpg

German philosopher Friedrich Nietzche coined the phrase "What does not kill me makes me stronger.

BUT being strong (er) is relative: Some people are strong because they exercise their muscles, whole others are strong because they exercise their 'faith' on either spiritual or personal practical ways.

Therefore: IF a person survives a potential life threatening situation, people generally believe the experience leaves them stronger.

Hence, saying that one can Bench press a Buick is often synonymous to overcoming traumatic life's issues by one's own ability to be 'strong'.

.....on a few idioms I posted last summer....

I like all.of them, as far as idiomatic expressions go. :rrose:

[homoe]

My FAVORITE was "bench-press a buick"..............:giggle:

[homoe]

"Bite Off More Than You Can Chew"...............



Taking on more than you can handle or deal with.

[homoe]

"Chip Off The Old Block".............


An expression used of people who closely resemble their parents in some way.

[Kätzchen]

My FAVORITE was "bench-press a buick"..............:giggle:

LMAO!!!!! :giggle:

Great minds think alike! ;)

[homoe]

"Take With A Grain of Salt"...............



To consider or evaluate something, such as a statement, while keeping in mind that it may not be completely true or accurate, typically due to the unreliability of the source.

[homoe]

"Right Up My Alley".........................


If something is right up your alley, it is the kind of thing you like or know about. It's one's specialty, to one's taste,

[homoe]

"I Might of Been Born at Night, But Just Not Last Night"...............



Don't confuse me with being stupid or a fool.

[homoe]

"A Lightning Rod"...........



Something or someone that becomes the focus of others' criticism or blame.

[homoe]

"Capture Lightning In A Bottle".................




To achieve or succeed at doing something that is incredibly difficult, unlikely, and/or elusive.

[homoe]

"Lightning Doesn't Strike Twice".......




Something that's very extraordinary and unlikely to happen will never happen to the same person twice.

[homoe]

"Chasing Rainbows"................




To constantly pursue things that are unrealistic or unlikely to happen.

[homoe]

“Green-Eyed Monster"...............



Jealousy!

Sidebar: The phrase was used by, and possibly coined by, Shakespeare to denote jealousy, in The Merchant of Venice, 1596

[homoe]

“Green With Envy” ..................



Full of desire for someone's possessions or advantages; extremely covetous.

[homoe]

"To give someone the green light"..............


To give permission for someone to do something or for something to happen:to grant someone to proceed with some action or task.

[homoe]

“Blue Collar”


Characteristic of the working class, especially manual laborers.



Sidebar: Connotes people who work at a trade or as laborers, because such workers at one time commonly wore durable shirts made of blue cotton (as opposed to “white collar,” referring to dress shirts worn by professionals and office workers.

[homoe]

"Talking Up A Blue Streak"...................





Talking a lot and very fast.

[homoe]

“Not A Shrinking Violet”




To refer to someone who is anything but shy.

[homoe]

"Talk Until One Is Blue In The Face................


For a great or unending length of time; until one has done it to exhaustion.

[homoe]

“Seeing Red” ................




Being so angry that one’s vision is blurred. To fall into a state of extreme anger.

[homoe]

"Go Beat Red In The Face"........................


Beet red is to be embarrassed.

[homoe]

"Comparing Apples to Oranges".................



Unrelated subjects or issues,” to emphasize irrelevance.

[homoe]

"Yellow Journalism".....................


Reporting which is sensational and/or biased.


Sidebar: Yellow journalism, based on an early comic strip character named the Yellow Kid,

[homoe]

“True Blue,”.............


Meaning someone who is loyal.

[homoe]

“Silence Is Golden"...............


It is often better to say nothing than to talk Silence is often a good and desirable trait.


Sidebar: Although this precise phrase was first recorded only in 1848, it is part of a much older proverb, "Speech is silver and silence is golden."

[Kätzchen]

“True Blue,”.............


Meaning someone who is loyal.

“Silence Is Golden"...............


It is often better to say nothing than to talk Silence is often a good and desirable trait.


Sidebar: Although this precise phrase was first recorded only in 1848, it is part of a much older proverb, "Speech is silver and silence is golden."

Two favorite idioms, for sure! Thanks homoe. ... :balloon:

[homoe]

"Your Scratch My Back, I'll Scratch Yours"................

[homoe]

"Return The Favor".......




To do a good deed for someone who has done a good deed for you.

[homoe]

"Your Scratch My Back, I'll Scratch Yours"................



What this idiom means is to help someone out with the assumption that they will return the favor in the future!

[homoe]

"
Fall out of favor with someone/ Lose favor with someone"...............





To lose someone's approval or acceptance.

[homoe]

‘To add insult to injury’ ....................


To make a situation worse.

[homoe]

"Hot To Trot...............




Sexually avid, lascivious.

[homoe]

"The Trots".....................


Diarrhea! Running back and forth to the bathroom.

[homoe]

"Have The Hots For".................




To be strongly attracted to someone and not necessarily in a sexual way.

[homoe]

"ON THE ROCKS".......




If and when there are problems in a relationship, we may say it’s on the rocks. Also in a drink request, it's meant over ice.....

[homoe]

"No love lost" ..................




There is a mutual animosity between two people.

[homoe]

"The apple of someone’s eye".........





The person someone adores.

[EnchantedNightDweller]

"shirt sleeves"
Don't go out in your shirt sleeves. (Dressed informally, religious reference -arms exposed)

[homoe]

"Two’s company, three’s a crowd"......


Meaning two people, especially two people who are in love, should be left alone.

[homoe]

"A third wheel"/A Fifth Wheel"




A fifth wheel or a third wheel in a person who is not needed or wanted in an given situation.

[homoe]

‘Read my lips!’.........


Listen carefully!

[homoe]

"To read something into" ...–




To give something meaning or significance that may not even be there.

[homoe]

"To flap your Gums -




To talk a lot and in an indiscreet manner!

[homoe]

"to talk shop" ...........




To talk about work.

[homoe]

"To talk the talk and walk the walk"............. -



To match your actions to your words.

[homoe]

“You should talk!” ..................



A saying used to express to someone that you think they are being hypocritical!

[homoe]

"To talk something up"......


To promote something.. To give a glowing report on something or someone in order to advance interest in!

[homoe]

"Choose A Job You Love and You'll Never Have To Work A Day In Your Life"

In the Northern part of Michigan we said some similar "Find Something You Love DoingThen Figure Out A Way To Get Paid For Doing It".


I think this is VERY TRUE.....................

Sidebar: This is a Confucius saying actually not really a idiom, but I think they should count as well if it isn't derailing the thread to much.

[homoe]

Silence is a true friend who never betrays.





This is SO true..................

[homoe]

A gentleman/gentlebutch would be ashamed should his deeds not match his words.


Again true IMHO..............

[Kätzchen]

"Choose A Job You Love and You'll Never Have To Work A Day In Your Life"

In the Northern part of Michigan we said some similar "Find Something You Love DoingThen Figure Out A Way To Get Paid For Doing It".


I think this is VERY TRUE.....................

Sidebar: This is a Confucius saying actually not really a idiom, but I think they should count as well if it isn't derailing the thread to much.

I like it that you include author's of sayings who are not of dominant mainstream culture. I imagine Confucius sayings might have been, and still are, some of the most interesting sayings people might hear.

Thanks for posting about "choose an job you love and you'll never have to work a day in your life" -- I think there's a fair amount of truth to this saying. (Mostly true).

[homoe]

"When you know a thing, to hold that you know it, and when you do not know a thing, to allow that you do not know it - this is knowledge".




People who are of a "know it personality" will never admit to this being a true statement!