Phrase/idiom meanings, derivations/origins

Posted by Natalie Sher on August 08, 2001

I am delighted to have found this site. I have had a fruitless searches for the meanings, derivations/origins of the following:

1. Play the ball not the man

2. Shoot/kill the messenger

3. Get all one's ducks in a row

4. Throw/toss all one's toys out of the cot

5. Tall poppy syndrome

Thanking you in advance

Natalie sher

shernat@mweb.co.za

• Tall poppy syndrome Bruce Kahl 08/09/01
  • Tall poppy syndrome R. Berg 08/09/01
    • Poppies: correction--ignore previous version R. Berg 08/09/01
• Throw/toss all one's toys out of the cot Bruce Kahl 08/09/01
• Get all one's ducks in a row Bruce Kahl 08/09/01
• Shoot/kill the messenger Bruce Kahl 08/09/01
• Play the ball not the man Bruce Kahl 08/09/01
  • Play the ball not the man ESC 08/09/01