America
A bad hair day
Meaning
A day on which everything seems to go wrong.
Examples
I missed the bus and was late on the one day the boss was early and now I’ve laddered my tights! – talk about a bad hair day.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Predominantly in the USA but also more widely.
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A bigger bang for your buck
Meaning
Better value for your money.
Examples
Those Chinese fireworks are so cheap. We literally get a bigger bang for our buck.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Worldwide, but overused to the point of cliche.
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A chip on your shoulder
Meaning
A sense of inferiority characterized by a quickness to take offence.
Examples
He’s the only cabinet minister that didn’t go to Eton and it’s given him a bit of a chip on his shoulder.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
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A dime a dozen
Meaning
So commonplace as to be of little consequence.
Examples
Red buses in London. they’re a dime a dozen.
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A fly on the wall
Meaning
1. An unperceived observer – able to see and hear but not be seen or heard. 2 – A form of cinema in which events are recorded without direction.
Examples
1 – I wish I could have been a fly on the wall when Putin met Obama. 2 – These reality shows are just the same as the old fly-on-the-wall documentaries.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
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A foot in the door
Meaning
An initial inroad that may lead to greater influence in future.
Examples
I convinced them to start displaying my artwork. I’m making a loss on it but it’s a foot in the door.
Where did it originate?
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A miss is as good as a mile
Meaning
Some endeavours either succeed or they don’t – to miss narrowly is still failure.
Examples
He came within a millimetre of breaking the high jump records. Sadly, a miss is as good as a mile.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
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A picture paints a thousand words
Meaning
Pictures are far more descriptive than words.
Examples
I tried to describe that fantastic sunset and then she just showed them a photo. You know it’s true – a picture paints a thousand words.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
A very widely and commonly used proverb/adage.
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A piece of cake
Meaning
A task that can be accomplished very easily.
Examples
Jumping that two-foot fence? No problem – a piece of cake.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Very widely and commonly used, to the point of being considered a cliche.
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A shot in the arm
Meaning
A boost or encouragement.
Examples
I was out on my feet after ten miles’ running but seeing the kids cheering me on was a real shot in the arm.
Where did it originate?
USA, initially alluding to a shot of drugs but now used without that connotation.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, very commonly used.
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A slap on the wrist
Meaning
A mild rebuke, often given when a more severe punishment might be expected.
Examples
Those muggers should get a jail term but these days they’ll probably just get a fine and a slap on the wrist.
Where did it originate?
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A sledgehammer to crack a nut
Meaning
The use of excessive resources to overcome a small problem.
Examples
Using the air ambulance to get granny to hospital was a sledgehammer to crack a nut. She could walk perfectly well and we only live 200 yards away.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Widely used.
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About face
Meaning
1. A military command to turn when on parade. 2. A change from one’s previous position.
Examples
1. Stand to attention! Present arms! About face! 2. Winston Churchill joined parliament as a Conservative and then did an about face and changed to the Liberals, before going about face again and re-joining the Conservatives.
Where did it originate?
1. USA. 2. British.
Where is it used?
Both meanings are widely used.
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Ace in the hole
Meaning
A saved, hidden advantage that can supply a victory when revealed.
Examples
Pete Townshend thought ’I can see for miles’ was a sure-fire hit and he saved it, as an ace in the hole, until he needed to boost the group’s success.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Used worldwide, but not commonly so.
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Across the board
Meaning
Applying everywhere and to all classes of thing.
Examples
Everyone has to pay value-added tax. It’s an across the board levy.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
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All kidding aside
Meaning
Said when you want people to realise you are speaking seriously, when they might otherwise think you were joking.
Examples
I know I’m dressed as a circus clown for the party but, believe me, the kitchen is on fire.
Where did it originate?
USA, 20th century.
Where is it used?
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All the way
Meaning
Referring to something that is done fully, especially as a euphemism for full sexual activity.
Examples
I hear Jill’s parents were away for the weekend so she and Jack took the opportunity to go all the way for the first time.
Where did it originate?
USA, mid-20th century (with the sexual connotation)
Where is it used?
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Alley cat
Meaning
1. A cat that lives wild in a town. 2. Slang term for a prostitute.
Examples
1. Those alley cats were screeching and chasing rats in the yard all night. 2. Jack’s getting to be a sex addict. He spends all his time with bimbos and alley cats.
Where did it originate?
USA, 20th century.
Where is it used?
Mostly USA
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Alpha Mom
Meaning
An ambitious mother who aims to excel at work while raising children.
Examples
She has two kids and is desperate to get the top job to save to get them into private school – a real alpha mom.
Where did it originate?
USA. A late 20th century adaptation of ‘alpha male’, which emerged in the 1930s.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, but more in the USA than elsewhere.
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Alphabet soup
Meaning
A jumble of words or letters, often referring to organisations known by their initials, like CIA or BBC.
Examples
All those institutions of the European parliament are confusing – a real alphabet soup.
Where did it originate?
USA. An early 20th century adaptation of the name of the soup made from pasta letters.
Where is it used?
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Amped up
Meaning
Excited and ready for action.
Examples
He’s been training for today all year. Now the big day has come and he’s amped up and ready to go.
Where did it originate?
USA, late 20th century. A reference to the amplification of acoustic instruments.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, but more in the USA than elsewhere.
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An arm and a leg
Meaning
Very expensive. A large amount of money.
Examples
That new lawnmower is top of the range. It cost me an arm and a leg.
Where did it originate?
USA, mid-20th century. Often mistakenly thought to be related to the high cost of painting full-length portraits.
Where is it used?
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An axe to grind
Meaning
A dispute with someone.
Examples
Hey, I’ve an axe to grind with you. Didn’t I hear you calling my sister a slag?
Where did it originate?
USA, 18th century.
Where is it used?
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An open and shut case
Meaning
A straightforward legal case in which the outcome is clear.
Examples
He was caught with the stolen money and the police had his picture at the crime scene on CCTV – it was an open and shut case.
Where did it originate?
USA, 19th century.
Where is it used?
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Ankle biter
Meaning
A slang term for small child.
Examples
Janice is pregnant again. With the twins still only two there’s soon going to be three ankle biters around the place.
Where did it originate?
USA, 19th century.
Where is it used?
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As high as a kite
Meaning
1. Very high up in the sky. 2. High on drugs or excitement.
Examples
1. The Petronas Tower is as high as a kite. 2. She was ecstatic that she won the gold medal. She was high as a kite afterwards.
Where did it originate?
1. Britain – 17th century. It probably refers to Red Kites, birds that were common in the UK in the 17th century, rather than children’s kites. 2. USA.
Where is it used?
1. In the UK. 2. Worldwide.
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At the drop of a hat
Meaning
With no delay.
Examples
They were always ready to help. Just say the word and they’d be there at the drop of a hat.
Where did it originate?
USA, 19th century.
Where is it used?
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Baby brain
Meaning
Confusion or forgetfulness caused by lack of sleep when caring for a new-born.
Examples
I put baby Julie’s bottle of milk away in the oven today – must be baby brain.
Where did it originate?
USA, 20th century.
Where is it used?
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Back seat driver
Meaning
Someone who criticizes from the side-lines without being directly involved.
Examples
She’s always ready to be a back seat driver and tell people what to do but she never does anything herself.
Where did it originate?
USA, 20th century.
Where is it used?
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Back to the drawing board
Meaning
Said when a plan fails and it’s time to start again and make a new plan.
Examples
That battery hovercraft was a nice idea but it just didn’t work. I guess it’s back to the drawing board.
Where did it originate?
USA, 20th century.
Where is it used?
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Bag lady
Meaning
A homeless woman, who carries all her possessions in shopping bags.
Examples
It’s a shame about Edith. She had a home and family this time last year and now she’s divorced and living on the streets as a bag lady.
Where did it originate?
USA, 1970s.
Where is it used?
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Basket case
Meaning
A person or thing that is no longer able to function effectively, either through disability or misfortune.
Examples
The Greek economy took a nosedive after the 2008 world financial meltdown – to the point of becoming a total economic basket case.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
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Bells and whistles
Meaning
Attractive additional features or trimmings.
Examples
It was expensive to get all the optional extras for my new car, but I decided that I wasn’t going to get another for a few years so why not go for all the bells and whistles?
Where did it originate?
USA, late 20th century. First used in the computing world to refer to machines with lots of new features. Probably ultimately deriving as an allusion to fairgound organs, which have numerous bells and whistles.
Where is it used?
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Between a rock and a hard place
Meaning
Between two unwelcome options.
Examples
The only choices I have are poverty or a boring job – I’m between a rock and a hard place.
Where did it originate?
USA, 20th century. Sometimes mistakenly thought to come from Homer’s Odyssey.
Where is it used?
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Big fish in a small pond
Meaning
An important person but only so within a small area of influence.
Examples
Alison is the queen of the post room. She’s a big fish in a small pond though – no one in the rest of the company knows who she is.
Where did it originate?
USA, late 19th century.
Where is it used?
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Binge watch
Meaning
Watch multiple episodes of a television programme in succession.
Examples
We started off just planning to watch an episode of The Sopranos but ended up binge-watching the whole series.
Where did it originate?
USA, late 20th century.
Where is it used?
Initially the USA, but quickly spreading Worldwide.
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Bitch slap
Meaning
An open-handed slap in the face intended to be humiliating.
Examples
He wasn’t worth the respect of a punch. Bitch-slapping was more humiliating.
Where did it originate?
USA, late 20th century.
Where is it used?
Widely used, but mainly amongst the young.
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Blue plate special
Meaning
A set meal provided at a reduced price.
Examples
We were hungry but broke. The blue plate special was our only option.
Where did it originate?
USA, early 20th century.
Where is it used?
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Bought the farm
Meaning
Died, especially in a violent way which may give rise to an insurance claim.
Examples
Henry’s parachute failed at 20,000 feet – he really bought the farm.
Where did it originate?
USA, 20th century.
Where is it used?
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Break a leg
Meaning
A superstitious way to wish ‘good luck’ to an actor before a performance while avoiding saying ‘good luck’ out loud, which is considered unlucky.
Examples
People often said ‘break a leg’ to Olivier, but he didn’t really need it.
Where did it originate?
USA, 20th century.
Where is it used?
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Bring your A game
Meaning
Perform to the best of your ability.
Examples
The cup game tomorrow is the biggest in the club’s history. Everyone in the team needs to bring his A game.
Where did it originate?
USA, 20th century.
Where is it used?
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Bucket list
Meaning
A list of things you plan to do before you ‘kick the bucket’ (die). Often a list of fanciful ideas rather than of concrete plans.
Examples
I’ve always wanted to go to Japan. I guess I’ll add that to my bucket list.
Where did it originate?
USA, late 20th century – popularized by the title of the film The Bucket List (2007).
Where is it used?
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Bust a move
Meaning
Dance in a stylish way.
Examples
That new cheerleader is amazing – she’s really busting some moves.
Where did it originate?
USA, late 20th century.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, amongst younger generations.
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Buy a lemon
Meaning
Waste money by purchasing a car that is frequently faulty.
Examples
I thought that my new VW was top of the range but it’s never out of the repair garage – a real lemon.
Where did it originate?
USA, early 20th century.
Where is it used?
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Can't cut the mustard
Meaning
Unable to meet the demands put upon you.
Examples
He got that promotion too soon. He can’t really cut the mustard.
Where did it originate?
USA, 19th century.
Where is it used?
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Chaise Lounge
Meaning
The American spelling for the piece of furniture known elsewhere as a chaise longue.
Examples
You must be tired. Why don’t you lie down on the chaise lounge?
Where did it originate?
USA, late 19th century. The misspelling of ‘chaise longue’ causes some amusement in France.
Where is it used?
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Charley horse
Meaning
Stiffness or cramp in the arm or leg.
Examples
He was just on the verge of scoring his first hundred and then got a charley horse and couldn’t hold the bat.
Where did it originate?
USA, late 19th century.
Where is it used?
Little-known outside the USA.
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Chew someone out
Meaning
Verbally scold someone.
Examples
Little Jimmy ran out right in front of that car. His mother really chewed him out for that.
Where did it originate?
USA, mid 20th century.
Where is it used?
Quite widely used but more so in the USA than elsewhere.
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Chicken feed
Meaning
Something of little importance, especially a small sum of money.
Examples
The newsagent is really ripping off the kids who deliver the papers for him. He’s paying them chicken feed.
Where did it originate?
USA, mid-19th century.
Where is it used?
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Chow down
Meaning
Begin to eat.
Examples
Okay boys, I know you’re hungry so chow down.
Where did it originate?
USA, around WWII, from an Anglo-Indian slang source.
Where is it used?
Mostly USA.
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City bike
Meaning
A bicycle designing especially for urban riding.
Examples
It’s more comfortable in a car but in London you get around much quicker on a city bike.
Where did it originate?
USA, mid-20th century.
Where is it used?
Predominantly used in urban areas in USA and UK.
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Close but no cigar
Meaning
Very near to success but falling short.
Examples
Ten hits in a row gets you a prize. Nine for you Jack. Sorry – close but no cigar.
Where did it originate?
USA, mid-20th century.
Where is it used?
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Come hell or high water
Meaning
Despite any great difficult or obstacle.
Examples
I’m going to get to Cornwall by nightfall, come hell or high water.
Where did it originate?
USA, late 19th century.
Where is it used?
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Cop an attitude
Meaning
Adopt an aggressive stance.
Examples
The whole gang stood there defiantly glaring. They really copped an attitude.
Where did it originate?
USA, mid to late 20th century.
Where is it used?
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Crack someone up
Meaning
Make someone laugh.
Examples
He’s hilarious. He cracks me up.
Where did it originate?
USA, mid to late 20th century.
Where is it used?
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Curiosity killed the cat
Meaning
Being inquisitive can lead you into a dangerous situation.
Examples
I heard a noise outside and went to have a look. It turns out I should have ignored it, it was a bear. Curiosity killed the cat they say.
Where did it originate?
USA, late 19th century. Probably deriving from a much older British phrase – ‘care killed the cat’.
Where is it used?
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Cut to the chase
Meaning
Leave out all the unnecessary details and get straight to the point.
Examples
Okay, that’s enough sales talk. Let’s cut to the chase – what does it cost?
Where did it originate?
‘Cut to the chase’ refers to western ‘B’ movies, which often ended in a chase, which is what most of the audience had come to see.
Where is it used?
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Date rape
Meaning
The rape by a man of his partner on a date.
Examples
There’s been so many stories of date rape in the news lately that Suzy arranged to meet her date in a busy pub.
Where did it originate?
USA, late 20th century. Previously referred to as ‘acquaintance rape’.
Where is it used?
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Designated driver
Meaning
Someone who agrees not to drink alcohol at a social event in order to be sober enough to drive others home.
Examples
It really wasn’t my turn to be designated driver this week but I was late arriving and by the time I got there all the others were already drunk.
Where did it originate?
USA, 1980s
Where is it used?
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Dial down
Meaning
1. Adjust a device to reduce sound or temperature. 2. Reduce one’s emotional reaction to something.
Examples
1. It’s boiling in here. Just dial down the thermostat would you? 2. Okay, so your favourite didn’t win X-Factor. No need to bite the carpet – just dial it down a notch.
Where did it originate?
USA, late 20th century.
Where is it used?
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Don't give up the day job
Meaning
Said to someone who is a poor performer at a task – suggesting that they wouldn’t be able to succeed at it professionally.
Examples
Your singing is way off key mate – don’t give up the day job will you.
Where did it originate?
USA, 1950s
Where is it used?
Worldwide, but not particularly commonplace.
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Double header
Meaning
A sports expression denoting two events held at the same time.
Examples
The semi-finals are always played together as a double-header to give no team an advantage.
Where did it originate?
USA, late 19th century.
Where is it used?
Mostly USA.
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Dropping like flies
Meaning
Many people either falling ill or dying.
Examples
In the Black Death in 1348 Londoners were dropping like flies.
Where did it originate?
USA, early 20th century.
Where is it used?
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Dry run
Meaning
A rehearsal.
Examples
We need more practice. Let’s have another dry run.
Where did it originate?
USA, mid-20th century.
Where is it used?
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Ear popping
Meaning
Sound that is loud or that catches the attention.
Examples
Led Zeppelin were good on stage and ear-poppingly loud.
Where did it originate?
USA, early 20th century.
Where is it used?
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Eighty six
Meaning
Referring to an item on a menu that is no longer available.
Examples
I would have had the mushroom risotto but they’re eighty-sixed it.
Where did it originate?
USA, mid-20th century.
Where is it used?
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Elvis has left the building
Meaning
The primary performer has left. There’s no point waiting around.
Examples
Go away. We’re closed. It’s all over. Nothing to see here. Elvis has left the building. Do I need to go on?
Where did it originate?
USA, late 20th century.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, but more common in the USA than elsewhere.
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Enhanced interrogation techniques
Meaning
Euphemism for torture.
Examples
The CIA might call water-boarding an enhanced interrogation technique – most people call it torture.
Where did it originate?
USA, late 20th century.
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Ethnic cleansing
Meaning
The singling out and killing of a specific ethnic group.
Examples
The ethnic cleansing of the Croats in the Bosnian War left the country open wide to the Serbs.
Where did it originate?
USA, late 20th century.
Where is it used?
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Evil twin
Meaning
An imaginary double, humorously referred to in order to explain the uncharacteristic bad behaviour of a normally moral person. Usually used light-heartedly. The expression formed as an allusion to plots in films involving actual evil twins.
Examples
Jane’s such a good girl and I took it as read that she would come to the wedding dressed appropriately, but she’s turned up in full goth makeup. At first I thought it must have been her evil twin.
Where did it originate?
USA, 2004.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, but mostly amongst the young and hip.
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Face the music
Meaning
Accept he unwelcome consequences of one’s own actions.
Examples
Jack pretended he had a Ph.D. to get the job. Now it’s come out that he hasn’t he’ll have to face the music and resign..
Where did it originate?
USA, 19th century.
Where is it used?
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Factory farming
Meaning
Rearing livestock under industrial conditions.
Examples
I’m dead against factory farming of pigs. I prefer to see them out in the open air, rooting about for their food.
Where did it originate?
USA, mid-20th century.
Where is it used?
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Feeding frenzy
Meaning
A frantic competition or exploitation – like a group shark attack.
Examples
When Princess Diana was killed there was a feeding frenzy of journalists trying to get the story.
Where did it originate?
USA, mid 20th century.
Where is it used?
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First World
Meaning
The industrialised affluent and wealthy nations.
Examples
The rise of China and India means we may have to redefine the First World before long.
Where did it originate?
USA, mid 20th century.
Where is it used?
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First World problem
Meaning
A relatively trivial problem only affecting the affluent.
Examples
Jack’s complaining again that his 48 inch screen is giving him eyestrain. That’s a First World problem if there ever was.
Where did it originate?
USA, late 20th century.
Where is it used?
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Flip the bird
Meaning
To aggressively raise your middle finger at someone as a sign of displeasure.
Examples
I stopped the car a little too close when he crossed the road and he flipped the bird as a response.
Where did it originate?
USA, mid 20th century.
Where is it used?
Mostly USA.
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Food fight
Meaning
Chaotic collective behaviour where items of food are thrown about wildly.
Examples
It was supposed to be a quiet wedding reception but some of the girls got drunk and started a food fight. There were canapes and buns flying everywhere.
Where did it originate?
USA, mid 20th century.
Where is it used?
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Fool's gold
Meaning
Something that appears valuable but really isn’t, like iron pyrites – a worthless mineral that resembles gold.
Examples
The investment promised 80% returns but turned out to make a loss – just fools gold I guess.
Where did it originate?
USA, 19th century.
Where is it used?
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Fuddy-duddy
Meaning
An old-fashioned and foolish type of person.
Examples
He irons his socks. He’s a real fuddy-duddy.
Where did it originate?
USA, 19th century.
Where is it used?
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Full of bull
Meaning
Talking hot air.
Examples
He claims that he was taught to to wire walk by his parents in the circus, but he’s full of bull – I know his father was a greengrocer.
Where did it originate?
USA, 20th century.
Where is it used?
Mostly USA.
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Gender bender
Meaning
A person who adopts a deliberately androgynous appearance, by use of uni-sex make-up, hair-style and clothing. Probably influenced by ‘bender’ being an earlier slang term for homosexual.
Examples
With his eye-liner and lurex catsuits, David Bowie was the archetype gender bender.
Where did it originate?
USA, 1970s.
Where is it used?
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Get a gold star
Meaning
Earn a merit point for doing well.
Examples
Well done Juliet. 100% in your maths test = you are due a gold star.
Where did it originate?
USA, late 19th century. First found in the US magazine The Ladies’ Home Journal.
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Get off on the wrong foot
Meaning
Make a bad start in a relationship or task.
Examples
My new boss overheard me calling her obese – that really got us off on the wrong foot.
Where did it originate?
USA, late 19th century.
Where is it used?
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Give him an inch and hell take a mile
Meaning
allow someone a small concession and they will take advantage and try to take more.
Examples
Give Janice and inch and shell take a mile. We said she could stay in the spare room for a couple of nights but she’s been here a month already.
Where did it originate?
USA, 19th century. First seen in the journals of Ralph Waldo Emerson.
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Go down like a lead balloon
Meaning
Be received badly.
Examples
The headmaster’s idea that all the students spend their lunch hour collecting litter went down like a lead balloon.
Where did it originate?
USA, mid 20th century.
Where is it used?
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Go for broke
Meaning
Put every resource into getting a particular result.
Examples
We needed a goal so we went for broke to score and forgot about defence.
Where did it originate?
USA, mid 20th century.
Where is it used?
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Go out on a limb
Meaning
Take a risk to support someone or something.
Examples
He knew his boss was an army man, so saying that he was against the war was really going out on a limb.
Where did it originate?
USA, 19th century.
Where is it used?
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Go the extra mile
Meaning
Going beyond what is usually required. Make an extra effort.
Examples
He needed have picked me up from the airport. I’m grateful that he went the extra mile.
Where did it originate?
USA, late 19th century.
Where is it used?
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Going to hell in a handbasket
Meaning
Deteriorating and headed for complete disaster.
Examples
When the British went over the top at the Somme the soldiers didn’t realise they were headed for hell in a handbasket.
Where did it originate?
USA, 19th century.
Where is it used?
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Graveyard shift
Meaning
Working hours that extend overnight.
Examples
I’m on shift-work. One week of days and then one on the graveyard shift.
Where did it originate?
USA, late 19th century.
Where is it used?
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Greasy spoon
Meaning
A small cheap cafe selling fried food.
Examples
We had been driving all night. A fried breakfast in a greasy spoon was just what I fancied.
Where did it originate?
USA, 20th century.
Where is it used?
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Have a blast
Meaning
Have an especially good time.
Examples
We are loving our holiday here in the West Indies. Were having a blast.
Where did it originate?
USA, mid 20th century.
Where is it used?
Mostly USA.
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Hell bent
Meaning
Determined to achieve something at all costs.
Examples
Susie broke her ankle a mile from the end of the marathon but she was hell bent to finish and stumbled over the line on crutches.
Where did it originate?
USA, 18th century.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, although more common in the USA than elsewhere.
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Hidden in plain sight
Meaning
Something that defies apprehension by being too obvious.
Examples
After robbing the jewellers the thief just stood in the crowd and watched the police search all the local alleys. I guess hiding in plain sight worked for him.
Where did it originate?
USA, 19th century.
Where is it used?
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High and mighty
Meaning
Proud and arrogant.
Examples
Ever since he inherited that fortune he won’t come to the pub with the gang any more. All high and mighty if you ask me.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 15th century. First used in a description of Henry V.
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Hit the books
Meaning
To study, especially for a test or exam.
Examples
I’ve done no work for the end of terms exams. I need to hit the books bigtime.
Where did it originate?
USA
Where is it used?
Mostly USA.
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Hit the nail on the head
Meaning
Make the precise correct point.
Examples
Churchill hit the nail on the head when he called Hitler a dictator.
Where is it used?
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Hold your horses
Meaning
Be patient.
Examples
I know you want to get off home but hold your horses, there’s another ten minutes before the school bell is due.
Where did it originate?
USA, 19th century.
Where is it used?
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Holy shit!
Meaning
An expression of extreme surprise or disbelief.
Examples
Two lottery wins in our street in one week! Holy shit – that’s next to impossible.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly USA.
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In like Flynn
Meaning
To be easily successful, especially concerning sex or romance.
Examples
Since he had that lottery win and the nose job, he’s in like Flynn with the girls.
Where did it originate?
USA, 1940s.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, but more common in the USA than elsewhere.
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In the bag
Meaning
Something that is secured.
Examples
I knew when they sent all the other interviewees home that my job application was in the bag.
Where did it originate?
USA,, early 20th century.
Where is it used?
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In your face
Meaning
Aggressive confrontation.
Examples
The police kept interrogating him. They were in his face for hours.
Where did it originate?
USA, 1970s.
Where is it used?
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It takes two to tango
Meaning
It takes two people to cause a problem between them.
Examples
Maybe Jack did provoke the argument but he couldn’t argue on his own could he? – it takes two to tango.
Where did it originate?
USA, from a popular 1952 song of the same name.
Where is it used?
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Ivy league
Meaning
The joint name given to Columbia, Brown, Cornell, Dartmouth, Yale, Pennsylvania, Princeton, and Harvard universities.
Examples
He had a good start to his academic career. He was an ivy leaguer.
Where did it originate?
USA, 1930s.
Where is it used?
USA.
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Joshing me
Meaning
Tricking me.
Examples
I know you didn’t box with Mike Tyson. Stop joshing me.
Where did it originate?
USA, 19th century.
Where is it used?
Mostly USA.
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Jump on the bandwagon
Meaning
Join a popular trend.
Examples
The Beatles started getting popular in America in February 1964. By March millions had jumped on the bandwagon.
Where did it originate?
USA, 19th century.
Where is it used?
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Jump the shark
Meaning
Introduce a ridiculous or unbelievable plot device into a TV series in order to boost flagging ratings.
Examples
Melodrama turned into jumping the shark when one of the main characters was killed by a milk truck in order to boost Christmas ratings.
Where did it originate?
USA, 1977. Deriving from the American TV series Happy Days.
Where is it used?
Mostly USA.
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Keep your chin up
Meaning
Remain positive in a tough situation.
Examples
Sorry to hear that you were made redundant on the day your buried your mother. Keep your chin up mate.
Where did it originate?
USA, late 19th century.
Where is it used?
Although derived in the USA this idiom is more commonly heard now in Britain.
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Knock on wood
Meaning
Knuckle tapping on wood in order to avoid bad luck or to continue having good luck.
Examples
I have never broken a bone – touch wood.
Where did it originate?
USA, early 20th century. Other variants, like ‘touch wood’ are earlier.
Where is it used?
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Level playing field
Meaning
Fair competition where no side has an advantage.
Examples
There were six of them and only four of us, so it wasn’t really a level playing field.
Where did it originate?
USA, 20th century.
Where is it used?
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Like a chicken with its head cut off
Meaning
In a frenzied manner.
Examples
He was shouting and swearing because they had lost the contract – he was running around like a chicken with its head cut off.
Where did it originate?
USA, late 19th century.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, but not particularly common.
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Link farm
Meaning
A website that exists primarily to display links to another website, with the intention of improving the search status of the second site.
Examples
That site is just a list of links to Jim’s Facebook page. Google will spot that as a link farm for sure.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly among the younger generation.
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Link rot
Meaning
The tendency of WWW addresses to become out of date and point to unavailable pages.
Examples
That website’s not been edited for years, there are dead link rot links all over it.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly among the younger generation.
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Liquor up
Meaning
To supply or to drink alcoholic drink.
Examples
They decided to get liquored up in the pub, even before they got to the party.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 16th century (to supply liquor). USA, 19th century (to drink liquor).
Where is it used?
Worldwide, but not commonly used everywhere.
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Little fish in a big pond
Meaning
Someone considered unimportant compared to their more significant peers.
Examples
Jimmy’s first school only had seven pupils and he was the star, but when he got to high-school he was a little fish in a big pond.
Where did it originate?
USA, early 20th century.
Where is it used?
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Magic mushroom
Meaning
A type of mushroom with hallucinogenic properties – sometimes known as ‘shrooms’.
Examples
Henry’s turned into a real dope head – stoned every night. If it’s not the wacky backy it’s the magic mushrooms.
Where did it originate?
USA, 1950s, although the plants themselves have been used for centuries.
Where is it used?
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Man cave
Meaning
A shed or some other retreat that men decorate in the way they choose (with or without their male friends) and use to relax in traditional male pursuits.
Examples
After I retired Sheila was getting so fed up with me being around the house that she made me turn the outhouse into a man cave. Now the guys come round each afternoon to play cards and watch tv and I’ve made a sculpture out of beer cans.
Where did it originate?
USA, late 20th century.
Where is it used?
Worldwide. A fairly recent coinage but spreading rapidly around the world.
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Mellow yellow
Meaning
Dried banana peel, used as an intoxicant.
Examples
He’s tried everything else – grass, acid, speed, magic mushrooms. Now he’s started on mellow yellow.
Where did it originate?
USA, 1960s. Referred to in the Donovan song of the same name, as ‘electrical banana’.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, as the song title although few are aware of the drug connection.
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Men in suits
Meaning
Conventionally minded and dressed men who hold positions of authority. Also called just ‘suits’.
Examples
Everyone in the office wanted a Santas and Elves party on Christmas Eve, but the suits said no.
Where did it originate?
USA, 1930s.
Where is it used?
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New York minute
Meaning
A short space of time.
Examples
I know we need to leave soon, but I can get ready really quickly. I’ll be with you in a New York minute.
Where did it originate?
USA, 20th century.
Where is it used?
Mostly USA.
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New kid on the block
Meaning
Someone new to the group or area.
Examples
Let’s go and play with him. Its hard being the new kid on the block.
Where did it originate?
USA, mid 20th century.
Where is it used?
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Nip slip
Meaning
The inadvertent exposure of a womans nipple.
Examples
Wearing a low cut dress like that, a nip slip was almost inevitable.
Where did it originate?
USA, late 20th century.
Where is it used?
Mostly USA and UK and not amongst the older generations.
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Nitty-gritty
Meaning
The important aspects of a situation; the heart of the matter.
Examples
The solicitor spent ages listing the business details of Grandad’s will. We were all waiting for him to get to the nitty-gritty when we found out how much money we would inherit.
Where did it originate?
USA, mid 20th century.
Where is it used?
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No dice
Meaning
A refusal to accept a proposition.
Examples
You want me to work all weekend for no extra pay? Sorry, no dice.
Where did it originate?
USA, 1920s.
Where is it used?
Worldwide. but more common in the USA than elsewhere.
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No spring chicken
Meaning
Said of people who are no longer young but may behave as though they were.
Examples
Dad’s marrying again, to a woman in her 60s. Mind you, he’s no spring chicken either.
Where did it originate?
USA, 20th century. Young chickens are considered more tasty to eat than those slaughtered later in the year.
Where is it used?
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Off the record
Meaning
Something said in confidence that the one speaking doesn’t want repeated.
Examples
The minister won’t talk to reporters since his last off the record briefing got into the papers.
Where did it originate?
USA, 1930s.
Where is it used?
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On a wing and a prayer
Meaning
In a difficult situation and reliant on luck to get out of it.
Examples
Jean was out on her feet after two miles. She was on a wing and a prayer to get to the end of the marathon.
Where did it originate?
USA. From a 1940s film script.
Where is it used?
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On cloud nine
Meaning
Blissfully happy.
Examples
The day after George proposed to her, Mildred won the lottery. She’s on cloud nine.
Where did it originate?
USA, 20th century.
Where is it used?
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On the ball
Meaning
With a good understanding of a situation and a readiness to act.
Examples
I gave him the predicted profits and he immediately knew they were wrong and sold the stock. He was really on the ball financially.
Where did it originate?
USA. Deriving from the expression ‘keep your eye on the ball’.
Where is it used?
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On the fence
Meaning
Unwilling to give one’s view about which side you support.
Examples
Increase taxes or reduce spending. Who knows? I’m sitting on the fence on that one.
Where did it originate?
USA, 19th century.
Where is it used?
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On the record
Meaning
Something said in confidence that the one speaking is happy to have repeated.
Examples
As finance minister I’m on the record as supporting increased spending on welfare, and you can quote me on that.
Where did it originate?
USA, 20th century.
Where is it used?
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Out of sight
Meaning
Still used with its literal meaning of ‘beyond the range of sight’ but more commonly used in its hippie-era meaning of ‘excellent; extraordinary’.
Examples
The other runners were good, but Usian Bolt was out of sight.
Where did it originate?
USA, 19th century coinage before being re-used in the 1960s.
Where is it used?
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Paint the town red
Meaning
Go on a boisterous or exuberant spree
Examples
It’s the last day of term and everyone wants to party. Why don’t we paint the town red?
Where did it originate?
USA, 19th century.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, although considered rather old fashioned language
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Pass the buck
Meaning
Avoid responsibility by giving it to someone else.
Examples
The government has been in power for six years now but every time there’s a crisis they pass the buck and blame the previous administration.
Where did it originate?
USA, early 20th century. Later popularised by president Harry Truman.
Where is it used?
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Peachy keen
Meaning
Excellent; wonderful.
Examples
Wow, that 20-year old whiskey is peachy keen..
Where did it originate?
USA, mid-20th century.
Where is it used?
Mostly USA.
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Pedal to the metal
Meaning
To go at full speed, when driving a vehicle.
Examples
Well never make it to the hospital in time at this speed. Put the pedal to the metal and hurry things up.
Where did it originate?
USA, 1970s
Where is it used?
Mostly USA.
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Peg out
Meaning
1. To die, especially to die of old age. 2. To complete a circuit of the board in the card game cribbage.
Examples
1. Gran had been bedridden for months and finally pegged out yesterday. 2. Just six more holes to go – if I get three nines I’ll be able to peg out.
Where is it used?
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Phone it in
Meaning
Perform an act in an uncommitted disinterested manner.
Examples
John Goodman was so bored with his lead role in the Flintstones movie he virtually phoned in his performance.
Where did it originate?
USA, late 20th century.
Where is it used?
Mostly USA.
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Photo bomb
Meaning
Spoil a photograph by unexpectedly appearing in the picture and taking the attention away from the intended subject – usually as a prank.
Examples
Jack is so annoying. We were all posed for my graduation picture and he photobombed us wearing a pink cowboy hat.
Where did it originate?
USA, early 21st century.
Where is it used?
A recent derivation, not yet taken up by the older generations.
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Pig out
Meaning
To overeat in a slovenly manner.
Examples
I told the babysitters not to pig out but when we got back there were nine pizza boxes on the floor.
Where did it originate?
USA, late 20th century.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, but mostly by the younger generations.
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Pipe down
Meaning
An instruction to shut-up or be quiet.
Examples
Okay kids, the lesson has started. Pipe down and I’ll begin.
Where did it originate?
USA, 19th century. Probably deriving from an earlier British Navy source.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, if a little dated.
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Play safe
Meaning
Avoid risk.
Examples
We could have invested in that new stock but we decided to play safe and wait for a more secure place for our money.
Where did it originate?
USA, late 19th century.
Where is it used?
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Play the field
Meaning
Indulge in a series of sexual relationships.
Examples
Jim has three girlfriends on the go at once. He’s always played the field but that’s a bit much.
Where did it originate?
USA, mid 19th century.
Where is it used?
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Potty mouth
Meaning
A foul mouthed person.
Examples
I couldn’t believe that string of swearwords that Jill gave the teacher – she’s a real potty mouth.
Where did it originate?
USA, mid 20th century.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, but not particularly common.
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Pull the plug
Meaning
Bring something to an end.
Examples
The new government prefer to spend on defence. They’ve pulled the plug on all new welfare spending.
Where did it originate?
USA, early 20th century. The allusion was to pulling an electrical plug out of its socket.
Where is it used?
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Pull the wool over someones eyes
Meaning
Deceive someone.
Examples
He convinced us all that he was going straight, then the police found him with ten stolen watches. He really pulled the wool over our eyes.
Where did it originate?
USA, 19th century.
Where is it used?
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Pulling your leg
Meaning
Tricking someone as a joke.
Examples
You believed her when she said she was the Queen’s cousin? I think she was pulling your leg mate.
Where did it originate?
USA, 19th century.
Where is it used?
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Quality time
Meaning
Time spent with a child, spouse or friend in an uninterrupted and attentive way.
Examples
I’ve been working 12 hours a day this week and haven’t been home once for the toddler’s bedtime. This weekend I’m going to give them some quality time and take them to the zoo
Where did it originate?
USA, 20th century.
Where is it used?
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Rest up
Meaning
Take a break from one’s efforts.
Examples
You did well to get this far in the marathon before collapsing. Rest up now and wait for the paramedics to get here.
Where did it originate?
USA, 19th century.
Where is it used?
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Revenge porn
Meaning
The malicious posting of sexual images online to harm the reputation of an ex partner.
Examples
After she ended it he posted some really nasty pictures of her from when they were together. No other words for it than revenge porn.
Where did it originate?
USA, late 20th century.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, but not amongst the older generations.
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Riding shotgun
Meaning
Riding in the front passenger seat of a car.
Examples
I prefer to drive but since my drink conviction I have to ride shotgun.
Where did it originate?
USA, mid 20th century. Initially heard in the dialogue of cowboy films.
Where is it used?
Mostly USA.
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Sad ass
Meaning
A reference to an inept or undesirable person or thing.
Examples
Since the coal mines and steelworks have closed many places in the Rust Belt have become real sad-ass towns.
Where did it originate?
USA, mid-20th century.
Where is it used?
Mainly USA.
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Shoot straight
Meaning
To talk or deal honestly.
Examples
I’ve worked with Jabril for twenty years and never had reason to doubt his word. He’s a real straight-shooter.
Where did it originate?
USA, 1930s.
Where is it used?
Mostly USA.
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Shovel ready
Meaning
A building project in which all the preliminaries have been arranged.
Examples
Planning consent is done. The site is cleared. The project is shovel ready.
Where did it originate?
USA, late 20th century.
Where is it used?
Mostly USA and Britain.
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Silver bullet
Meaning
A simple and seeming effortless solution to a difficult problem.
Examples
We are thousands in debt. That loan seemed to be the silver bullet that would sort out our problems, but it really wasn’t.
Where did it originate?
USA, 1950s.
Where is it used?
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Silver surfer
Meaning
An older person who uses the World Wide Web.
Examples
Granny didn’t want the iPad we bought her but since we showed her how to Skype the kids in Australia she’s become a real silver surfer.
Where did it originate?
USA, late 20th century.
Where is it used?
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Skid row
Meaning
The rundown area of a city inhabited by the destitute.
Examples
Lost my job, Jill left me, started drinking – pretty soon I was on skid row.
Where did it originate?
USA, early 20th century.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, but most common in the USA.
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Spoiler alert
Meaning
Said, or printed, as a warning that the following will give away the ending or important plot development of a drama.
Examples
I’ve just been to see Shakespeare’s Othello. Spoiler alert – Othello dies.
Where did it originate?
USA, 1980s.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, mostly by the young.
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Straight from the horses mouth
Meaning
Heard from the authoritative source.
Examples
There’s going to be an election in May. My sister is the Prime Ministers secretary so I got that straight from the horses mouth.
Where did it originate?
Uncertain origin, probably 20th century USA.
Where is it used?
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Suck it up
Meaning
Accept a bad situation.
Examples
Listen Jedd, it’s over, Janine will never be coming back. Suck it up and move on.
Where did it originate?
USA, 20th century.
Where is it used?
More common in the USA than elsewhere, but spreading Worldwide.
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Take a raincheck
Meaning
An offer that is declined now but may be reconsidered later.
Examples
I can’t go bowling tonight, I’ve work to finish, but I’ll take a raincheck for next time.
Where did it originate?
USA, 19th century. A reference to the tickets given at rained-off sports games to allow the customer to return at a later date.
Where is it used?
Mostly USA.
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That sucks
Meaning
1. An expression of sympathy. 2. Said of something that the speaker rates very lowly.
Examples
1. I heard that your child has leukaemia. That sucks – I’m so sorry. 2. His singing is out of tune and he just can’t dance. The whole performance sucks.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly USA, bit spreading Worldwide in recent years.
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The Big Pond
Meaning
Nickname of the Atlantic Ocean between the UK and the USA.
Examples
London’s getting boring – I’m planning to hop the big pond and have a weekend in New York.
Where did it originate?
USA, 1840s. Previously called, in both UK and USA as ‘The Great Pond’.
Where is it used?
Mostly USA and Britain.
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The God Squad
Meaning
enthusiastic Christian believers.
Examples
Every friday we the doorbell goes and it’s the Jehovah’s Witnesses or some other god squad folks.
Where did it originate?
USA, 1960s
Where is it used?
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The acid test
Meaning
1. A scientific test to distinguish between gold and base metals. 2. A conclusive test to determine the validity of a claim.
Examples
1. We found a mineral that looked valuable but it might be fools gold – we need to give it the acid test. 2. The acid test of the quality of a singer is to ask them to sing unaccompanied.
Where did it originate?
USA, mid-19th century.
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The heebie-jeebies
Meaning
A state of nervous anxiety or fear.
Examples
I didn’t like staying in that old house overnight. The creaks and bumps gave me the heebie-jeebies.
Where did it originate?
USA, 20th century. The origin isn’t known but heebie-jeebie was formerly the name of a dance.
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The icing on the cake
Meaning
Something that makes a good situation even better.
Examples
Winning the race was great. Getting a medal and a prize was the icing on the cake.
Where did it originate?
USA, late 19th century.
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The tail wagging the dog
Meaning
A small and usually insignificant factor (or person) dominates over one that is normally more powerful and influential.
Examples
Even small countries like Estonia have a veto in European Union voting and can’t be over-ruled. I’d call that the tail wagging the dog.
Where did it originate?
USA, 1870s.
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Throw the towel in
Meaning
Give up, especially to avoid further punishment when facing certain defeat.
Examples
AltaVista tried to hang on and compete with Google, but eventually they just couldn’t compete and were forced to throw the towel in.
Where did it originate?
USA, 1910s. The allusion is to a boxing match where throwing the towel in indicates a concession
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Top banana
Meaning
The leading, most important, person in a group or organisation.
Examples
Russia is supposed to be a democracy but everyone knows Putin is top banana and what he says goes.
Where did it originate?
USA. Derived from burlesque shows where the top comic was given a banana.
Where is it used?
Mostly USA.
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Uncle Tom
Meaning
A derogatory term for a black man who is servile towards white men.
Examples
Randy never stands up for us blacks. In the old days we’d have called him an Uncle Tom – these days people call him a coconut (that is, brown on the outside but white on the inside).
Where did it originate?
USA, 1920s. Derived from the name of the hero in the novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, but most common in the USA.
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Up shit creek without a paddle
Meaning
In serious difficulty, with no hope of respite.
Examples
We were halfway across the Australian outback when we realised our water bottle had leaked. We really were up shit creek.
Where did it originate?
USA, 1890s. Note: Shit creek isn’t a real place.
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Wardrobe malfunction
Meaning
Referring to an item of clothing slipping out of place to expose part of the body.
Examples
Her top slipped down in front of the boys. She said it was a wardrobe malfunction but I think it was deliberate.
Where did it originate?
USA. First said by Justin Timberlake to explain the inadvertent exposure of Janet Jackson’s breast during the half-time show at the 2004 Super Bowl.
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Washed up
Meaning
1. Deposited on a beach by the tide. 2. Finished and failed, with no further chance of success.
Examples
1. Come and see, there’s a shark washed up on the beach. 2. She used to be a great actress until she started on the booze. Now no one will hire her – she’s all washed up.
Where is it used?
1. Worldwide. 2. Mostly USA.
Wild and woolly
Meaning
Uncultured and lawless.
Examples
If you are looking for entertainment that’s wild and woolly, have you considered cage fighting?
Where did it originate?
USA, late 19th century.
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Work out
Meaning
1. Calculate using arithmetic. 2. Take exercise (also spelled ‘workout’).
Examples
1. We decided to share the bill for the taxi. My part worked out to four pounds. 2. I’ve joined the gym. My plan is to work out once a week.
Where is it used?
Both forms used Worldwide.
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You are what you eat
Meaning
What you eat affects you health.
Examples
Burgers every evening? That’s not a good plan – don’t you know you are what you eat?
Where did it originate?
USA, 1920s.
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Your name is mud
Meaning
You are discredited or in disgrace. The very mention of your name produces scorn.
Examples
Since the hundreds of reports of his abuse of children, Jimmy Saville’s name is mud in the UK.
Where did it originate?
USA. The allusion is to Dr. Samuel Mudd, the man who was accused of the shooting of President Abraham Lincoln
Where is it used?
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Zip your lip
Meaning
Say nothing; keep your mouth shut. Often shortened to ‘zip it’.
Examples
I saw Kevin put sneezing powder in the staff room but he told me to zip my lip about it or it would spoil the joke.
Where did it originate?
USA, 1940s. Deriving from the allusion to closing a garment with a zipper.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, but most common in the USA.
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