Dance
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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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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Jack Palancing
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for dancing.
Examples
Julie wants me to go with her to the ballroom for a night of Jack Palancing.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
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How the idiom originated
Partner up
Meaning
Find a companion.
Examples
Okay, this next dance is the waltz. If everyone partners up we can get started.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, although not commonly used.
Hear the idiom spoken
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.
Where is it used?
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