Date
Act your age
Meaning
Behave in a manner appropriate to your stage in life.
Examples
Grandad is doing his jazz dancing again. So embarrassing. I wish he’d act his age.
Where did it originate?
The United Kingdom.
Where is it used?
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Between the wars
Meaning
The period between WWI and WWII.
Examples
My parents were married in 1930. I’m not really a war baby, more a between the wars baby.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
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Calendar year
Meaning
Twelve months beginning from the first of January.
Examples
The tax report shows our earnings for a full calendar year.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 17th century.
Where is it used?
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Carpe diem
Meaning
Latin expression meaning seize the day.
Examples
Rise and shine kids. The sun is shining. Carpe diem!
Where did it originate?
Latin
Where is it used?
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Daily grind
Meaning
The dull daily routine.
Examples
Monday morning again – time to get to work and start the daily grind.
Where did it originate?
Britain, late 19th century.
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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Day surgery
Meaning
Minor surgery that does not require the patient to stay in hospital overnight.
Examples
I’ve got to have a gallstone op – luckily it doesn’t take long. It will be a day-surgery job.
Where did it originate?
Britain, mid 20th century.
Where is it used?
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Daylight saving time
Meaning
The adjustment of clocks to provide longer evening daylight.
Examples
I can never work out if Daylight Saving Time gives me an hour more in bed or an hour less.
Where did it originate?
Britain, early 20th century.
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain but has also been taken up by other countries that adjust the clocks seasonally.
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Donkey's years
Meaning
1. Cockney rhyming slang for ears. 2. A very long time.
Examples
1. Prince Charles has a fine pair of donkeys. 2. This is the first school reunion we’ve had since 1982. I haven’t seen some of these people in donkey’s years.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
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Duvet day
Meaning
A work day which an employee is allowed to spend at home relaxing.
Examples
We’d all worked so hard getting the latest design out on time the boss rewarded us with a duvet day to do whatever we wanted.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 1990s.
Where is it used?
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First footing
Meaning
Making a round of visits at New Year.
Examples
As soon as the clock strikes midnight on 31st December we’ll be off around town first footing all our neighbours.
Where did it originate?
Britain, especially Scotland, from 19th century onward.
Where is it used?
Mostly Scotland but has travelled with Scots throughout the world.
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High season
Meaning
The most popular time to visit a resort or attraction – when prices are highest.
Examples
It’s way too busy here to get a deckchair on the beach. I suppose that’s what we should have expected when we booked a holiday in high season.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 18th century.
Where is it used?
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Many happy returns
Meaning
A toast given to someone on their birthday.
Examples
The old fella is 80 today – many happy returns Grandad.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 18th century.
Where is it used?
Worldwide. This idiom has to have a claim for being spoken by more people more frequently than any other in the language.
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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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Red letter day
Meaning
A significant, important or happy day.
Examples
Mom will be a hundred years old on the 23rd. That’s a real red-letter day for the family.
Where did it originate?
Britain – 15th century.
Where is it used?
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Salad days
Meaning
The days of one’s youthful inexperience and enthusiasm.
Examples
I’m too old and cynical to believe politician’s promises now. I’m well past my salad days.
Where did it originate?
Shakespeare
Where is it used?
Mainly Britain.
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That Friday feeling
Meaning
Anticipation of the weekend after a hard working week.
Examples
I’m ready for a few jars at the pub after work – I’ve got that friday feeling.
Where did it originate?
20th century origin, although the similar ‘Friday face’ is known in England since the 16th century.
Where is it used?
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The glorious twelfth
Meaning
The 12th of August – the start of the British grouse shooting season.
Examples
Just two weeks to go. I’ve booked all the beaters and the trip to the grouse moor is all set – bring on the glorious twelfth.
Where is it used?
Britain.
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Winter drawers on
Meaning
British euphemistic joke.
Examples
Autumn is over and these summer clothes aren’t keeping the cold out – winter drawers on I suppose.
Where did it originate?
Britain, early 20th century. A pun on the expression ‘winter draws on’ (that is, winter is approaching). ‘Drawers’ is a British slang term for knickers.
Where is it used?
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