Happiness
A blessing in disguise
Meaning
An apparent misfortune that works to the eventual benefit of the recipient.
Examples
Breaking my arm was a blessing in disguise. I married the nurse.
Where did it originate?
The United Kingdom.
Where is it used?
Widely used.
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A place in the sun
Meaning
An idealistic dream of a sunny hideaway.
Examples
We’ve been lucky, we managed to buy ourselves a place in the sun for our retirement.
Where did it originate?
The United Kingdom, early 20th century. An allusion to a literal pleasant retirement location.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, not not common.
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A sight for sore eyes
Meaning
A welcome sight that you weren’t expecting.
Examples
Wow. You’re a sight for sore eyes. They told me you were abroad and would miss my wedding.
Where did it originate?
The United Kingdom – 18th 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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Happy sad
Meaning
A bittersweet feeling combining both happiness and sadness.
Examples
Dad won the Bafta for best actor but was too ill to collect it, so I’m happy sad about that.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 19th century.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, but not commonly used.
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Head over heels
Meaning
Very excited, especially when in love.
Examples
She said yes! We are to be married and I’m head over heels.
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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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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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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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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