Misfortune
A bad break
Meaning
1. A misfortune. 2. A serious bone fracture.
Examples
1. Tony has lost his job, just when he needed the cash to move house. That’s a bad break. 2. Tanya’s leg was crushed when the rock fell on it – a really bad break the doctor said.
Where did it originate?
1. USA 2. UK.
Where is it used?
1. USA. 2. Widely used.
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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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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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Queer street
Meaning
The imaginary location of people who have major problems in their life, especially debt. (Note: not a real place, nor connected to homosexuality)
Examples
The business has gone into liquidation, my wife has left and the mortgage company want the house. I’m really in queer street.
Where did it originate?
Britain – 17th century.
Where is it used?
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The author of your own misfortune
Meaning
Be to blame for one’s own problems.
Examples
Tommy just took off across the moors with no gear and no phone. He ended up in hospital but no one is too sorry for him – he was the author of his own misfortune.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, but rather old-fashioned.
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Unlucky in love
Meaning
Having been unable to find a long-term romantic partner.
Examples
Jane’s so unlucky in love. That’s the third time she’s been engaged only to have it broken off.
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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.
Where is it used?
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Ups a daisy
Meaning
A saying, usually to a child, after a stumble or fall, to encourage them to get up. (ups is a variant of whoops).
Examples
Ooh, Tommy the toddler, fallen over again have you? Never mind – ups a daisy and let’s try again.
Where did it originate?
America, 20th century. The expression sounds old and English, but it isn’t.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, but considered dated and coy by many.
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