Patience
About time
Meaning
1. Almost time. 2. High time.
Examples
1. Hurry up, it’s about time for the game to start. 2. These running shoes are worn through. It’s about time I got a new pair.
Where did it originate?
1. and 2., both British.
Where is it used?
Both meanings widely used.
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Bite your tongue
Meaning
Avoid speaking.
Examples
I knew his wife wasn’t faithful but I didn’t like to say – I thought it best to bite my tongue.
Where did it originate?
Britain. Early (pre 1000AD) English, in the form of hold or keep one’s tongue.
Where is it used?
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Cross that bridge when you come to it
Meaning
Deal with a problem if and when it becomes necessary, not before.
Examples
My pension might not be enough to live on when I’m retired, but I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.
Where is it used?
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Don't count your chickens before they hatch
Meaning
Don’t count on receiving some benefit until you actually have it.
Examples
I know you felt good about that exam, but you haven’t passed until you get the result – don’t count your chickens.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 16th century proverb.
Where is it used?
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How the idiom originated
Haste makes waste
Meaning
Doing things in a rush makes for a poor result.
Examples
I should have known I would trip if I ran with that tray of drinks – haste makes waste.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 16th century proverb.
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
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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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How the idiom originated
Practice makes perfect
Meaning
Diligent practice leads to expertise.
Examples
10,000 hours needed to make a top class pianist. Keep going – practice makes perfect.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 18th century proverb.
Where is it used?
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Sit tight
Meaning
Wait and take do nothing until the time is right for action.
Examples
I know you hoped to be promoted by now. Don’t worry though. It will happen; just sit tight, do your job well and wait.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 18th century. Probably an allusion to birds sitting quiet and still when threatened by a predator.
Where is it used?
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