Slang
A bull and cow
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for a row or argument.
Examples
They were shouting and screaming at each other – a real bull and cow.
Where did it originate?
The United Kingdom.
Where is it used?
Mostly in the UK, but occasionally elsewhere too.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
A bunch of fives
Meaning
A fist, as used in a fight.
Examples
Punch me would you? How’d you like a bunch of fives in your eye?
Where did it originate?
The United Kingdom.
Where is it used?
Mostly in the UK, but occasionally elsewhere too.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
A load of cobblers
Meaning
Nonsense.
Examples
He says he has invented a perpetual motion machine, which is clearly a load of cobblers.
Where did it originate?
The United Kingdom.
Where is it used?
Widely used, especially in the UK. Slang and borderline swearing – not one for your Grandma.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Abso-bloody-lutely
Meaning
A more emphatic version of ’Absolutely’.
Examples
Would I like to borrow your new Maserati for a day? Abso-bloody-lutely I would!
Where did it originate?
The United Kingdom – 20th century.
Where is it used?
Mainly in the UK.
Hear the idiom spoken
All to cock
Meaning
Ruined or shambolic.
Examples
I put in tablespoons instead of teaspoons and my cake recipe has gone all to cock.
Where did it originate?
Britain. A variant of ‘cocked up’, which is of mid-20th century origin.
Where is it used?
Predominantly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
How the idiom originated
Alley cat
Meaning
1. A cat that lives wild in a town. 2. Slang term for a prostitute.
Examples
1. Those alley cats were screeching and chasing rats in the yard all night. 2. Jack’s getting to be a sex addict. He spends all his time with bimbos and alley cats.
Where did it originate?
USA, 20th century.
Where is it used?
Mostly USA
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
Ankle biter
Meaning
A slang term for small child.
Examples
Janice is pregnant again. With the twins still only two there’s soon going to be three ankle biters around the place.
Where did it originate?
USA, 19th century.
Where is it used?
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
Apples and pears
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for stairs.
Examples
Time for bed Jimmy – get yourself up the apples and pears.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Away with the fairies
Meaning
Not facing reality; in a dream world.
Examples
She says she is going to star in Johnny Depp’s next movie. If you ask me, she’s away with the fairies.
Where did it originate?
From the Celtic folk belief in fairies.
Where is it used?
In Ireland, but also spreading to other countries.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Baby snatcher
Meaning
Someone who enters into an amorous relationship with a much younger person.
Examples
Jerry Lee Lewis never really recovered from being labelled a baby snatcher after he married his 13 year old cousin.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
Barnet Fair
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for hair.
Examples
I’m not sure about that new hairdresser – he cut my barnet much too short.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Bat from the pavilion end
Meaning
Slang term for a homosexuality.
Examples
If Julian didn’t want us to know he was batting from the pavilion end he shouldn’t keep wearing those lilac loafers.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 20th century. An allusion to the game of cricket.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
Bitch slap
Meaning
An open-handed slap in the face intended to be humiliating.
Examples
He wasn’t worth the respect of a punch. Bitch-slapping was more humiliating.
Where did it originate?
USA, late 20th century.
Where is it used?
Widely used, but mainly amongst the young.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
Blood blister
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for sister.
Examples
There were five of us at home – three brothers and two blood blisters.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Blow a raspberry
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for fart.
Examples
Not good timing – we were sitting at the table when Granny said grace and he let go a raspberry.
Where did it originate?
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Boat race
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for face.
Examples
Stupid am I! Look into my boat and say that again!
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Bottle and glass
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for arse.
Examples
He slipped on those wet leaves by the gate. Legs in the air and landed on his bottle.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Brahms and Lizst
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for pissed.
Examples
Two bottles of wine at home and then four pints in the pub – he was totally Brahms by ten-o-clock.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Brass monkey weather
Meaning
Extremely cold weather. The full expression is ‘Cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey’.
Examples
The weatherman says minus 10 degrees and strong winds for tomorrow. That’s brass monkey weather.
Where did it originate?
The UK and USA in the early 20th century.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, mostly among people in their 20/40s, as a slang expression.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Brass tacks
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for facts.
Examples
I’m telling you brass tacks mate. Florida is bigger than England.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Bricks and mortar
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for daughter.
Examples
The girls got into trouble but her mother and I still love them – they are our bricks and mortars after all.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Brighton Pier
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for queer (i.e. homosexual).
Examples
Quite appropriate that James lives with Julian in Brighton – they are Brighton Pier after all.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Brown bread
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for dead.
Examples
That bird just landed on the live power cable. He’s brown bread for sure.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Caught by the short hairs (or short and curlies)
Meaning
Trapped by an opponent in a situation you can’t escape.
Examples
I knew he had been stealing but he was the boss’s son. If I said anything he would get me sacked – he had me by the short and curlies.
Where did it originate?
Britain, late 19th century. People assume this expression has a vulgar origin but, in fact, when coined the hairs referred to were those on the back of the neck.
Where is it used?
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Chasing tail
Meaning
Of a man pursuing women.
Examples
Jack is a borderline sex addict. He’s certainly always chasing the tail.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
Cherry ripe
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for pipe.
Examples
Get me twenty cigarettes while you are out would you? – and some tobacco for my cherry ripe.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
China plate
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for mate.
Examples
We’ve been friends since school, haven’t we my old china?
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Comfort women
Meaning
women forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese in WWII.
Examples
The Japanese called their prostitutes comfort women – nothing comfortable for them I think.
Where did it originate?
WWII
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
Cream crackered
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for knackered. – note, when this term was coined, cream crackers were a popular snack in the UK.
Examples
That’s an hour on the exercise bike. I can’t do any more – I’m crackered.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Currant bun
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for sun.
Examples
It’s rained every day for ages. I can’t remember the last time I saw the currant bun.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Daisy roots
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for boots.
Examples
I can’t get them on. Either my feet have got bigger or these daisies have shrunk.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Dicky Dirt
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for shirt.
Examples
Jane’s wedding today. I’ll need a newly pressed dickie dirt for that.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Dog and bone
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for telephone.
Examples
I need to talk to Jackie. Get her on the dog and bone for me would you?
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
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.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Elephant's trunk
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for drunk.
Examples
He’s been in the bar since we opened six hours ago. It’s fair to assume that he’s totally elephants by now.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Evil twin
Meaning
An imaginary double, humorously referred to in order to explain the uncharacteristic bad behaviour of a normally moral person. Usually used light-heartedly. The expression formed as an allusion to plots in films involving actual evil twins.
Examples
Jane’s such a good girl and I took it as read that she would come to the wedding dressed appropriately, but she’s turned up in full goth makeup. At first I thought it must have been her evil twin.
Where did it originate?
USA, 2004.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, but mostly amongst the young and hip.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
Flea pit
Meaning
A downmarket cinema – allegedly verminous.
Examples
When we were kids we used to go to the local flea pit every saturday to watch B-movies.
Where did it originate?
Britain, mid 20th century.
Where is it used?
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
Frog and toad
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for road.
Examples
Hurry up and move the car – I can see a traffic warden coming just down the frog and toad.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Funny farm
Meaning
A mental hospital.
Examples
Sadly, Jack was so psychotic they had to take him to the funny farm.
Where is it used?
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Gender bender
Meaning
A person who adopts a deliberately androgynous appearance, by use of uni-sex make-up, hair-style and clothing. Probably influenced by ‘bender’ being an earlier slang term for homosexual.
Examples
With his eye-liner and lurex catsuits, David Bowie was the archetype gender bender.
Where did it originate?
USA, 1970s.
Where is it used?
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
George Raft
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for daft.
Examples
That handstand on the window ledge. You could say he was brave or you could say he was George Raft.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Ginger Beer
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for queer.
Examples
Julian is ginger – and I don’t mean that he’s got red hair.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Gnat's bollock
Meaning
A very small (imaginary) unit of measurement.
Examples
I was lucky to survive – the bullets were flying everywhere. One missed me by a gnat’s bollock.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 20th century.
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
Go ape shit
Meaning
Become excessively agitated and excited.
Examples
John had been promised the job. He went ape shit when he found out it went to one of his subordinates.
Where did it originate?
Originally USA (as ‘go ape’). Britain, 1950s (as ‘go ape shit’). Derived from the habit of apes of throwing faeces at adversaries when agitated.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, but not in polite company.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
Greasy spoon
Meaning
A small cheap cafe selling fried food.
Examples
We had been driving all night. A fried breakfast in a greasy spoon was just what I fancied.
Where did it originate?
USA, 20th century.
Where is it used?
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
Gregory Peck
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for neck.
Examples
It’s freezing out there. Better get a scarf round your Gregory if you’re going out.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Half inch
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for pinch.
Examples
It’s hopeless – whenever I try to start a DIY job I find that someone has half-inched some of my tools.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Have a Captain Cook
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for look.
Examples
Now madam, have a Captain Cook at these men and point out the one who attacked you.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Hobson's choice
Meaning
1. A choice forced upon someone. 2. Cockney rhyming slang for voice.
Examples
1. There was only one room left in the hotel when we arrived, so we got Hobson’s choice. 2. I’ve had a sore throat for a couple of days – now I’m beginning to lose my hobsons.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 17th century. Derived from the name of the carrier Thomas Hobson.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, although mostly amongst the older generation.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Holy shit!
Meaning
An expression of extreme surprise or disbelief.
Examples
Two lottery wins in our street in one week! Holy shit – that’s next to impossible.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly USA.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
In like Flynn
Meaning
To be easily successful, especially concerning sex or romance.
Examples
Since he had that lottery win and the nose job, he’s in like Flynn with the girls.
Where did it originate?
USA, 1940s.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, but more common in the USA than elsewhere.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
It's all gone Pete Tong
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for gone wrong.
Examples
I thought I could make mayonnaise with butter. When I tried it all went Pete Tong.
Where did it originate?
Britain, alluding to the popular DJ Pete Tong.
Where is it used?
Mainly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
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.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Jam jar
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for car.
Examples
Check my new Audi. Its the best jam jar I’ve ever owned.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Jimmy Riddle
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for piddle.
Examples
Now kids, this is going to be a long car trip and we don’t want to be stopping every five minutes. Just go and have a Jimmy before we set off.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Khyber pass
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for arse.
Examples
That was really insulting to my mother. When he bends over he’s going to get a good kick up the khyber.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mainly Britain. Note that the original pronunciation of ‘pass’ would have been ‘parse’, to rhyme with ‘arse’. This reflects the ‘long r’ vocalisation of Cockneys. Current pronunciation depends on where you come from
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Kick the bucket
Meaning
Die.
Examples
Grandad kicked the bucket last week. No real surprise – he was 96.
Where did it originate?
Britain – 18th century.
Where is it used?
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Knee-trembler
Meaning
Sexual intercourse between two people standing up.
Examples
They had nowhere to go to make love and had to resort to a knee-trembler in the alley.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 19th century.
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
Loaf of bread
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for head.
Examples
Betting your wages on the toss of a coin isn’t the best way to get out of debt – use your loaf mate.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Lord Fred
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for bed.
Examples
The hamster escaped and the cat got it – it’s Lord Fred for sure.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Mince pies
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for eyes.
Examples
If that traffic warden comes back let me know – keep your minces open will you?
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Mutt and Jeff
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for deaf.
Examples
You have to shout – he’s almost completely mutton.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
My old Dutch
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for duchess.
Examples
This year will be our silver wedding, the old dutch and me.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
My old china
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for mate.
Examples
We’ve been best pals since schooldays. He’s my best china plate.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Nip slip
Meaning
The inadvertent exposure of a womans nipple.
Examples
Wearing a low cut dress like that, a nip slip was almost inevitable.
Where did it originate?
USA, late 20th century.
Where is it used?
Mostly USA and UK and not amongst the older generations.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
Nitty-gritty
Meaning
The important aspects of a situation; the heart of the matter.
Examples
The solicitor spent ages listing the business details of Grandad’s will. We were all waiting for him to get to the nitty-gritty when we found out how much money we would inherit.
Where did it originate?
USA, mid 20th century.
Where is it used?
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
North and south
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for mouth.
Examples
No, it’s true! I heard it straight from her own north and south.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
On your Tod
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for alone.
Examples
The others have all gone out – I’m on my tod.
Where did it originate?
Origin uncertain – possibly related to the US jockey Tod Sloan.
Where is it used?
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Peachy keen
Meaning
Excellent; wonderful.
Examples
Wow, that 20-year old whiskey is peachy keen..
Where did it originate?
USA, mid-20th century.
Where is it used?
Mostly USA.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
Pen and ink
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for stink.
Examples
That drain cover should be an airtight seal but it’s broken. There’s a real pen and ink in here.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Photo bomb
Meaning
Spoil a photograph by unexpectedly appearing in the picture and taking the attention away from the intended subject – usually as a prank.
Examples
Jack is so annoying. We were all posed for my graduation picture and he photobombed us wearing a pink cowboy hat.
Where did it originate?
USA, early 21st century.
Where is it used?
A recent derivation, not yet taken up by the older generations.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
Plates of meat
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for feet.
Examples
I knew I shouldn’t have agreed to help with the Christmas post. Ten miles up and down stairs today – my plates are killing me.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Porky pies
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for lies.
Examples
You can’t trust what he tells you – half of his stories are porkies.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Potatoes (or taters) in the mould
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for cold.
Examples
Whoa, it’s the coldest day of the winter so far – really taters.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Rabbit and pork
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for talk.
Examples
He just goes on and on about his hobbies – rabbit, rabbit, rabbit!
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Rosie Lea
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for tea.
Examples
Put the kettle on would you? I’d love a nice cup of rosie lea.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mainly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Ruby Murray
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for curry.
Examples
Every Friday night after work, the lads all pile into the Star of India for a ruby.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Sad ass
Meaning
A reference to an inept or undesirable person or thing.
Examples
Since the coal mines and steelworks have closed many places in the Rust Belt have become real sad-ass towns.
Where did it originate?
USA, mid-20th century.
Where is it used?
Mainly USA.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
Scarper Flow
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for go.
Examples
The police are on there way. With your record they are bound to think the fight was your fault – you’d better scarper before they get here.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Sexton Blake
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for fake.
Examples
That picture was supposed to be by Monet but there was a mobile phone in the background – I knew right away it was a sexton.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Sparrow fart
Meaning
Jokey term for the early morning.
Examples
I know we have to get the early flight but isn’t 2am too soon to be getting up? It isn’t even sparrow fart yet.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 19th century. Originally an example of rural slang.
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
Syrup of figs
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for wig.
Examples
That thatch on Donald Trump’s head – it has to be a syrup.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Take a butchers
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for look.
Examples
There’s a triple rainbow over there. If you don’t believe me take a butchers yourself.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mainly Britain
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Tea leaf
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for thief.
Examples
Just be careful to keep your purse safe when you go down to the market – there are plenty of tea leaves ready to steal it.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
That sucks
Meaning
1. An expression of sympathy. 2. Said of something that the speaker rates very lowly.
Examples
1. I heard that your child has leukaemia. That sucks – I’m so sorry. 2. His singing is out of tune and he just can’t dance. The whole performance sucks.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly USA, bit spreading Worldwide in recent years.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
The tail wagging the dog
Meaning
A small and usually insignificant factor (or person) dominates over one that is normally more powerful and influential.
Examples
Even small countries like Estonia have a veto in European Union voting and can’t be over-ruled. I’d call that the tail wagging the dog.
Where did it originate?
USA, 1870s.
Where is it used?
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
The town bike
Meaning
Promiscuous woman.
Examples
She’s been with every boy in the neighbourhood – they even call her the town bike.
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
Titfer tat
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for hat.
Examples
It looks like rain – I think I’ll need a coat and my titfer.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Trouble and strife
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for wife.
Examples
Twenty years we’ve been married now, the trouble and strife and myself.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Two and eight
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for state.
Examples
His clothes were awry and he’d lost one of his shoes – he was in a right two and eight.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Uncle Dick
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for sick.
Examples
Sorry, I won’t be into work today. I’ll feeling Uncle Dick.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
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?
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Use your loaf
Meaning
Think smart.
Examples
Sending money to that Nigerian email scam. Use your loaf, mate – wasn’t it obvious it was a con?
Where did it originate?
Britain, mid-20th century.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, but most commonly in Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Veg out
Meaning
Relax in a slothful manner, usually watching tv while lying on a sofa – (that is, become a ‘couch-potato’).
Examples
Such a stressful time at work this week. Come Friday night all I was good for was to veg out binge watching Friends.
Where did it originate?
Britain, late 20th century.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, but most commonly restricted to the under 40s.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Wardrobe malfunction
Meaning
Referring to an item of clothing slipping out of place to expose part of the body.
Examples
Her top slipped down in front of the boys. She said it was a wardrobe malfunction but I think it was deliberate.
Where did it originate?
USA. First said by Justin Timberlake to explain the inadvertent exposure of Janet Jackson’s breast during the half-time show at the 2004 Super Bowl.
Where is it used?
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
Whistle and flute
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for suit.
Examples
That important interview is coming up next week. I think I ought to get a new whistle.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Would you Adam and Eve it?
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for would you believe it?
Examples
Amazing – he hit double top six times with six darts. Would you Adam and Eve it?
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Browse more Idioms
About the Author
Idioms
A-Z
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T UV W XYZ
Categories
AdageAgreementAmericaAnimalsAphorismAustralian originBiblicalBlueBodyBrass tacksBuildingBusinessChildhoodChildrenClicheClockClothesCockney rhyming slangColourComedyConflictCountryCrimeDanceDateDeathDisgustDrinkEducationEffortEmotionEuphemismExcellenceExcessFailureFamilyFirst worldFoodFrenchFruitGreek originHabitHairHappinessHonestyHousehold itemsHyperboleLanguageLatinLegalLocationLuckMadnessMedicalMilitaryMisfortuneMoneyMusicNameNatureNauticalNonsenseNumberPatiencePlaceProverbProverbialReduplicationRelaxationReligionRiskScienceSecretsSexShakespeareSlangSportStupiditySuccessSurpriseTechnologyThe human bodyTheatreTimeToolTravelTrickeryVehicleWaterWeatherWork