Biblical
A drop in the bucket (or ocean)
Meaning
A very small part of a bigger whole.
Examples
The country’s debt has risen to a trillion pounds. Paying off a billion is just a drop in the bucket.
Where did it originate?
The Bible.
Where is it used?
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A fly in the ointment
Meaning
A small flaw that spoils the whole.
Examples
It was good to win the gold but not being able to attend the ceremony to collect it was the fly in the ointment.
Where did it originate?
The Bible.
Where is it used?
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A house divided against itself cannot stand
Meaning
Failure is certain if those on the same side argue amongst themselves.
Examples
The Tory party can’t stop arguing over Europe. Don’t they know that a house divided cannot stand.
Where did it originate?
Biblical.
Where is it used?
Widespread but uncommon. Rather formal for everyday speech.
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A leopard can’t change his spots
Meaning
You cannot change your innate self.
Examples
He was a bully at school and he’s a bully now – a leopard can’t change its spots.
Where did it originate?
Biblical.
Where is it used?
Widespread but rather formal form of expression. Not widely used by the young.
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Beat around the bush
Meaning
Avoiding the main topic.
Examples
If you want Jill to go out with her, don’t beat around the bush – ask her.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 1400s. One of the oldest non-Biblical phrases in the language.
Where is it used?
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Flesh and blood
Meaning
1 – One’s family. 2 – the bodily stuff we are made of.
Examples
1 – We aren’t putting Dad into a home. He is our flesh and blood after all. 2 – It’s so hot in here – almost more than flesh and blood can stand.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 10th century, from a biblical source.
Where is it used?
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Good Samaritan
Meaning
Someone who compassionately helps another who is in need.
Examples
I’d lost my wallet and couldn’t get home. He played the good Samaritan and gave me a lift to my door.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 17th century. From a biblical source.
Where is it used?
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The apple of my eye
Meaning
Someone who is cherished above all others.
Examples
She’s my only child – the apple of my eye.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 9th century – making it one of the oldest phrases in the language that is still in regular use in its original form.
Where is it used?
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The last straw
Meaning
The last of a series of problems, which pushes one’s endurance beyond its limits.
Examples
I’ve put up with his taunting for years but picking on my daughter was the last straw and I punched him.
Where did it originate?
Britain, early 19th century.
Where is it used?
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