Failure
A sorry sight
Meaning
1. Something sadly neglected. 2. A person or thing of untidy appearance.
Examples
1. These Georgian townhouses were beautiful when they were built, but they make a sorry sight now they’ve been left unoccupied and vandalised. 2. Since Jim hit the bottle after Joan left him he’s not been taking care of himself. He looked a sorry sight today just dressed in old clothes and slippers.
Where did it originate?
Shakespearian.
Where is it used?
Widely used.
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How the idiom originated
Back to square one
Meaning
Back to the beginning.
Examples
He had nearly climbed the cliff before he slipped off. Now it’s back to square one.
Where did it originate?
Britain, early 20th century.
Where is it used?
In the UK, but less so than a few years ago.
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Go belly (or tits) up
Meaning
Become badly and permanently inoperative.
Examples
The company has gone belly up – they had millions in debts and their only customer went elsewhere.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 20th century. The allusion is to fish floating dead in the water.
Where is it used?
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Lose your touch
Meaning
Lose an ability that you used to possess.
Examples
Henry used to be sure to hit any number on the dartboard. Since his back operation he couldn’t hit a barn door – he’s really lost his touch.
Where did it originate?
Britain, late 19th century.
Where is it used?
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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.
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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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The wheels have come off
Meaning
Said when a previously promising enterprise goes irretrievably wrong.
Examples
It was pretty easy to get a loan in 2007, but the wheels came off the world banking system when they found out they had loaned out far too much.
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Worse for wear
Meaning
Either 1. Shabby and worn out, or 2. Drunk.
Examples
1. This winter coat is a few years old now and is starting to look a bit worse for wear. 2. I know it’s Jack’s leaving do and he wants to stay until the end but, after all those tequia slammers, he’s begining to look a little worse for wear.
Where is it used?
Both forms used Worldwide, although 2 is more common in Britain than elsewhere.
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