Hair
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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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?
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Hair of the dog
Meaning
An alcoholic drink, intended to cure a hangover. It is mistakenly believed that a small measure of the same drink that made a person drunk will sober them up and cure the drinks ill effects. The expression is also used in other contexts, whenever an additional dose of whatever caused a problem is thought to be an appropriate remedy.
Examples
I feel rough. I shouldn’t have had those last six tequila slammers last night. Here goes another – maybe it will be the hair of the dog.
Where did it originate?
England, 16th century.
Where is it used?
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Let your hair down
Meaning
Behave in a free an uninhibited manner. Usually applied to women.
Examples
Its Sharon’s hen party tonight – the girls are really going to let their hair down.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 17th century.
Where is it used?
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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.
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The empty chair
Meaning
The perceived absense of someone who is recently deceased.
Examples
Some days I can forget about Jim’s death for a while, then I see the empty chair and the grief comes back.
Where is it used?
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