The Idiom Attic - a collection of hundreds of English idioms, each one explained.
"medical" idioms...
See also, a list of phrases that relate in some way to the word medical
" A bad break "
Meaning:
1. A misfortune. 2. A serious bone fracture.
Example:
1. Tony has lost his job, just when he needed the cash to move house. That’s a bad break. 2. Tanya’s leg was crushed when the rock fell on it - a really bad break the doctor said.
Mistreatment you receive in retaliation to that you gave to others.
Example:
You always made me work on Christmas Day when I was the junior. Now I’m in charge of the holiday rota and you can take a dose of your own medicine.
Where did it originate?:
Aesop.
Where is it used?:
Widely used.
Hear the idiom spoken:
" As high as a kite "
Meaning:
1. Very high up in the sky. 2. High on drugs or excitement.
Example:
1. The Petronas Tower is as high as a kite. 2. She was ecstatic that she won the gold medal. She was high as a kite afterwards.
Where did it originate?:
1. Britain - 17th century. It probably refers to Red Kites, birds that were common in the UK in the 17th century, rather than children's kites. 2. USA.
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.
Example:
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.