Idioms title

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.
Where did it originate?:
1. USA 2. UK.
Where is it used?:
1. USA. 2. Widely used.
Hear the idiom spoken:
More idioms about:   the_human_body   misfortune  
" A shot in the arm "
Meaning:
A boost or encouragement.
Example:
I was out on my feet after ten miles’ running but seeing the kids cheering me on was a real shot in the arm.
Where did it originate?:
USA, initially alluding to a shot of drugs but now used without that connotation.
Where is it used?:
Worldwide, very commonly used.
Hear the idiom spoken:
More idioms about:   the_human_body   america  
" A taste (or dose) of your own medicine "
Meaning:
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.
Where is it used?:
1. In the UK. 2. Worldwide.
Hear the idiom spoken:
More idioms about:   cliche   animals   happiness   america  
" Basket case "
Meaning:
A person or thing that is no longer able to function effectively, either through disability or misfortune.
Example:
The Greek economy took a nosedive after the 2008 world financial meltdown - to the point of becoming a total economic basket case.
Where did it originate?:
Where is it used?:
Hear the idiom spoken:
More idioms about:   misfortune   america  
" Day surgery "
Meaning:
Minor surgery that does not require the patient to stay in hospital overnight.
Example:
I've got to have a gallstone op - luckily it doesn't take long. It will be a day-surgery job.
Where did it originate?:
Britain, mid 20th century.
Where is it used?:
Hear the idiom spoken:
More idioms about:   date  
" Funny farm "
Meaning:
A mental hospital.
Example:
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:   building   slang   madness  
" 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.
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.
Where did it originate?:
England, 16th century.
Where is it used?:
Hear the idiom spoken:
More idioms about:   drink   animals  
" Knee jerk reaction "
Meaning:
A quick and automatic response.
Example:
When Isis bombed Paris the knee-jerk reaction was to bomb them back.
Where did it originate?:
Britain, 19th century. Driving from the medical test involving tapping the knee.
Where is it used?:
Hear the idiom spoken:
More idioms about:   the_human_body   excess  
" The heebie-jeebies "
Meaning:
A state of nervous anxiety or fear.
Example:
I didn't like staying in that old house overnight. The creaks and bumps gave me the heebie-jeebies.
Where did it originate?:
USA, 20th century. The origin isn't known but heebie-jeebie was formerly the name of a dance.
Where is it used?:
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More idioms about:   reduplication   dance   america  
" Uncle Dick "
Meaning:
Cockney rhyming slang for sick.
Example:
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:   family   cockney_rhyming_slang   name  
" Under the weather "
Meaning:
Feeling ill.
Example:
I've had a sore throat all week, now it's turned to a cold. I'm feeling right under the weather.
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More idioms about:   weather  
" You are what you eat "
Meaning:
What you eat affects you health.
Example:
Burgers every evening? That's not a good plan - don't you know you are what you eat?
Where did it originate?:
USA, 1920s.
Where is it used?:
Hear the idiom spoken:
More idioms about:   food   adage   america  

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