Number
A dime a dozen
Meaning
So commonplace as to be of little consequence.
Examples
Red buses in London. they’re a dime a dozen.
Where did it originate?
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A picture paints a thousand words
Meaning
Pictures are far more descriptive than words.
Examples
I tried to describe that fantastic sunset and then she just showed them a photo. You know it’s true – a picture paints a thousand words.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
A very widely and commonly used proverb/adage.
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A stitch in time saves nine
Meaning
A small effort made at the right time might save a calamity later on.
Examples
Fixing that frayed rope was a real stitch in time. It would probably have snapped when the wind got up later if we hadn’t.
Where did it originate?
The United Kingdom. A very old proverb.
Where is it used?
In use worldwide, but less commonly than before and mainly by the older generation.
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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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Baker's dozen
Meaning
Thirteen.
Examples
There’s got to be at least twelve in each box. Better just pack a baker’s dozen to be sure.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 17th century.
Where is it used?
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Caught between two stools
Meaning
Finding it difficult to choose between two alternatives.
Examples
I’d like to go to the game and stay in for the birthday party. I’m between two stools.
Where did it originate?
14th century Britain.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, but less commonly so that in the past.
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Double header
Meaning
A sports expression denoting two events held at the same time.
Examples
The semi-finals are always played together as a double-header to give no team an advantage.
Where did it originate?
USA, late 19th century.
Where is it used?
Mostly USA.
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Dressed to the nines
Meaning
Very smartly dressed, in one’s best clothes.
Examples
It’s my daughter’s wedding today. All the family will be dressed to the nines.
Where did it originate?
Britain – 19th century.
Where is it used?
In the UK, mostly amongst the older generation.
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Eighty six
Meaning
Referring to an item on a menu that is no longer available.
Examples
I would have had the mushroom risotto but they’re eighty-sixed it.
Where did it originate?
USA, mid-20th century.
Where is it used?
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First World
Meaning
The industrialised affluent and wealthy nations.
Examples
The rise of China and India means we may have to redefine the First World before long.
Where did it originate?
USA, mid 20th century.
Where is it used?
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First World problem
Meaning
A relatively trivial problem only affecting the affluent.
Examples
Jack’s complaining again that his 48 inch screen is giving him eyestrain. That’s a First World problem if there ever was.
Where did it originate?
USA, late 20th century.
Where is it used?
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First among equals
Meaning
The most senior person in a group of equal rank.
Examples
The British Prime Ministership is a cabinet post, no different from his colleagues, but the position is always considered to be the first among equals.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 18th century. Often used to describe the British Prime Minister and his/her cabinet, although the first usage pre-dates that.
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
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First footing
Meaning
Making a round of visits at New Year.
Examples
As soon as the clock strikes midnight on 31st December we’ll be off around town first footing all our neighbours.
Where did it originate?
Britain, especially Scotland, from 19th century onward.
Where is it used?
Mostly Scotland but has travelled with Scots throughout the world.
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It takes two to tango
Meaning
It takes two people to cause a problem between them.
Examples
Maybe Jack did provoke the argument but he couldn’t argue on his own could he? – it takes two to tango.
Where did it originate?
USA, from a popular 1952 song of the same name.
Where is it used?
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Kill two birds with one stone
Meaning
Accomplish two things with a single action.
Examples
When I chop the wood I get warm too. You could say I kill two birds with one stone.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 17th century. Found in the writings of Thomas Hobbes.
Where is it used?
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Nine to five
Meaning
A standard office day, between 9am and 5pm. Often used to denote the boring nature of the weekly working routine.
Examples
This 9 to 5 slog really gets me down by about wednesday – I’m waiting for the weekend to come.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
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On cloud nine
Meaning
Blissfully happy.
Examples
The day after George proposed to her, Mildred won the lottery. She’s on cloud nine.
Where did it originate?
USA, 20th century.
Where is it used?
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Once in a blue moon
Meaning
A rare occurrence.
Examples
West Bromwich Albion have won the cup. but only every once in a blue moon.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 19th century.
Where is it used?
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Sixth sense
Meaning
An imaginary intuitive facility.
Examples
My sixth sense is telling me that I’m going to meet my perfect partner today.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 17th century.
Where is it used?
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The glorious twelfth
Meaning
The 12th of August – the start of the British grouse shooting season.
Examples
Just two weeks to go. I’ve booked all the beaters and the trip to the grouse moor is all set – bring on the glorious twelfth.
Where is it used?
Britain.
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The whole nine yards
Meaning
The full entirety of something.
Examples
The allies went full-on in the attack on Baghdad – bombs, missiles, the whole nine yards.
Where did it originate?
The origin is unknown (and is probably the most sought after origin in all of etymology). Either USA or UK, early in the 20th century.
Where is it used?
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Third time lucky
Meaning
Said when trying something for the third time.
Examples
Two divorces and now I’m engaged again. Let’s hope it’s third time lucky.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 19th century.
Where is it used?
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Third times a charm
Meaning
The third try is often successful.
Examples
Have you noticed that, in TV dramas, when the police try a lock with a set of keys it’s always the third that works. They must think third times a charm.
Where did it originate?
Originated in Ireland in the 1830s and was later adopted in American speech.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, but more common in the USA than elsewhere.
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Twenty three skidoo
Meaning
Invitation to go away.
Examples
Hey, you kids, get off my garden – twenty three skidoo!
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Two and eight
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for state.
Examples
His clothes were awry and he’d lost one of his shoes – he was in a right two and eight.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
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Work out
Meaning
1. Calculate using arithmetic. 2. Take exercise (also spelled ‘workout’).
Examples
1. We decided to share the bill for the taxi. My part worked out to four pounds. 2. I’ve joined the gym. My plan is to work out once a week.
Where is it used?
Both forms used Worldwide.
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Your number is up
Meaning
It is now your turn. For instance, if 1. You are about to die. or 2. You have won a lottery.
Examples
1. When I heard the bombers screaming towards us I was sure my number was up. 2. Who has ticket number 374? Come on down and collect your prize – your number is up.
Where is it used?
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Zip your lip
Meaning
Say nothing; keep your mouth shut. Often shortened to ‘zip it’.
Examples
I saw Kevin put sneezing powder in the staff room but he told me to zip my lip about it or it would spoil the joke.
Where did it originate?
USA, 1940s. Deriving from the allusion to closing a garment with a zipper.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, but most common in the USA.
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