Idioms · 18 entries
A proverb that suggests a poor workman tends to look for an excuse for his poor work.
The expression is found in British collections of proverbs from the 16th century.
The United Kingdom - 17th century.
The United Kingdom, 20th century. The allusion being that someone is in a race against the clock.
USA and Britain, in the 1980s
Britain, 19th century.
USA, 20th century.
Britain, 17th century.
Britain, late 19th century.
USA, 1950s
Britain, 1990s.
USA, late 19th century.
Britain, 16th century proverb.
Britain, 19th century. Possibly of nautical origin.
From the Bible.
20th century origin, although the similar ‘Friday face’ is known in England since the 16th century.
1. Britain, 16th century. 2. (As ‘workout’) USA, late 19th century.
Entry 1
MeaningA proverb that suggests a poor workman tends to look for an excuse for his poor work.
Usage Worldwide, but less commonly than 50 years ago.
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Entry 2
MeaningAnything you save has the same effect as adding to your income.
Usage Worldwide, but uncommon.
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Entry 3
MeaningIn a great hurry to complete something before a set deadline.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 4
MeaningEating one’s lunch while still working. (A Pun on ’Al fresco’.).
Usage Widely used, but mainly in the 30/40s generations who work in offices.
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Entry 5
MeaningTypical; a normal set of circumstances.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 6
MeaningSaid when a plan fails and it's time to start again and make a new plan.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 7
MeaningTo work late into the night.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 8
MeaningSlang term for a computer programmer.
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Entry 9
MeaningThe dull daily routine.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 10
MeaningSaid to someone who is a poor performer at a task - suggesting that they wouldn't be able to succeed at it professionally.
Usage Worldwide, but not particularly commonplace.
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Entry 11
MeaningA work day which an employee is allowed to spend at home relaxing.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 12
MeaningWorking hours that extend overnight.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 13
MeaningDoing things in a rush makes for a poor result.
Usage Mostly Britain.
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Entry 14
MeaningTo understand how to do something.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 15
MeaningA standard office day, between 9am and 5pm. Often used to denote the boring nature of the weekly working routine.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 16
MeaningInstruction to get out of bed and get ready for work.
Usage Worldwide, but somewhat old-fashioned.
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Entry 17
MeaningAnticipation of the weekend after a hard working week.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 18
Meaning1. Calculate using arithmetic. 2. Take exercise (also spelled 'workout').
Usage Both forms used Worldwide.
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Pronunciation