An idiom, or phrase, is a group of words with a meaning that cannot be worked out from the literal meanings of the individual words. The formation of new phrases and sayings is one of the most colourful aspects of language development, and the latest edition of the Oxford Dictionary of Idioms features over 350 that have been coined in recent years. The following are a sample of these: how many are you familiar with?
New Kids On The Block
give someone the hairy eyeball stare at someone in a disapproving or angry way, especially with your eyelids partially lowered. North American informal
chew the scenery (of an actor) overact. informal
jump the shark (of a television series or film) reach a point at which far-fetched events are included merely for the sake of novelty, indicative of a decline in quality. US informal
This phrase is said to refer to an episode of the long-running US television series Happy Days, in which the central character (the Fonz) jumped over a shark while waterskiing.
be in like Flynn seize an opportunity; be successful. Australian
The Flynn referred to in this expression is Errol Flynn, the Australian-born actor, who had a reputation as a notable playboy.
go commando wear no underpants. informal
be all fur coat and no knickers have an impressive or sophisticated appearance which belies the fact that there is nothing to substantiate it. British informal
put something on the long finger postpone consideration of something; put something off. Irish
push the envelope (or the edge of the envelope) approach or extend the limits of what is possible. informal
This expression was originally aviation slang and related to graphs of aerodynamic performance on which the envelope is the boundary line representing an aircraft's capabilities.
a New York minute a very short time; a moment. US informal
early doors early on, especially in a game or contest. British informal
Apparently this expression arose with reference to a period of admission to a music hall ending some time before the start of the performance and giving a better choice of seats.
go postal go mad, especially from stress. US informal
This expression arose as a result of several recorded cases in the USA in which postal-service employees ran amok and shot colleagues.
think outside the box have ideas that are original, creative or innovative. informal
on the pig's back living a life of ease and luxury; in a very fortunate situation. Irish informal
I should cocoa (or coco) I should say so. British rhyming slang
Judith Siefring
01/10/2004
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