Dating : Writing Explained — Idioms starting with L

A Labor of Love Meaning

Definition: Work done for pleasure, rather than for profit.

Origin of Labor of Love

This expression first appeared in English in the King James Version of the Bible, published in the year 1611.

It appears in two Epistles of St. Paul.

First, in 1 Thessalonians 1:3:

• Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

Second, in Hebrews 6:10:

• For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

Labor is another word for work, so in this sense the expression is similar to the literal meaning. People often use it to describe work that has no monetary rewards, but that they are passionate about.

Examples of Labor of Love

In the dialogue below, two friends are talking about a project one of them has been working on.

Ezekiel: Guess what!

Maggie: What?

Ezekiel: I finally finished building that raft I told you about.

Maggie: Oh, great! I forget, who hired you to build that? It took up so much time and effort. I hope they are paying you a lot.

Ezekiel: No one is paying me anything. It’s a labor of love. It’s always been a dream of mine to build a raft and sail it to that island in the middle of the river. I set sail tomorrow!

In this example, two friends are discussing a gift that one of them got for his granddaughter.

Tyrion: I finally finished the gift for my granddaughter. It was a lot of work, but it was all worth it. Or, it will be worth it if she loves it.

Mila: What did you end up making her?

Tyrion: It’s a handmade quilt. I hope she’ll realize it was a true labor of love. I put many hours of work into it, and it caused me lots of stress, but I believe it shows how deeply I care for her. I wanted her to have something special and unique, just for her.

More Examples

This excerpt is about an actress and her husband who opened a popcorn shop because they wanted to, not because they had to.

• The couple told the media their collaboration was a “labor of love” and if their “real Vermont cheddar,” “truffle parmesan” and “Canadian maple” recipes turned out to be a hit, they planned to open other shops elsewhere. –USA Today

This excerpt is about a man who is working to secure the city of Los Angeles as the location for the 2024 Olympics. No one is paying him to do this work, but he does it anyway because he loves sports and believes it will help his city.

• “I think the Olympics are a special achievement for him, and really a labor of love for him,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who has known Wasserman for more than 30 years. “I think he’s motivated by the fact that he can take these three passions and make something really special.” –USA Today

Summary

The phrase labor of love means work that a person does because they are passionate about it, not because they are making money from it.

Last But Not Least Meaning

Definition: The last item on a list but not necessarily the least important item on the list.

Items on a list are often listed in order of importance, meaning that people often believe that the last item is the least important. This expression emphasizes that this is not the case.

Origin of Last But Not Least

The exact origin of this expression is not clear. However, it has been found in print as early as the 1500s.

Some sources speculate that the idea originated in the Bible. In Matthew 19:30, Jesus talks about who will inherit eternal life.

• But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.

This verse says that those whom society views as powerful or important people may not be whom God views as righteous or good people. Powerful and important people on Earth may not be the same people who are following God’s will.

As far as the phrase’s English coinage, one of the earliest uses is by John Lyly, in Euphues and His England, 1580:

• Of these three but one can stand me in steede, the last, but no the least.

Shakespeare also used the phrase several times in Julius Caesar and King Lear.

Examples of Last But Not Least

The first dialogue shows a brother and sister who are listing off their accomplishments for he day.

Luke: Ella, did you finish everything on your to-do list for our party?

Ella: I finished everything, and even did some additional things!

Luke: Like what?

Ella: Well, I bought all the decorations, designed and printed the invitations, cleaned the house, and last, but not least, made the cake!

Luke: Wow! Good job!

The second example shows two friends gossiping about which people in their club are the most annoying.

Ray: I used to love coming to this club, but now it’s filled with all these annoying characters.

Ricardo: Really? I think most people here are pretty likeable. Whom do you dislike?

Ray: Roger, Bob, and Tim are all annoying. And last, but not least, Phil. He’s the worst!

More Examples

This excerpt is from an article about global warming.

• “I think all those things need to be addressed as we go forward but not least of which is the response by the legislative branch with respect to the issue,” he said. –New York Post

This excerpt is about updates to a local library in Los Angeles.

• Last but not least, the library hasn’t replaced its two former pay phones. Now, considering many seniors reportedly don’t own a cell, i.e., a “smart” phone, a “DT-POTUS”-like hashtag for them could sadly read, well, “Sad!” –LA Times

Summary

The phrase last but not least is another way to say last in order but not last in importance.

Last Straw Meaning

Definition: The final problem or negative event in a string of bad events that makes a person decide they can’t take any more.

A variation of this phrase is the final straw.

Origin of the Last Straw

This expression comes from the longer expression the straw that broke the camel’s back. The idea behind that expression is that a camel can hold straw on its back. With a single piece of straw, it is so light that the camel can likely not feel it at all. With the second, third, fourth, and so on, the camel cannot feel it.

However, if you keep adding straws, it will become heavier and heavier. Although no individual straw is heavy, together they can become very heavy. And eventually, adding even a single more straw can break the camel’s back.

This idiom, or a similar one, first appeared in the 1600s. An earlier version of this phrase was the last feather that broke the horse’s back. This version can be found in Archbishop John Bramhall’s Worksfrom 1677 and again in Fuller’s Gnomologia from 1732.

Over time, shortened versions appeared, and, at some point, it changed from feather to straw and a horse to a camel.

Examples of the Last Straw

The first dialogue shows a brother and sister who are trying to cook a meal for their friends.

Luke: You’re cracking the eggs wrong!

Ella: Okay. That’s it. That is the last straw. I can’t take any more of your complaining about every little thing!

Luke: What are you talking about? I haven’t been complaining!

Ella: First you told me I was measuring the flour wrong, then that I used the wrong kind of sugar, and then that I couldn’t microwave the butter. After that you told me that…

Luke: Okay, you’re right. I’m sorry!

Ella: I could take one or two complaints but not constant whining!

The second example shows two friends discussing their favorite show.

Ray: I feel depressed, but I had to stop watching our favorite show.

Ricardo: You can’t be serious!

Ray: I had to. They had killed off all my favorite characters. I could handle losing three, or four, or even seven of my favorites. But when they killed Ty it was the last straw. I couldn’t take it anymore.

More Examples

This excerpt is about fan disappointment in losing one of their favorite basketball players from the team.

• The last straw for many Knicks fans was Jackson acknowledging he’s fielding trade offers for Porzingis, who represents the shining hope for this woebegone franchise. –New York Daily News

This excerpt is from a news article about families in Central America fleeing their home countries to settle in Mexico.

• The last straw came when a gang leader told the girl she was going to become his girlfriend whether she wanted to or not. –New York Daily News

Summary

The idiom last straw is another way to say that an individual or group of people won’t put up with any further problems because the problem has occurred one too many times.

Left in the Lurch Meaning

Definition: Abandoned during a difficult time, without help.

Origin of Left in the Lurch

Most people are familiar with the more common use of lurch: to move suddenly in an uncontrolled manner. For example, someone might lurch if they were walking on a boat and didn’t see a large wave coming to rock the boat.

Left in the lurch has nothing to do with this meaning. However, there is a second meaning: a state of discomfort.

This meaning originated from a French gambling game called Lourche, which was similar to backgammon. It was popular in the 1500s. However, it no longer exists, as the rules did not survive to modern day.

This game had a component where a player’s position could be so far from winning that they had no chance. This is the idea behind the modern expression left in the lurch. People began using the expression figuratively by the 1600s.

An early figurative use of the phrase comes from Richard Tarton’s Jests in 1611:

• Ile leave him in the lurch and shift for my selves.

Examples of Left in the Lurch

In the dialogue below, two friends are discussing what to do to help their friend who is in the hospital.

Tina: Did you hear that Steve is in the hospital?

Keanu: Yes, it’s awful! I wish I could go visit him, but I have to leave for a business trip soon.

Tina: I can’t believe you would be so heartless! He could die, and you know that you and I are his only two friends here. He has no one to take care of his dog, or any of his other affairs. You wouldn’t leave him in the lurch would you?

Keanu: I guess you’re right. I’ll cancel the trip.

In this example, one friend is asking another for help over the phone.

Jonah: Tatiana! You’ve got to help me. My car broke down, and I can’t get to my interview this afternoon unless you can drive me.

Tatiana: Oh, come on! I’m so busy. I’m sorry, but I just can’t do it.

Jonah: I wouldn’t ask you if it weren’t an emergency.

Tatiana: How far away is the interview?

Jonah: Just a couple hours drive away.

Tatiana: No way!

Jonah: Please don’t leave me in the lurch!

Tatiana: Fine. Borrow my car. But be careful with it!

More Examples

This excerpt is about a town that is the site of a nuclear waste dump. Because of this, the city is suffering and no one is helping it.

• If the site of the Zion plant could be cleared and redeveloped, as Zion officials expected it would be, the city could put the land to new uses, boosting its economy and generating tax revenue. Instead, the city — founded in 1901 with a layout based on the British flag — has been left in the lurch, and its downtown has nearly as many empty storefronts as it has functioning businesses. –Chicago Sun Times

The second example is about schools that cannot serve their students because there is no money in the budget for them.

• But the university — and all other state universities — have been left in the lurch since Jan. 1 when a partial budget expired. –Chicago Sun Times

Summary

The phrase left in the lurch means deserted without any support.

Left to My Own Devices Meaning

Definition: To leave someone unsupervised to do whatever they want.

This expression appears with many other words than my.

• Left to one’s own devices.
• Left to your own devices.
• Left to their own devices.
• Left to our own devices.
• Left to its own devices.

Origin of Left to My Own Devices

The word device comes from the verb devise. Nowadays this verb means to plan. However, its original meaning was to desire. Therefore, the literal meaning is that a person is free to do what one pleases.

Sometimes people use this expression to imply that a person left alone, who is free to do what they want, will do something bad.

This likely comes from the connotation of devise, which means to plot. The best way to tell if a person is using this expression to imply doing something bad is through context.

The phrase itself comes from the late 19th century.

Examples of Left to My Own Devices

In the first example, two employees are talking together about what to do while the boss was gone.

Marcus: Hey, Patsy! The boss is out sick today. There’s no one here to supervise us! What should we do, since we’ve been left to our own devices?

Patsy: Hmmm. I don’t know. I guess I’ll just try to get my work done as fast as I can.

Marcus: That’s not fun at all. I was thinking we could build a fort out of office chairs.

Patsy: You do whatever you want, but what I want to do is get my work done.

In the second example, a brother and sister are discussing their children.

Samson: Angela, didn’t you bring Jackson over here with you? Where did he go?

Angela: He went up to the attic to play by himself.

Samson: Are you sure it’s a good idea to leave him to his own devices like that?

Angela: Of course. He loves alone time. He uses it to draw some pretty cool designs. He’s old enough that it’s perfectly safe. Don’t you ever leave your kid to her own devices?

Samson: No, never. I tried it once and she cut off all of her hair.

Angela: Well, she’s still pretty young.

More Examples

This quote is from a member of the band Bad Religion.

• “I can remember when we were on another label and making records felt like a contractual obligation,” he says of the band’s five years on Atlantic Records. “Check writers would come in and they don’t care what you’re doing, they’re just like: ‘Is there a single? We don’t hear a single.’ We don’t make ‘singles’ — we make albums. Now, though, I feel like a mad scientist in a laboratory who has been left to his own devices and we’re all in there like ‘oh my God, wait ’til they hear this!’ It’s fantastic.” –OC Register

This excerpt is about a college student who initially didn’t think he could go to college, when he was all on his own.

• Homeless kids with no expectations don’t go to college. And truth be told, it wasn’t on DeSilva’s radar when he found himself left to his own devices, sink or swim, starve or not. But the Posse Foundation identifies potential diamonds from rough circumstances and sends them there, with a total count of more than 6,000 since it began with a handful of students in New York in 1989. –Houston Chronicle

Summary

The expression left to one’s own devices means left alone to do as one pleases.

Leading Someone On Meaning

Definition: To guide someone towards something; to encourage romantic pursuit without the intent of returning romantic feelings.

Origin of Lead Someone On

This idiom has two definitions, one that is literal and one that is figurative.

The literal meaning uses lead in the sense of showing the way. The figurative meaning occurs in the context of romantic or sexual relationships.

The figurative meaning dates all the way back the to 1500s. Originally, it could mean any type of encouraging someone to proceed through deception. Nowadays, it almost exclusively refers to one person flirting with another in order to earn that person’s affections, despite the flirting person not actually being romantically interested in the other.

People often apply this expression towards a woman who is leading a man on, although there is nothing in the definition that says it must be used this way.

Examples of Lead Someone On

In this dialogue, a brother and sister are discussing some problems that the woman is having at work.

Maria: There’s been a new development with the new manager. Do you remember that I was complaining about him before?

Franco: What happened now?

Maria: He is in trouble for sexual harassment. He claims that his secretary was leading him on by flirting with him. He decided to try to kiss her, so she complained to HR.

Franco: Will he get in trouble?

Maria: Maybe. There is no evidence that his secretary was leading him on, but there is evidence that he was sexually harassing her.

The second example shows two university students who discussing their romantic lives.

Lorenzo: I’m not sure if I should ask Clara out on a date.

Alba: Do you mean the other woman in our class? Sure! Why not?

Lorenzo: Sometimes I think she likes me. Other times I think she’s just being friendly. And sometimes I even think that she is leading me on. Sometimes she is obviously flirting with me and other times she ignores me.

Alba: Maybe you should just ask her how she feels.

More Examples

The excerpt below is from a story about a relationship.

• She led him on and broke his heart, for about two years. Each time, I was there to pick up the pieces. I loved him. –LA Times

This excerpt is from an article about rape on college campuses.

• In court filings, Yu claims the encounter was consensual and that Vassar ignored evidence, such as the female student’s friendly Facebook messages saying she had “a wonderful time” and was “really sorry” she led him on. –LA Times

Summary

The phrase to lead someone on means to suggest that you want a romantic relationship that you don’t really intend to engage in.

Take a Leap of Faith Meaning

Definition: To believe in something or someone based on faith rather than evidence; an attempt to achieve something that has little chance of success.

Origin of Leap of Faith

This idiom first appeared in the mid-1800s. However, it shot up in popularity around the mid-1900s. It comes from a translation of the Latin words saltus fidei.

The Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard came up with this expression as a metaphor for religious belief in God. He argued that God was spiritual rather than physical and was completely separate from the material world of man. Therefore, God could not be understood through science or logic. One could only understand God through faith alone.

Despite these religious origins, the idiom is now used in everyday conversation. For example, someone could use this expression to signify that he or she is taking a risk and merely hoping for the best.

Examples of Leap of Faith

The dialogue below shows two friends discussing a decision that one of them must make.

Giuseppe: I’m not sure what I should do. I now have an opportunity to switch careers. If I switch, I’ll finally be doing what I have wanted to do my whole life. However, switching will also mean accepting a much lower salary. And there’s no guarantee that I’ll like the job as much as I hope I will.

May: You’re right. There’s no way to know for certain if you will be successful or if you will regret taking the new job.

Giuseppe: I really want to try this new job, despite the risks.

May: Then you should do it! Take a leap of faith. If you fail, at least you will have tried. If you don’t do it, you’ll always wonder what would have happened if you tried.

In the dialogue below, a father is talking to his daughter about trying new food.

Rafal: Vesna, I made this special meal for you. This was my favorite meal when I was a boy. My grandmother and mother always made it for me. I want you to try it.

Vesna: Yuck! It looks gross!

Rafal: Well, I can’t promise that you’ll like the taste. However, I would appreciate it if you at least gave it a chance. Take a leap of faith, and you might actually enjoy it. The worst that can happen is you eat one bite and never have to try it again.

More Examples

This excerpt is from an article about unusual architecture in Seattle.

• “It’s exciting when we take a leap of faith and build something differently. Sometimes it can get a little shy, but every so often, with a little push, Seattle does something out of the box,” said Way. –New York Post

The second excerpt is from an article about surprise vacations, in which you travel to an unknown destination.

• “It is a completely different way of seeing the world, simply taking a leap of faith and seeing where you end up,” he said. “The thought of arriving at the airport with no idea where you are heading until you check in is so exciting.” –Houston Chronicle

Summary

The phrase a leap of faith means a risk with no guarantee of success or trust in God that isn’t based on empirical evidence.

A Leopard Cannot Change Its Spots Meaning

Definition: A person cannot change his or her nature.

Origin of A Leopard Cannot Change Its Spots

This expression is derived from the Bible, from Jeremiah 13:23:

• Can an Ethiopian change his skin or a leopard its spots? Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil.

The idea behind this verse is that no person or animal can change his or her skin or fur color. Interpretations of the Bible say that, likewise, a sinner can be so used to doing evil things that he or she can only be saved by God.

Nowadays people often use this expression without any religious overtones. It can simply mean that people don’t change who they fundamentally are.

If you are a liar, you will always be a liar; a cheater will always be a cheater, etc.

Examples of A Leopard Cannot Change Its Spots

In this dialogue, a brother and sister are discussing future career possibilities.

Maria: I’m thinking of changing my major so that I can become a social worker.

Franco: Why? That sounds like the worst job ever?

Maria: No, it’s a great job! I want to help people, and I want to make a positive change in the world.

Franco: But a leopard can’t change its spots. If a person is messed up, you won’t be able to help them.

Maria: That’s an awful philosophy! People can always change!

The second example shows two university students arguing about whether or not they can convince a third student to become a better person.

Lorenzo: Archie is over there saying all sorts of racist things. I wish we could get him to change.

Alba: Why can’t we? Let’s try it.

Lorenzo: Can an Ethiopian change his skin color, or a leopard his spots?

Alba: I understand what you are saying, but we should try to talk to him.

More Examples

The excerpt below is about bullying on professional football teams.

• “A leopard can’t change its spots, nor can a man deny the testosterone that fuels his psyche. As unfortunate as that may be in some cases — and the Incognito-Martin dust-up is an excellent example — that’s the way it is. –LA Times

This excerpt is about baby leopards born at a zoo.

• Everyone knows a leopard can’t change its spots, but at the Santa Barbara zoo they know how to multiply them. The zoo’s resident leopard couple produced three kittens in April, and visitors can now see them tumble around their jungle-like enclosure, climbing tree trunks and wrestling with each other. –LA Times

Summary

The expression a leopard can’t change its spots is a proverb that speaks to the innateness of human character.

Less is More Meaning

Definition: Simplicity is better than elaborate embellishment; Sometimes something simple is better than something advanced or complicated.

Origin of Less is More

This expression first appeared in a poem by Robert Browning, Andrea del Sarto, in the year 1855.

• Yet do much less, so much less…Well, less is more, Lucrezia; I am judged.

Many designers use this expression as a philosophy or inspiration to design things that are simple, yet beautiful.

Another early user of the phrase was Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1886–1969), an architect who used it when referring to the desirability of less visual clutter in the building of homes.

The idea behind this expression is that it is possible to overdo something. For example, imagine having a lot of dialogue in an action movie. Many people would be disappointed because they expected fight scenes but, instead, found lots of sitting around and talking.

In this situation, less dialogue is more effective for an action movie.

This idea can apply to many different things. One popular example is the idea that having fewer personal items leads to greater happiness.

Examples of Less is More

In the example below, two siblings are arguing over how to cook a meal to share at their family reunion.

Jordan: Hey, James. Try this chili I made. I’m bringing it to the family reunion.

James: Bleh! This is awful! How much salt did you put in there?

Jordan: I don’t know. I love salt, so I thought the more the better.

James: I’m sorry to tell you this, but this is a situation where less is more. If you had less salt, you’d have more of the delicious flavor of the other ingredients.

Jordan: Don’t worry. I can fix it. I’ll just add more beans and meat.

In the second dialogue, two coworkers are arguing over completing a presentation together.

Job: Melissa, I’m glad you finally finished the presentation, but we need to talk about your design.

Melissa: Why? Don’t you like it?

Job: To be honest, no, I don’t. You have 17 different fonts throughout the whole thing, and way too much text! You should make this look simpler. Remember that oftentimes less is more. If you get rid of all these superfluous details, the important information will be clearer to the audience.

More Examples

This excerpt is about the new license plate design for Illinois. The author thinks that the design is too cluttered.

• Unveiled Tuesday by Secretary of State Jesse White, the new design violates a cardinal rule: Less is more, especially when the canvas is small and best left uncluttered. –Chicago Tribune

The second example is about hotel thermostats. Although having more options to control the temperature sounds good in theory, in reality it makes it too difficult for guests to operate.

• In the end, he says, the best thermostat is the one that does not have to be fussed with too much. “Less is more,” he says. “If you don’t have to touch it when you walk into the room, I’ve done my job.” –USA Today

Summary

The phrase less is more means that having just the essential things is better than having way too much of superfluous things. It allows you to focus on what matters.

Let Her Rip Meaning

Definition: Allow something to move freely and forcefully.

This utterance is typically an exclamation. Despite having the pronoun her in this expression, it typically refers to objects, such as cars or boats, rather than people.

Origin of Let Her Rip

People first started using this idiom around the year 1850. It is unclear from what or where this expression first developed, but some sources state that it might be related to steamboats.

Apparently, when steamboats were racing very fast, their engines would sometimes explode, or rip, from all the pressure.

Examples of Let Her Rip

In the below dialogue, a woman uses the expression to tell her friend to shoot a firecracker. The expression is spelled without the h in her to demonstrate that this sound is often omitted in spoken English.

Kira: Hey, do you want another hot dog?

Dan: No, thanks. I’m full.

Kira: This is why the Fourth of July is my favorite holiday.

Dan: Well, I’ve never really liked hot dogs, but I do love fireworks! Are you ready to light some of the firecrackers we’ve got?

Kira: You do it first. I like to watch them, not set them off.

Dan: Okay. I’ll do this one first. Are you ready?

Kira: Yep! Let ‘er rip!

The following example shows two women using the idiom while preparing to use a copying machine.

Gertrude: Thanks for showing me how to use this copier. I just wish it were faster. I have to print over a thousand pages.

Ruby: Why don’t you use the new copy machine down the hall?

Gertrude: We have a new copier?

Ruby: Yep! I’ll show you how to use that one, too.

Gertrude: Great! Thanks!

Ruby: Here it is. See? Just put your paper in here, push the green button, and let ‘er rip!

Gertrude: Wow! It’s so fast! Thanks again!

More Examples

In this quote, a man uses the expression to explain that he drove his car extremely fast and held nothing back.

• “It’s like a step back in time to throw caution to the wind and let her rip.” Edwards entered pit road at 154 mph and stopped his car in the pit box at precisely the right spot. –USA Today

In this example, the author uses the idiom to say that the dancers should dance with all their energy and effort.

• As it happens, all three of our finalists were on that team, and they’re all healthy now, or healthy enough, anyway, so … let her rip! –USA Today

Summary

The phrase let her rip describes allowing something to expend its energy freely.

Let Someone Down Meaning

Definition: To disappoint someone; to fail someone who is depending on you.

A related term is the noun phrase let down. A let down is anything that is disappointing or not as expected.

An unrelated expression is let someone down easy. This phrase refers to breaking up with someone in a relationship in such a way that they are not devastated of overly sad.

Origin of Let Someone Down

Some sources say that this expression dates all the way back to the 1400s.

To understand the meaning behind it, think of someone who has high hopes for you. If you fail to do what that person hopes, they will have low expectations for you in the future, or a low opinion of you. In other words, their respect and belief in you will have decreased.

This expression is one of many that uses down for something negative and up or high for something positive.

When this expression appears in the negative form, it often is also in the imperative form: don’t let me (or her, him, or another object pronoun) down.

Examples of Let Someone Down

In this example, a woman is telling her friend that she will help him.

Neha: I heard that you had a fight with your girlfriend.

Tyrese: Yeah, I said something I shouldn’t have. I’m not sure she’ll ever forgive me.

Neha: I think she will. Let me talk to her about it. I think I can convince her to give you another chance.

Tyrese: Okay, but don’t make things worse. Promise me that you won’t let me down.

Neha: I promise.

In this example, two office workers are talking about a problem that one of them is having at home.

Barry: My wife and I always fight about the bills. She said that I wasn’t responsible enough. I told her that she could trust me to help out financially, so we agreed that I would pay all of the bills last month.

Rachel: And how did that go?

Barry: Terribly! I completely forgot to do it. You should have seen my wife’s face. She was so disappointed in me. I really let her down.

More Examples

This excerpt is from an article about a historic football game.

• “He came off screaming at the offense, ‘Don’t let me down, don’t let me down.’ I’m thinking to myself, ‘I’m not going to let him down, that’s for sure,” Mercein says. “He was a ferocious guy. It was like an aberration. –New York Daily News

This excerpt is from an article about baseball.

• “At that point, I talked to him before getting the at-bat: ‘This is your moment,’” Correa said. “And he didn’t let me down. He hit a homer and got us going.” –Houston Chronicle

Summary

The phrase let someone down is an expression that means to fail to do what someone hopes or trusts that you will do.

Let The Dead Bury The Dead Meaning

Definition: 1) God must come first before all else. 2) Do not let the past hurt you in the present.

Origin of Let The Dead Bury Their Dead

This expression is a quote from Jesus in the Bible. It appears in the gospels of Matthew and Luke 9:60 when one of Jesus’s disciples asks if he can go bury his father. Jesus tells the disciple that he must not do this. He should let the dead bury the dead and the disciple should continue to perform his spiritual duties.

• But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead. –Matthew 8:22
• Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” –Luke 9:60

Some people might think this is a callous act by Jesus. However, Biblical scholars interpret this differently. They say that the disciple wanted to ignore his spiritual responsibilities to go take care of his aging father. Jesus meant that the disciple’s father was spiritually dead and that other people would take care of him. The disciple had to stay true to his religious calling.

Although this doesn’t literally mean that the man couldn’t bury his father, it still might sound harsh. A better explanation might simply be that Jesus wanted his disciple to put God first, even before family.

This origin story explains the first definition. The second definition is best explained as a common misunderstanding of the quotation.

Examples of Let The Dead Bury Their Dead

In the dialogue below, two men use the idiom while discussing their responsibilities at church.

Robert: Marty, you haven’t been to church in a long time.

Marty: Yeah, I know. I would go today, but I have to take care of some things for work. I’m sure God understands.

Robert: Maybe, but Jesus did say, “Let the dead bury the dead.” It’s also possible that God wants you to put your responsibility to him before your other duties.

Marty: You’re probably right. Okay, I’ll come to church with you tomorrow.

The second dialogue shows two students who are talking about an upcoming test.

Josh: You need to study. Why do you keep daydreaming?

Jeff: I keep remembering the story about all those people who died in the earthquake. I wish I could help them.

Josh: Let the dead bury the dead. There’s nothing you can do to help them, and you need to pass this test to graduate.

More Examples

This excerpt is from an article about the holiday Festivus.

• “Referring initially to those remaining after the death of my father’s mother, and then coming to mean in general a forward-looking focus on life and the living, i.e. ‘Let the dead bury the dead’. ” –Time

This excerpt is from an article about literature.

• Or do the literary unions’ leaders surreptitiously replace the chosen lists of winners with their own favoured candidates, thereby rendering the selection process null and void? We would not have been losing sleep over that, but to just shake our heads and say: let the dead bury the dead. –Guardian

Summary

The phrase let the dead bury the dead is another way to say put your spiritual responsibilities to God before all other duties.

Sometimes people use this as a way to say forget the past or what is done is done.

Lickety-Split Meaning

Definition: Immediately; very fast.

Origin of Lickety-Split

Although it is unclear exactly how this idiom originated, most sources agree that it first started appearing in print around the year 1850, and that it is American in its origin.

Examples of Lickety-Split

In this example, two women use this expression while discussing an upcoming meeting.

Bella: Are you ready for the meeting?

Hannah: What meeting?

Bella: The meeting for the whole company. It’s huge, and it’s starting in about 10 minutes.

Hannah: No! I didn’t hear anything about it!

Bella: Everyone got sent an email about it yesterday with information to review beforehand.

Hannah: It must have gone to my junk folder.

Bella: Well you’d better find it and read it lickety-split!

Hannah: I know! I want to be prepared. I’ll do it now. I’ll meet you there.

In our next example, a woman uses the expression to explain that her and her friend need to get going to a movie.

Hanh: Hurry up! We’re going to be late for the movie!

Zhongyi: Don’t worry. We’ve got plenty of time.

Hanh: Plenty of time? The movie starts in 10 minutes and we’re a 15-minute drive away!

Zhongyi: Are you serious? Oh no, my watch is broken. I thought it was an hour earlier!

Hanh: Put on your coat and get your keys! Lickety-split!

More Examples

In the excerpt below, the author uses the idiom to explain that a computer technician fixed his computer problem very quickly.

• Then the operator told me I had to wait three days to get another appointment. Anyway, three days later the technician came — early, in fact — and fixed the problem lickety-split. –USA Today

In the second example, the idiom describes how quickly voters moved through the line to place their votes.

• “When I came in and saw the line, I thought ‘oh no’ at first, but I went through like lickety split,” said Maureen Doyle, 75, a retired school social worker. –Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Summary

The phrase lickety-split is an expression that means that something is moving or happening rapidly.

Lightning Never Strikes the Same Place Twice Meaning

Definition: The same bad thing is unlikely to happen twice.

A shortened form of the full expression sometimes appears as lightning never strikes twice.

Origin of Lightning Never Strikes The Same Place Twice

The idea behind this idiom is that lightning striking something is rare and unexpected, generally speaking. Scientifically speaking, however, this isn’t necessarily the case.

Lightning strikes are quite frequent and usually are preceded by obvious meteorological events such as storms.

In this specific idiom, the idea is that lightning is rare and random that it is highly improbable that it would strike in the same location twice. However, this too is incorrect. Lightning often strikes the same place twice, especially since lightning is drawn to metal and high locations. Regardless, the idiom remains common despite the science behind it being disproven.

This idiom likely originated in the book Thrilling Adventures of the Prisoner of the Border, published in the year 1860 by P. Hamilton Myer.

Lightning is the focus of other English idioms as well, e.g., you’re more likely to be struck by lightning than (some improbable event).

Examples of Lightning Never Strikes The Same Place Twice

The dialogue below shows two women who are discussing going to the gym.

Mila: Are you ready to go to the gym?

Betty: No, I’m never going to the gym again. Last time I was there I fell off the exercise machine and hurt my foot.

Mila: Well, that is unlikely to happen again. Lightning never strikes twice in the same place!

Betty: Okay, I’ll give it one more try. But if I get hurt again I’m never going back!

This conversation shows two friends who are discussing the bad experience one of them just had.

Tom: I just tried to ask out Shelly and failed miserably.

Ben: Try again! It will go better the next time.

Tom: No way. I don’t want to embarrass myself a second time.

Ben: Remember that lightning never strikes twice. You’re guaranteed to have a better time if you try again.

Tom: I’m not sure that applies here.

More Examples

This excerpt is from an article about sports.

• People who believe that lightning never strikes twice in the same place have never been to a Millbrook volleyball game. –Winchester Star

The second excerpt is from an article about literal lightning.

• They say lightning never strikes twice, but it did in Singapore on Wednesday (Jan 18). A rare video of lightning striking a tree at the Sim Lim Tower carpark was uploaded on Facebook by delivery driver Fahrol Razi on Wednesday. –Straits Times

Summary

The phrase lightning never strikes twice means if something negative happened once, it won’t happen again to the same person.

As Awkward As A Bull in A China Shop Meaning

Definition: Very awkward, clumsy, or reckless.

Most often, this idiom is used to describe a person who behaves inappropriately in a delicate situation.

Imagine if there truly were a bull in a shop filled with delicate china. The bull wouldn’t realize it had to be careful, and it would accidentally knock over and break the china. This mental image of careless disregard for fragile items is helpful in understanding how the idiom is used.

Origin of As Awkward As A Bull In A China Shop

The 1812 London Review and Literary Journal is the first source to have a written record of the idiom, which can be found in the excerpt below.

The business is whimsical and amusing; the changes are numerous, and the tricks, though highly ludicrous, are for the most part original; — at least, we do not remember to have met with anything like them before. The extraordinary spectacle of a Bull in a China Shop afforded great entertainment; and an artificial elephant introduced, was welcomed with loud plaudits.

Although this is the first time the expression appears in an English text, it should be noted that similar idioms exist in other languages, although most feature an elephant in a glassware shop.

Examples of As Awkward As A Bull In A China Shop

Another form this idiom often takes is “like a bull in a china shop.” In the example below, this usage can be seen when two coworkers discuss why their department head should not attend a certain meeting.

In this case, the idiom refers to the personality of the woman discussed, not her physical clumsiness.

Deanna: Did you hear that Cecelia is supposed to attend that big meeting with all the donors?

Emily: Oh no! Those donors are so proper and refined. She has no manners at all. She’ll only end up insulting them.

Deanna: I know. She’s like a bull in a china shop. There’s no way this won’t be a disaster.

In the second example, a dance teacher uses the idiom to describe the physical awkwardness of her student, rather than his personality.

Teacher: Rogelio, you’re doing the move wrong again. If you’re not careful you’re going to fall. You’re throwing all the other dancers off rhythm.

Student: I’m sorry, let me try again.

Teacher: There’s no use. You’re like a bull in a china shop. Let’s take a break and try again later.

More Examples

• “Nothing is more important to candidates than the trust they build with voters. And nothing is more fragile. Law enforcement has an unrivaled ability to shatter that trust. Accordingly, it should not behave like a bull in a china shop.” –The Washington Post
• Thompson said Griffin “plays pretty physical and flops a little bit.” “He flares his arm around so you know you might catch a random elbow or something that doesn’t, you know, rub off too well on guys,” Thompson said on “The Wheelhouse” program on KGMZ (95.7) radio in San Francisco. “He’s kind of like a bull in a china shop, kind of out of control sometimes. And then you do just see him flop sometimes, like how can a guy that big and strong flop that much? I can see how that gets under people’s skin and be frustrating to play against.” –LA Times

Summary

As awkward as a bull in a china shop is an idiom that is used to describe people who, whether intentionally or unintentionally, do not act cautiously (in their manner) or gracefully (with their physical presence) in situations where they should.

Like a Fish Needs a Bicycle Meaning

Definition: Totally unnecessary.

Origin of Like a Fish Needs a Bicycle

The feminist leader Gloria Steinem popularized this expression as A woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle. She meant that women can be happy and successful even if they don’t have a man supporting them. Many people assume she was the first to use this expression. However, she heard it from someone else.

Steinem herself says she wasn’t the first person to coin this phrase — or even popularize it. She credits Irina Dunn, an Australian author who graffitied the phrase in two bathroom stalls at her university as a student.

Although, Irina didn’t coin the idea behind the expression itself either — likening two things, a fish and a bicycle, that do not seem to belong together.

Irina paraphrased a philosophical text from philosopher Charles S. Harris, who wrote A man without faith is like a fish without a bicycle in the year 1958. He meant that religion and God are not a necessary part of life for all people.

People can use this simile to talk about anything that isn’t needed whatsoever.

Examples of Like a Fish Needs a Bicycle

Here is an example that involves two college students discussing whether or not they will actually use their college degree.

Robin: I’ve decided to drop out of school.

Harry: Don’t you want to get your degree?

Robin: No, I decided to pursue a job as a professional soccer player. An athlete needs a college degree like a fish needs a bicycle.

Harry: That’s not true. A lot of athletes get injured and need to find a job that requires a degree.

Robin: Huh. I never thought about that.

In this dialogue, two coworkers are discussing the weight loss competition that their company is taking part in.

Mal: I’m so glad this weight loss competition will only last one more day! The team competing against us is trying hard to make us give up.

Xiomara: What do you mean?

Mal: They ordered pizza and donuts and sent it to our office! They thought that would weaken our resolve.

Xiomara: That’s so sneaky! Luckily, I know that I need a donut like a fish needs a bicycle. I’m way more interested in winning the competition than in eating some junk food.

More Examples

This excerpt is from a horoscope.

• This is a poor day for important discussions with bosses, parents and VIPs because they will disintegrate into nasty arguments and power struggles. You need this like a fish needs a bicycle. Therefore, avoid this. Turn your attention elsewhere. –Chicago Sun Times

This excerpt is about something seemingly unnecessary but is actually very useful.

• At first blush, it might seem that Amazon needs a retail grocery outlet as much as a fish needs a bicycle. But a closer look reveals an incredible strategic vision. –Daily Journal

Summary

The expression like a fish needs a bicycle is a funny idiom to visualize, and it’s easy to figure out when you think about it.

Does a fish need a bicycle? Not at all.

Therefore, like a fish needs a bicycle is a simile that people can use when someone doesn’t need something at all.

Chalk and Cheese Meaning

Definition: Two very different things.

Origin of Chalk and Cheese

This expression originated in the latter part of the 1300s. It is unclear exactly how it started — other than the two items being completely difference. It is possible that its alliteration made it more popular.

The earliest known example of this phrase is in John Gower’s Middle English text Confessio Amantis(1390)

• Lo, how they feignen chalk for chese.

In modern speech and writing, this phrase has now been mostly replaced by like apples and oranges.

Examples of Chalk and Cheese

In the example below, two siblings are talking to each other about the girl one of them is dating.

Jordan: Hey, James. I heard you are dating Clara. Is that true?

James: Yeah. Why?

Jordan: I was just surprised to hear that because the two of you don’t seem like you’d date each other.

James: Why do you say that?

Jordan: Well, you are into playing sports, going to parties, and watching TV shows. She’s into going to school, reading books, and doing crafts.

James: So I can only date someone with the same hobbies as me?

Jordan: No, but your personalities are different, too. The two of you are as different as chalk and cheese. It just surprised me. That’s all.

In the second dialogue, two coworkers are discussing the needs of their two major clients.

Job: So I know you are still pretty new at this company, but I think you’re ready to take on a new project.

Melissa: What is it?

Job: We have two major clients. You’ve already been working on stuff for one of them. I’d like you to start working on an ad campaign for the other.

Melissa: That sounds great!

Job: So, as you know, the first company is a very old, respectable institution, so they like their ads to be elegant and understated. This other company is totally different. They like their ads to be edgy and impossible to ignore. They are as different as chalk and cheese.

More Example

This quote is about two musicians whose differences caused tension, but also helped them to be more creative.

• “It’s funny, it was one of those situations where the friction, the chalk and cheese thing, that made it so difficult also made it interesting,” Sexton says. “Now what we’ve just chosen to focus on is that inspiration because the chemistry between Doyle and I never ceased. If anything, we have more in common now than just some of those influences that were there previously.” –Houston Chronicle

The second example is about a famous pop singer and a famous country singer who started dating. The writer believes they are very different because they have different musical styles.

• The world may scoff at this seemingly chalk-and-cheese pairing who are still reeling from their divorces, but who needs them? –New York Post

Summary

The saying like chalk and cheese are two nouns that represent two dissimilar things.

Like Father Like Son Meaning

Definition: Children often look and act similar to their parents.

This expression is sometimes changed to be like mother, like daughter to refer to women.

Origin of Like Father Like Son

This idiom existed in its current form since at least 1616 when it appeared in a book called Bibliotheca Scholastica Instructissima, which included proverbs collected by an Englishman named Thomas Draxe. However, it existed in English in other forms before this.

It also existed in other cultures and languages before English. Even the Bible has a female version of this expression, like mother like daughter, in Ezekiel 16:44:

Everyone who quotes proverbs will quote this proverb about you: “Like mother, like daughter.”

Examples of Like Father Like Son

In our first example dialogue, two friends discuss the proverb, wondering whether or not it applies to the man and his father.

Ezekiel: Everyone always uses that old saying like father, like son to describe my dad and me. I never understand why. The two of us could not be more different.

Maggie: Do you think so? I’ve seen your father, and you look the same, except for the age difference.

Ezekiel: It’s true that we look alike, but people think we act alike as well. We disagree on almost everything, though.

Maggie: Maybe you just have the same mannerisms.

Here is another example, in which one friend uses the expression to say that her friend is very similar to his father.

Mila: What’s the matter? You look upset.

Tyrion: I just got off the phone with my father. We had a huge argument. He’s just incredibly stubborn!

Mila: Like father, like son, I suppose.

Tyrion: What is that supposed to mean?

Mila: Just that you’re stubborn, too. I assume you get that from your father.

More Examples

In this excerpt, a son believes he is so similar to his father that he got a tattoo of this proverb.

• His dad took in the entire scene from the stands. These two are tight, so much so that the son has a tattoo across his chest that reads, “Like father, like son.” –Denver Post

In our second excerpt, the idiom describes a son who is similar to his father because both of them are excellent athletes.

• He had become a two-time Olympian, a television reporter intoned, just like his dad decades before.

“Like father, like son?” the reporter asked. –Washington Post

Summary

The phrase like father, like son means that children often appear and act just like their parents.

Like it or Lump it Meaning

Definition: Accept it happily, or accept it unhappily. Either way you must accept it. Put up with it.

Origin of Like it or Lump it

One of the definitions of lump is to tolerate an unpleasant situation. This use of the word dates back to the 1500s, but its precise source has been lost. Some claim that is comes from a British dialect word meaning to look sullen; others claim it is a nice way to say stuff it.

In any event, people use this expression when something cannot change, and everyone must deal with it. They don’t have a choice about this thing happening, but they can choose how to react to it. They can choose to look at it in a positive light, or they can glower and grump about it.

Regardless of their reaction, the outcome will remain the same.

Like it or lump it first appeared on the literary scene in the early-19th century. In 1833 John Neal used it in the Down-Easters.

Charles Dickens also used the phrase in Our Mutual Friend (1864):

• If you don’t like it, it’s open to you to lump it.

Examples of Like it or Lump it

In the conversation below, two friends are discussing a break up that one of them just went through.

Scott: What’s wrong? You haven’t gotten out of bed all day?

Tony: I’m just feeling depressed about my recent breakup.

Scott: Listen, that was months ago. You’ve got to get over it. Like it or lump it, you and Lindsay are over. Forever!

Tony: Geeze. Okay. That’s a little harsh.

Scott: Sorry, but it’s true.

Two coworkers use the expression while talking about their children.

Richard: Miranda, how do you remain steadfast after grounding your children? I grounded my two kids. I told them because they did something bad that they can’t watch any TV, use the Internet, or visit their friends. Anyway, they’ve been complaining so much that I want to end their grounding early.

Miranda: No, definitely don’t do that. If you give up now, they’ve won. They’ll know that if they complain enough about anything, you’ll eventually give in. Just tell them that like it or lump it, they’re grounded and they can’t make you change your mind. Don’t give in!

More Examples

The first example uses the expression to describe how a student with a disability let others in the classroom know he had this disability. He said that his disability was just something they would have to deal with, because he couldn’t change it.

• And ten years before, in my first semester of teaching as casual, I’d had an experience where a student in a tutorial stood up and told other students, apropos of nothing, that he had high functioning autism and they could like it or lump it. –The Sydney Morning Herald

The second example is about a Scottish politician who has made a decision, and the other politicians will just have to deal with it.

• “St Nicola shrugged. Yadda, yadda. Talk to the hand. Her game, her rules. Like it or lump it. If all of them were so sure no one would want another referendum after Brexit, why were they so reluctant to put it to the test? –Guardian

Summary

The saying like it or lump it is and English idiom that means choose your reaction because you can’t change the outcome.

Shooting Fish in a Barrel Meaning

Definition: Extremely easy, or not difficult at all.

This is a fun expression that creates a whimsical mental picture. Imagine how hard it would be to shoot a fish in the river or in the ocean. Now, imagine how much easier it would be if the fish were stuck in a barrel. It would be a lot easier!

Origin of Shooting Fish in a Barrel

The origin of this idiom is more of a mystery than most, but there is one theory that is the most popular.

In the past, after fish were caught, they were packaged to be sold in the market place. The fish were tightly packed into barrels filled with ice. If someone were to shoot into that barrel, they’d be guaranteed to hit one.

Examples of Shooting Fish in a Barrel

This phrase is most often used as a simile. People might say, “It’s like shooting fish in a barrel,” or “It’s as easy as shooting fish in a barrel.”

Here is an example dialogue between a new employee, Ricardo, and an old employee, Yuki, at their workplace.

Yuki: Welcome to the new job! Are you nervous for your first day?

Ricardo: I’m so nervous, actually! Is this job very hard?

Yuki: Not at all! It’s like shooting fish in a barrel. Relax, you have nothing to worry about.

Here’s another example of the phrase used in its negative form. In this example, two parents are discussing how they will teach their young children to read.

Otto: You know, I think I’ll just read to my kids every night. They’ll figure it out just by listening to me.

Lorenzo: What? You mean you aren’t going to teach them the sounds of the letters or anything?

Otto: No, I don’t think it’s necessary.

Lorenzo: Come on! Teaching kids to read isn’t like shooting fish in a barrel! It takes a lot of hard work and practice.

More Examples

• The hunt for that traditional Black Friday quarry, a low-priced HDTV, should be as easy for shoppers this year as shooting fish in a barrel. That’s because a confluence of market pressures has created a perfect buying opportunity for shoppers this season. –USA Today
• “Mr. Posner said he has to taste at least 100 domestic Pinot Noirs to find five that he deems worthy to put on his store shelves. “It’s not like shooting fish in a barrel,” Mr. Posner said of finding high-quality domestic Pinot Noir under $40. A good bottle can easily cost twice as much.” –The Wall Street Journal

Summary

This idiom is used to say that something is very simple. It can have either a positive or a negative connotation.

When used in a positive way, the idiom highlights how easy something is as a good thing. It can, however, have a negative connotation when a person wants to say that something is too easy.

Like the Dickens Meaning

Definition: A lot; very much.

This phrase is used as a general intensifier. Some common collocations are hurts like the dickens, run like the dickens, work like the dickens, miss you like the dickens, etc.

Origin of Like the Dickens

Believe it or not, this phrase actually has nothing to do with Charles Dickens, the famous English writer.

Dickens is a substitute for the word devil. Some people try to avoid saying the word devil for religious reasons.

One of the most common phrases using like the dickens is to say that something hurt like the dickens. For example, that hurt like the dickens. Other synonymous expressions that religious people might avoid include that hurt like the devil or that hurt like hell.

Dickens first appeared in the English playwright William Shakespeare’s Merry Wives of Windsor, from the year 1600.

Examples of Like the Dickens

In this dialogue, a brother and sister are discussing a surprising discovery.

Maria: What’s the matter? Why were you screaming upstairs?

Franco: I was up in the attic looking for some old clothes when I heard a strange sound. After a moment, I realized it was a raccoon!

Maria: Oh my goodness!

Franco: It scared the dickens out of me.

Maria: I bet you ran like the dickens as well.

Franco: I did!

The second example shows two university students who are complaining about the antics of their school’s president.

Lorenzo: Our school president is still lying about his involvement in that scandal. I wish he would just admit what he did wrong. Everyone knows he’s lying, and it’s just making him look ridiculous.

Alba: Yeah, I know. Unfortunately, I don’t think he’s capable of telling the truth. He lies like the dickens every chance he gets.

More Examples

The excerpt below is about a historical drama. On the show, the characters who are part of British nobility must become more modern or fight to keep their culture more traditional.

• But now that the Labor Party has moved in and the aristocracy is slowly crumbling, the manicured upstairs lot must make a choice: join the changing times or fight like the dickens. –USA Today

This example is a book excerpt that a newspaper featured in their Lifestyle section. It uses the expression to emphasize how strong the rain was.

• The weather’s been so strange lately. For three days, it rained like the dickens — a cold rain it was, just this side of snow. But the day after the dam broke, it got sunny and warm and it’s been that way since. –USA Today

Grammar and Usage

Although this expression has the meaning of a lot, like the dickens acts as an intensifier, not merely an amount of something. Therefore, don’t use it when you could use a lot of.

Correct: She ran like the dickens. (Here it describes how she ran as fast as she could.)

Incorrect: She has like the dickens apple. (Some people might think this means She has a lot of apples, but we cannot use the expression in this way. This sounds like nonsense.)

Summary

The idiom like the dickens is an intensifier that means to a great degree.

Like Water Off a Duck’s Back Meaning

Definition: Without any effect.

People often use this to describe insults or other negative actions that others do against them that do not harm them. A common collocation is to roll off someone like water off a duck’s back.

Origin of Water Off a Duck’s Back

This expression originated in the 1800s. It comes from the literal characteristic that duck feathers have for resisting water.

If you have ever observed a duck, you may have noticed that no matter how often the duck dives under the water, it comes back up looking quite dry. This is because duck feathers are coated in special oil that repels water. For that reason, water droplets quite literally roll off of ducks’ backs.

Early uses of this idiom are more literal. For example, one of the earliest found in print talks about a raincoat that keeps water off of people like water off a duck’s back.

Another example talks about how dirt washes off when using a specific cleaning product, just as water rolls off a duck.

However, other early uses include rude words or actions that don’t affect a person as well.

Examples of Water Off a Duck’s Back

Here is an example of a teacher using the expression in a math class.

Teacher: John, where is your homework? This is the second time in a row you haven’t had it ready.

Student: Maybe if your class wasn’t so stupid, I would actually do the homework.

Teacher: You’re not going to hurt my feelings. Comments like those roll off of me like water off a duck’s back. I don’t care how you feel about the class. All I care about is that you do the homework.

In this example, two friends are discussing some rude gossip.

Monica: I can’t believe that Molly is telling everyone that I stole from her! It’s not true!

Janice: I know it’s not true, but there’s nothing we can do to stop her. I think the best thing to do is just ignore her.

Monica: That doesn’t seem fair. She shouldn’t be allowed to slander me!

Janice: I know. But if she sees that her comments don’t affect you, if they roll off you like water off a duck’s back, then she’ll leave you alone.

More Examples

This excerpt is from an article about a cruise.

• The ups and downs of the stock market. The back-and-forth of the presidential election. Aboard Cunard Line’s newest ship, the Queen Victoria, in the southern Caribbean, cares like these are water off a duck’s back. In fact, except for the daily “programme” — this is a British ship — that announces the day’s activities, it’s almost possible to forget the date. –Denver Post

The second excerpt is from an article about a police deputy that works with teenagers.

• “I think it’s really cool he patrols Rancho Santa Margarita Intermediate and makes sure it’s safe,” said John Sigala, 12, adding that Cranford has also helped him deal with teen issues. “For me and other short people, we get teased a lot. But to me it’s just like water off a duck’s back. But some kids don’t take it as well as others.” –OC Register

Summary

The phrase like water off a duck’s back usually describes an insult or criticism that does not hurt or otherwise negatively affect the person being insulted.

Like White on Rice Meaning

Definition: Extremely near to something.

People use this to mean physically close, but they also use it to mean closely involved with something.

Origin of Like White on Rice

Sources speculate that this expression originated sometime in the 1900s and saw a large increase in use post-1980. It comes from the color of rice. The color of rice, and rice itself, are so closely intertwined that they are inextricable.

If you are on someone like white on rice, you are watching that person closely.

Examples of Like White on Rice

This example shows two college students using the idiom while discussing an unwelcome acquaintance.

Frank: That girl, Molly, keeps trying to hang out with me again.

Karl: Just try to avoid her.

Frank: I’d like to avoid her, but she’s always with me. She’s always on me like white on rice. I don’t think that she’ll leave me alone unless I tell her directly that I need more space.

In this example, two friends are discussing the relationship one of them has with her parents.

Lily: I’m sorry if I seem a little rude today. I’m in a bad mood because both of my parents are coming to visit.

Grace: Why would that put you in a bad mood? Don’t you like having your parents visit you?

Lily: Yes, I do like having them visit for many reasons. However, there are also some reasons that make me dislike their visits.

Grace: Like what?

Lily: For example, my parents are both very fastidious about keeping the house clean. If I forget to make my bed in the morning, or if I don’t immediately clean my plates after I’m done eating, they’re both on me like white on rice.

Grace: What do you mean by that?

Lily: I mean they both immediately start nagging me to tidy up.

More Examples

The excerpt below is from an article about local politics.

• Yet Wilson was one of the board leaders for the massive union pension spike in 2004. He obviously didn’t spend much time researching his investment there. Ah, won’t it be nice to have a board with principled, straight-up members? No wonder the unions are jumping on this minor controversy like white on rice. –OC Register

This excerpt is from an article about tenants in an apartment building who did not have any gas.

“As soon as we get the violations, we’re on top of that like white on rice,” Devivo said. Asked why tenants had no gas for seven months, she said, “The reason it took so long is CASA was instructing (tenants) not to give access to certain apartments.” –New York Daily News

Summary

The expression like white on rice means heavily interested in or working closely with. It can also mean very nearby.

Lion’s Share Meaning

Definition: A larger portion than others’ portions; the largest part of a whole.

Origin of Lion’s Share

This expression is based on one of Aesop’s fables. Aesop was a Greek slave who lived between 500 and 600 B.C. People attribute many famous fables to him.

One of these many fables is about a lion. There are several variations of the story. However, in all versions the gist is that the lion asks several other animals to help him hunt.

After they catch their prey, the lion offers to split the kill between them all. He divides it into equal parts, but then gives various reasons why he should keep each part. These include that he is king of the jungle and other reasons involving his strength or superiority.

In the end, the other animals that helped him hunt receive nothing, or a very small part.

The moral of this story is not to trust partnerships with those much more powerful than oneself.

However, even more enduring than this moral is the idiom itself. A lion’s share means the biggest portion since the lion in the story took more than all the other animals.

Examples of Lion’s Share

The dialogue below shows two friends preparing to share a cake.

Giuseppe: My coworkers gave me some cake for my birthday, but I couldn’t finish it all. I brought it home to eat later. Would you like some?

May: Sure! I’d love some!

Giuseppe: How big of a slice do you want?

May: Maybe just half of that. I can cut it.

Giuseppe: Hm. I’m not sure you really gave yourself half. It seems like you gave me the lion’s share.

May: That’s true. I didn’t want to take too much since it’s your birthday!

In the dialogue below, a father is talking to his daughter about a bully at her school.

Rafal: Vesna, you seem stressed about something. What is it?

Vesna: Well, there’s another student in my class who always takes the lion’s share of the crayons and markers during art class. It’s not fair that he gets so much more than us.

Rafal: Why doesn’t your teacher stop him?

Vesna: The art teacher is his mother.

More Examples

This excerpt is about the profits from an MMA fight.

• Luckily for the wallets of both Mayweather and McGregor, ticket sales are just a drop in the bucket for their overall payday. Pay-per-view buys make up the lion’s share of the purse and the fight is still expected to bring in more than the record 4.6 million buy set by the Mayweather-Pacquiao bout. –New York Post

The second excerpt is from an article about the US Navy.

• Courtney said that since submarines will “carry the lion’s share of our nuclear deterrence,” the Columbia class is a “must-do project.” –New York Daily News

Summary

The idiom lion’s share means the largest part of something divided amongst other people.

Lip Service Meaning

Definition: A disingenuous expression of support.

Origin of Lip Service

Both the Old and New Testaments contain references to honoring God or Jesus only with one’s lips. In other words, followers would say with their mouths that they are followers of Jesus, but their actions show a different story.

This is an example of paying lip service, which is an insincere expression of friendship, devotion, or support.

Imagine a person who claims to support an idea or action through his or her words, but who does nothing through his or her actions to follow through. That person may even actively act against what he or she claims to support.

An early English example of this term can be found from the 1644 Directory for the Publique Worship Throughout the Three Kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland:

• Pleasing themselves in their lip-service in bearing a part in it.

An earlier version, from the 1500’s, was lip labour. A common collocation is to pay lip service to something.

People often pay lip service to something that they personally disagree with, but that they believe other people support. This allows them to look good to others, while not actively engaging in an activity they disapprove of.

Examples of Lip Service

In the dialogue below, two friends are talking about a problem one of them is having at work.

Ezekiel: I need your advice about a problem I’m having at work. One of my bosses always compliments me in meetings and talks about how much he approves of my ideas. However, whenever we are alone he tries to do everything in his power to undermine me.

Maggie: Maybe he knows that everyone else in the company likes your ideas and likes you, so he pays lip service to you in order to appear to like you as well. Then, when he knows no one else will see, he tries to get you to fail.

Ezekiel: That could be true. If other people started to lose faith in me, he would be free to express his own dislike of me.

Maggie: Be careful around him.

In this example, two friends are discussing a third friend.

Tyrion: I’m starting to think that Nancy isn’t the true advocate we’ve always thought she was.

Mila: Why do you say that? She always has claimed to believe in economic freedom.

Tyrion: I know, but that’s all she has ever done. She always is talking about how important it is, but whenever we need her to actually do something to show her support, she fails us.

More Examples

This excerpt is about ways to protest injustice.

• The ultimate disrespect for our flag is paying lip service to the cause American soldiers have fought and died for by reciting the national anthem at football games but not thoughtfully engaging in the betterment of our nation. These NFL players want to better the nation and are doing something about it. –Denver Post

This excerpt is about a university and a sexual harassment case.

• “Columbia pays lip service to the ideals of a safe campus,” said David Sanford, one of the woman’s lawyers. “However, the institution has demonstrated deliberate indifference to complaints of sexual harassment. Jane Doe is now among the women harmed by Columbia University trustees’ callous disregard for students’ safety, psychological health, and emotional well being.” –New York Post

Summary

The phrase pay lip service means to proclaim approval in words only, without any actions.

Little Black Book Meaning

Definition: A personal notebook or contacts or journal full of secrets.

As with many English idioms containing the word black, this one refers to something mysterious or even potentially shameful.

People may refer to a journal or part of a journal as their black book or little black book. This means that it is full of personal secrets and private information that might be embarrassing if it were to be shared.

Most often, however, the phrase little black book refers to a list of sexual partners or other personal contacts. Sometimes, it can refer to a list of people who someone dislikes. It is rare for the phrase to refer to other secrets, though it is sometimes used in ways other than these two.

Origin of Little Black Book

The first use of the phrase came about in the mid-1400s. At that time, it referred to a list of people who had committed crimes or fallen out of favor with leaders.

In 1536, royalty, including Kind Henry VIII, kept a literal black book where the names of people who were sinful were written. This black book was a way of keeping record of who in the kingdom should be punished for their sinful ways.

Examples of Little Black Book

The phrase is still used to mean a list of people who are in trouble with someone else, as it was in King Henry VIII’s time. Someone may say,

She’s really gotten herself in his black book now that she’s canceled their plans three times this week.

Now, though, it more commonly references sexual partners. This may derive from the sinfulconnotations of the phrase. Someone may use the phrase as a euphemism for sexual intercourse, saying,

I have one more name to add to my black book after tonight.

More Examples

• Hot or not, 1945-style in the Little Black Book […] recorded names and numbers, hair color and beauty rating. –LA Times
• A University of Wisconsin student accused in a series of sexual assaults kept a black book with women’s names chronicling his “sexual desires,” according to a search warrant in the expanding investigation. –New York Post

Summary

A little black book is a list of secrets or personal contacts.

A Little Knowledge is a Dangerous Thing Meaning

Definition: A small amount of knowledge about a topic can make people falsely believe they are experts on that topic.

The idiom a little knowledge is a dangerous thing means that one can become falsely overconfident about his expertise in a certain subject if he possesses a small amount of knowledge about it. The idiom is a piece of caution to exercise humility, and it demonstrates that one should research a topic extensively before proclaiming oneself an expert on that topic.

Origin of A Little Knowledge is a Dangerous Thing

This phrase has a few variations, including,

• A little learning is a dangerous thing.
• A little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing.

No matter what variation is used, they carry the same meaning.

The first use of this idiom appears in Alexander Pope’s An Essay on Criticism,published in 1709:

• A little learning is a dangerous thing; drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring.

The idiom as it appears here was first used in 1774, in The Gentlemans and Lady’s Complete Magazine, Vol II:

• Pope says, very truly, “A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.”

The latter example is a clear allusion to Pope’s earlier statement, although it was inaccurately quoted. Perhaps this explains why both idioms are used interchangeably.

Examples of A Little Knowledge is a Dangerous Thing

Since it is proverbial, this idiom is not commonly used in everyday speech. However, this example exchange between two colleagues illustrates how native speakers might use this phrase.

Amy: My son came home with a tattoo that his buddy gave him, and now it’s infected.

Sean: Just because someone has a tattoo gun doesn’t mean they know what they’re doing. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.

Summary

The English idiom a little knowledge is a dangerous thing means that one who only knows a little bit about a subject might mistake oneself for an expert on it.

Living on Borrowed Time Meaning

Definition: Continuing to live while close to death; an unexpected extension of time.

Origin of Living on Borrowed Time

People use this to describe someone whom they expect to die soon. This is usually due to illness or very old age.

In this expression, the person has borrowed time from Death. People often personify Death as a man in a black hood and a black robe. The idea is that Death has come to take a person away, and that person has borrowed a little more time from Death to stay on earth.

People can sometimes use borrowed time for the limited time they have before suddenly stopping due to some reason other than death. For example, a person might be working on borrowed time before their boss inevitably fires them.

This expression originated in the latter half of the 1800s.

Examples of Living on Borrowed Time

In the following example, two friends are discussing a stressful situation.

Kerry: Hey, Christine, I’m panicking! I went to the doctor for a regular checkup, and she ran some tests. She said she’d only call me if there were something wrong.

Christine: Did she call you?

Kerry: Yes, but she just left me a message to call her back. What if I have some deadly disease? Who knows how much longer I’ll be alive. I could be living on borrowed time right now!

Christine: Try not to panic. It could be something totally different.

In this dialogue, two friends are discussing a sick family member that one of them has.

Arlena: What’s the matter? You look upset.

Nyima: I’m just worried about my grandfather. He’s getting really old and forgetful. Also, his health wasn’t the best to begin with, and it’s just been deteriorating.

Arlena: I’m sorry to hear that. I know that’s tough.

Nyima: Yeah. My mom just told me she thinks he’s living on borrowed time, so I’m just trying to think of how to make the most of the short time together that we have left.

More Examples

The example below is from an article headline. It uses the expression to ponder if we will all die soon by an asteroid collision with earth.

• World Asteroid Day: Are we living on borrowed time? –USA Today

This excerpt is from an article about concerns that a movie romanticizes suicide for people with disabilities.

• No, my deepest concern is for the newly disabled or not yet well-adjusted or well-supported disabled who will be unduly seduced into relieving their relatives — and themselves — of the burden of living with a chronic condition. In short, the hazardous risk in movies like this is that it romanticizes and glamorizes an early exit for those who already feel marginalized, who feel they are living on borrowed time. –Chicago Tribune

Summary

The phrase living on borrowed time is a euphemism for likely to die soon.

Lone Wolf Meaning

Definition: 1) a person who prefers to be alone as opposed to living or working with others; an independent person; 2) a criminal that is not part of a larger illegal organization or network.

Origin of Lone Wolf

This expression began to rise in popularity around the early-1900s. It relates to the literal meaning of wolf, which is a dog-like type of animal. Wolves are famous for living in packs. Therefore, a lone wolf is one that, for whatever reason, has no pack.

Likewise, regarding the first definition of this idiom, a person who is a lone wolf is a person who prefers solitude to the company of other people. People could demonstrate this trait for many reasons. Perhaps some of them have social anxiety. Others may simply find other people annoying. Others might feel like they can accomplish more on their own.

Nowadays, most uses of this term in the news refer to the second definition. Police and news media usually classify the criminals behind mass shootings and other public, violent attacks as part of a gang, terrorist network, or other criminal group. If the criminal does not appear to be linked with any organizations such as those, the news often labels him or her as a lone wolf.

Examples of Lone Wolf

Here is an example of two family members using the expression while at home.

Grandmother: I’m worried about you. You never invite friends over here. You also never go out with anyone to the movies, the mall, or anywhere fun.

Granddaughter: You don’t have to worry about that. I’ve always been sort of a lone wolf. I don’t mind hanging out with one or two close friends at a time, for short periods of time. However, I need to have my alone time to relax and feel comfortable. Usually, I prefer to be on my own so I can read my books and watch my TV shows.

Grandmother: Well, if you are happy living mostly in solitude, I won’t push you to be more social.

The second dialogue shows a father and his daughter a recent mass shooting.

Father: This is awful. Fifty people have died already.

Daughter: Do they know who was shooting everyone yet?

Father: No, not yet. However, the police gave a statement that they believe the murderer is a lone wolf. It does not appear like the shooting is the work of any terrorist group.

More Examples

This excerpt is about possible bioweapon attacks.

• In the meantime, the barriers for a terrorist group or lone wolf to create a biological threat are wearing down. Today, a bioweapon factory like the Japanese terrorists built “could be constructed in a way that was vastly smaller and less visible,” said Danzig, who served on President Barack Obama’s Intelligence Advisory Board, which consulted with the intelligence community on biothreats. –Chicago Tribune

This excerpt is from an editorial about a political advisor who may not want to work with others.

• Bannon is a lone wolf, full of odd notions that won’t get much traction in places like the CIA, and if that ultimately limits his effectiveness, nobody should complain. –Chicago Sun Times

Summary

The term lone wolf can either describe a person who prefers solitude to company or a criminal acting without the support of other criminals.

At Loggerheads Meaning

Definition: In disagreement.

People often use this expression to describe people having an argument, especially when neither side is willing to compromise.

Origin of At Loggerheads

This expression first appeared around the 1670s. The exact origin is unclear. However, loggerhead, on its own, can mean stupid person. It is also the name of a type of turtle. It may also come from logs, in the sense of wood from trees.

However, most sources believe that a fourth meaning is the most likely, which is that of an iron tool. It is possible that two people at loggerheads conjured an image of two people fighting with these iron tools.

Examples of At Loggerheads

Here is an example of a teacher using the expression in a math class.

Teacher: Okay, I know some of you cheated on the last test. I also have noticed that many of you are upset at my punishment, to fail the whole class if no one admits to cheating.

Student: It’s not fair for you to punish the non-cheaters along with the cheaters!

Teacher: Well, you got lucky because the principal and I were at loggerheads over this issue for a long time, but he finally convinced me not to punish the whole class.

In this example, two friends are coming back home from a party and are arguing about something that happened while there.

Monica: I want you to be honest with me.

Janice: Of course! What’s wrong?

Monica: I think you spilled your wine on me on purpose in order to embarrass me, so that you would look better than me.

Janice: How rude! I would never do that!

Monica: Listen, I don’t want us to be at loggerheads over this. In other words, I don’t want to fight about who started this. I just want you to apologize so we can move on.

More Examples

This excerpt is from an article about the Pope’s visit to Colombia.

• “The solitude of always being at loggerheads has been familiar for decades, and its smell has lingered for a hundred years,” he said, alluding to the most famous work of Colombia’s Nobel laureate, Gabriel Garcia Marquez. “We do not want any type of violence whatsoever to restrict or destroy one more life.” –Houston Chronicle

The second excerpt is from an article about the governor signing bills on guns.

• Newsom’s initiative has put a spotlight on the lieutenant governor as he campaigns for governor in the 2018 election. He’s been at loggerheads with Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, a Los Angeles Democrat, who tried unsuccessfully to convince Newsom to drop the ballot measures in favor of legislative action. –OC Register

Summary

The phrase at loggerheads is an old expression that means having an argument, especially an argument in which both sides are convinced they are right and are each unwilling to bend.

Long in the Tooth Meaning

Definition: Old.

This expression is a less direct way to describe older people, or possibly animals, rather than things or places.

Origin of Long in the Tooth

This idiom began to appear in writing in the first half of the 1800s. Most sources cite horses as the inspiration for this saying, since it is possible to know the age of a horse by examining its teeth.

Despite the fact that horses’ teeth can wear down over time, the idea is that the longer the tooth is, the older the horse is. Therefore, this idiom is used to describe aged individuals.

Examples of Long in the Tooth

Here is an example of a math professor and her student using the idiom.

Student: Oh no. This is the worst.

Teacher: Why? What’s the matter?

Student: You wouldn’t understand.

Teacher: I might surprise you. If you want to talk about it, I’m here to listen.

Student: I am having problems with friends. Sorry, but you’re a little too long in the tooth to understand the situation.

Teacher: First of all, it is offensive to say that. Second of all, with age comes wisdom. Just try me.

In this example, two friends are discussing a third friend’s new boyfriend.

Monica: Did you hear that Rebecca has a new boyfriend?

Janice: Yeah. But I don’t know anything about him. I don’t even know his name. All that I heard was that he’s super old.

Monica: Come on, Janice. Be nice!

Janice: What? It’s true, isn’t it?

Monica: Well, to be honest, he is a little long in the tooth.

Janice: That’s what I’m saying. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing. She’s not very mature herself, so maybe he will be a good influence on her.

More Examples

In this excerpt, the idiom describes an athlete who is still young by most standards but is old for a professional athlete.

• When 2020 rolls around, James will be 35, which is long in the tooth for any NBA player, let alone one with aspirations of being among the select few chosen for Team USA. –Washington Post

In our second excerpt, the idiom describes an actor who was too old for a part in a James Bond movie.

• When Mr. Moore made this 1985 film, his seventh and final appearance as 007, a critic for The Washington Post wrote, “Moore isn’t just long in the tooth — he’s got tusks.” –New York Times

Summary

The phrase long in the tooth is another, less direct, way to describe someone who is older.

The Long Pole in the Tent Meaning

Definition: 1) The part of a task that will take the longest amount of time to complete; 2) the most critical part of a task.

Origin of Long Pole in the Tent

Some sources say this term comes from engineering or aviation. However, it the exact relationship between tents and aviation is unclear. Most sources also say that the metaphorical meaning of this idiom is related to its literal meaning.

The long pole in a tent will determine the height of the tent, just as the longest, most time consuming, part of a project will determine the length of a project.

Likewise, the long pole in a tent usually is in the center, and bears most of the weight, making it the most important. Therefore, the long pole in the tent in the metaphorical sense can also be the most important.

Both meanings exist, although the meaning related to delays is more common.

Examples of Long Pole in the Tent

The dialogue below shows two women planning a fundraiser for children with disabilities.

Mila: Betty, there is so much to do to make sure we have everything ready on time. Are you sure we can handle all of this?

Betty: Of course. We just have to make sure to manage our time effectively.

Mila: How do you suggest we do that?

Betty: Well, calling and getting big corporate sponsors is the long pole in the tent. That will take the most time, by far. Therefore, we should make sure not to get behind schedule on that front.

This dialogue shows a couple of roommates talking

about spring-cleaning.

John: Amanda, we need to talk about how we are going to split up the chores. If we want to have the whole house cleaned and ready for our house party next weekend, we have a lot to do.

Amanda: Okay. I’ll dust and you can do the dishes.

John: That’s fine, but the long pole in the tent is cleaning out all the junk from the basement. If we don’t finish that, there will be no room for our guests.

More Examples

This excerpt explains the origin of the expression in an article about President George W. Bush and nuclear weapons.

• The long tent pole is an aviation term, with engineering origins. Fred Shapiro, editor of “The Yale Book of Quotations,” finds a use of the phrase in a 1970 technical review by the Society of Experimental Test Pilots. “The phrase is not in quotation marks, suggesting it had already become a term that would be known to their readers,” says Shapiro, adding that the meaning seems to be “the thing that must be dealt with first or most crucially for a larger project to be successful.” –New York Times

The second excerpt is about economic leaders for a community.

• We are the long pole in the tent and that’s an enormous responsibility, and we want to continue to provide good jobs and to drive that economic activity and to make it bigger. –Williamsburg Yorktown Daily

Summary

The phrase long pole in the tent means the longest or most important part of a project.

Long Shot Meaning

Definition: Something with a low chance of success.

Origin of Long Shot

There are multiple origin stories for this phrase, which can appear by itself a long shot or in the negative form not by a long shot.

One origin story relates the expression to early firearms, which were not accurate at long distances. According to this theory, in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, a long shot has a literal definition, a shot from a long range.

By the late 19th century, the term had been transferred to other improbable circumstances, such as a wild guess and unlikely betting odds.

This is where our second origin story comes into play, where long shot specifically meant a bet that had a low chance of winning. This theory postulates that the phrase originated in gambling over horse races. Another term for this was long odds. By the 1800s, the meaning of a long shot had expanded to mean anything that seemed unlikely.

A similar expression is not by a long shot, which means not at all, not even close or not even a tiny chance.

There is a possibility that not by a long shot came from mishearing the British expression not by a long chalk. This has the same meaning but comes from a game of darts, in which the highest score on the scoreboard has the highest amount of chalk marks.

Examples of Long Shot

In the first example, two employees are talking together about the possibility of getting a raise.

Marcus: All the employees are having performance reviews this week. Are you nervous?

Patsy: No, I’m not too nervous. I have gotten very good feedback from clients, and I am meeting all of my goals. In fact, I’m even hopeful that I’ll get a raise!

Marcus: Well, don’t be disappointed if you don’t get a raise. It’s not impossible, but it’s a real long shot.

Patsy: Why do you say that?

Marcus: I only know of one other employee who has gotten a raise at this company since I started working here. That employee was the boss’s son.

In the second example, a husband and wife are discussing the whereabouts of some jewelry that went missing.

Donny: I can’t find my gold watch. I think the housekeeper stole it!

Alison: I seriously doubt that. She has worked for us for over 20 years! Why would she suddenly steal something from us?

Donny: I guess you’re right. It’s probably a long shot that she would risk a stable job for the watch. But if she didn’t steal it, I have no idea where it could be!

More Examples

This excerpt is from an article about the Mayan civilization and how Spanish conquistadors destroyed all but four of the books written by Mayans. In this example, by a long shot means by a great amount.

• The Mayans were extremely literate, University of Colorado anthropology professor Payson Sheets said. Not just literate, but the most literate of any new world civilization “by a long shot.” –Denver Post

This excerpt is about new political candidates, who may have had no chance of winning a few years ago, but now have a small chance.

• Now President Trump’s populist rise to power — honed by his former advisor Stephen K. Bannon — has generated a new wave of long-shot candidates capable of upending the 2018 midterms. –LA Times

Summary

The idiom a long shot means highly unlikely.

To Look the Part Meaning

Definition: To appear appropriate for a given context.

People use this expression when they want to say that someone looks right for a given activity or situation. For example, if someone in a business suit were trying out for the part of a lumberjack, his outfit might cause him to not look the part.

Origin of Look the Part

The exact origin of this expression is unclear. However, digital records seem to show that it originated in the early-1800s.

It seems probable that it comes from the theater. Actors must have the right look for their character. Directors choose the right person based on how well he or she will fit the role, or in other words, the part.

For example, if a skinny actor were cast to play a famous boxer, he would not look the part. He would need to change his exercise routine and diet dramatically to adjust his physique to the role.

Nowadays most people use this phrase to refer to the clothes one wears, ex. to dress the part.

Examples of Look the Part

In this dialogue, two employees are discussing an interview that one of them is going to go to.

Deanna: Guess what? I haven’t told anyone this yet, but I have an interview this afternoon for a job with better pay and benefits. If they offer me the position, I would also have more responsibility.

Emily: That’s awesome! So are you saying that you’d be more of a manager? If so, you have to look the part. You can’t go to your interview in that outfit.

Deanna: Why not?

Emily: It’s too casual. You need to wear something more professional if you want them to think you’re right for the job.

In this dialogue, two friends are discussing an upcoming date one of them has.

Patrick: You’re not going on your date dressed like that, are you?

Killian: Why?

Patrick: You want this woman to think you are interesting, well educated, and successful, right? You need to dress the part! Right now you look like you’re a mess.

More Examples

This excerpt is about a man who stole money from retirees.

• “This is another case involving a fraudster trying to look the part of a wealthy financial adviser while doing nothing more than trying to separate people from their hard-earned money,” Andrew Calamari, the SEC’s New York regional office director, said in a statement. –New York Post

This excerpt is about how to improve your interview technique and have a higher chance of getting a job.

• When you interview it’s important to look the part. In nearly every case that means wearing a suit for a man and the equivalent for a woman. You will also want to cover up any tattoos and remove any non-earring piercings. –USA Today

Summary

The expression to look the part means to have fitting attire for an event or activity.

Look What The Cat Dragged In Meaning

Definition: Look who’s here!

People use this expression to acknowledge that someone new has entered a room or space. The phrase usually implies that the entering person is disagreeable in some way. However, people can also use it in a jocular manner, rather than simply being rude.

For differences on dragged vs. drug, see here.

Origin of Look What The Cat Dragged In

The exact origin for this expression is unclear. However, digital records seem to indicate that this expression began to appear in the early 1900s.

The idea behind this idiom is clear to anyone who has owned a pet cat with access to the outside and inside of the house. Despite being domesticated, cats love to hunt. They will often bring back the bounty of their hunts to the house. It is possible they mean to offer their kills as gifts to their human owners.

Regardless, most owners do not appreciate the dead or dying game brought back to their house. These animals are often small rodents covered in blood and spit. In other words, they look disgusting.

Therefore, look what the cat dragged in is a way of saying look what a disgusting thing just entered the room.

Examples of Look What The Cat Dragged In

In this dialogue, two employees are discussing their weekend plans when a third co-worker enters their office. In this case, they use the expression in order to joke with someone with which they are on friendly terms.

Deanna: That sounds like a fun weekend! I think I’ll go dancing with my fiancé. It should be great!

Emily: Oh, I hear someone approaching. Look busy!

Deanna: Don’t worry. It’s just Michael.

*Michael enters the office*

Emily: Oh, look what the cat dragged in!

Michael: What?

Emily: I’m just joking because you are soaking wet. You look like something the cat dragged in.

Michael: Oh, I see. Well, it was raining, and I had no umbrella.

More Examples

This excerpt is about a man who went back home after an extended stay away.

• I’d flown back from Mexico City after a month working in the States. I’d done so only to remind my long-suffering family of my existence. It was a good thing that I did. The two dogs sniffed me suspiciously, egged on by my pig, Wilbur, who was hurling abuse from his enclosure. Even the cat gave me a “look what the cat dragged in” attitude. –Independent

This excerpt is about the playfully antagonistic relationship between two people.

• With Marios, whenever we’d cross paths, we’d size one another up, tilt our heads and say “Ooooooooh.” As if to say, “Well, look what the cat dragged in.” –Miami Herald

Summary

The expression look what the cat dragged in means Look, everyone, acknowledge this person. It can have a negative connotation, or it could be an instance of gentle teasing.

Love is Blind Meaning

Definition: People in love can’t see the problems or imperfections that their partners have.

Origin of Love is Blind

The first instance of this phrase in English was around the year 1401, in Merchant’s Tale by the English author Geoffrey Chaucer.

It had been used for centuries by other thinkers and writers, including Plato and Plautus.

However, it became a household phrase after the English playwright William Shakespeare used it in several of his plays, including Two Gentlemen of Verona, Henry V and The Merchant Of Venice.

Examples of Love is Blind

In the following example, two friends are discussing a couple they both know.

Kerry: Did you hear that Miranda is dating Gavin?

Christine: Yeah, I was shocked!

Kerry: Miranda is so gorgeous. She could be a supermodel if she wanted to.

Christine: Yeah, I don’t know why she’s dating Gavin. He’s not attractive at all.

Kerry: Maybe he has a lot of money.

Christine: I don’t think so. I think he’s unemployed.

Kerry: Huh. Well, I guess love is blind.

In this dialogue, two friends are eating at a restaurant when they see a couple at another table.

Arlena: Look at that couple over there.

Nyima: Which one?

Arlena: It’s the one by the window. Do you see them? The man looks like a business executive, and he’s wearing an expensive suit and watch. The woman is dressed like a Goth and is wearing torn tights and all black. Even her lipstick is black.

Nyima: Oh, yeah. I see them. What about them?

Arlena: I just thought they were such an unusual couple.

Nyima: Why?

Arlena: Their styles are so different. He looks so professional, and she looks like she should still be in high school.

Nyima: I don’t think she’s much younger than him actually. Anyway, love is blind. I think it’s sweet that two people who seem so different on the outside can look past that to find love together.

Arlena: Yeah. I guess that’s true.

More Examples

This excerpt is from a movie review. The character’s mother still loves her son even though he kills people.

• The acting is first-rate. Catherine Scorsese (the director’s mother) provides much-needed comic relief as DeVito’s mother, who proves maternal love is blind by serving him dinner after a rubout. –New York Daily News

This excerpt is about two people who love each other despite a large age difference.

• Love is blind or maybe it’s just glaucoma. The real-life “Harold and Maude” relationship of Gary and Almeda Hardwick continues as they enjoy their first year of marriage together, their ages respectively 18 and 71. –New York Daily News

Summary

The phrase love is blind means that two people don’t love each other based just on appearances or other external factors.

Lovebirds Meaning

Definition: Two people who are very much in love.

Origin of Lovebirds

This expression developed from nine species of African parrots that are also called lovebirds. Lovebird mates are often considered to act particularly loving towards each other and like to stay close together.

It isn’t clear when this term first started being used to describe humans. Some sources put it as far back as the 1600s, but it was at least since the early 1800s.

In his novel Bleak House, Charles Dickens used the phrase,

• Guppy, going to the window tumbles into a pair of love-birds, to whom he says in his confusion, ‘I beg your pardon, I am sure.

Examples of Love Birds

In this dialogue, a sister uses the idiom to refer to her brother, who has a new girlfriend.

Maria: Hey! You missed soccer practice today and yesterday’s practice. What’s going on?

Franco: Oh, actually, I wasn’t going to tell you yet because it’s still quite new, but I’ve started seeing someone.

Maria: You’re dating someone?

Franco: Yeah. It’s not serious yet, and I’m only telling you because I didn’t want you to think I was skipping practice for no reason.

Maria: I understand. I won’t make a big deal about you two lovebirds!

Franco: I shouldn’t have told you. Forget it.

The second example shows two university students using the expression to discuss their professor.

Lorenzo: My test grade was incredibly low. I think it was unfairly graded. Our professor has no heart.

Alba: Well, he must have a heart.

Lorenzo: Why do you say that?

Alba: I saw him at a cafe the other day. He must have been on a date with someone. They looked like lovebirds!

Lorenzo: I’m shocked. He seems like a robotic in class.

Alba: Maybe that’s just how he acts in class; he tries to be professional. Let me take a look at your test. I might be able to figure out why you got the grade that you did.

More Examples

This article excerpt is about the benefits of small weddings, and it uses the idiom to describe the newlyweds.

• Couples and their guests all receive PinePerks.com discounts on overnight stay, restaurant & bar, clothing and gifts and more. Everything with pre-arranged discounts and deals for the love-birds to quickly plan their local honeymoon and out-a-towners visiting the area. –Chicago Tribune

Our next articles excerpt uses the expression with the prefix ex to describe a couple that is no longer in love. However, they are not fighting and have just sold a house.

• Not only have the ex-love birds made peace, they’re making a fortune. –New York Post

Summary

The phrase love birds is a way to describe a couple in love.

Lovey-Dovey Meaning

Definition: Loving; affectionate.

This adjective phrase describes how two people in a romantic relationship act towards each other. It is often used in a jocular manner to mock someone for their actions with his or her romantic partner.

Origin of Lovey-Dovey

It is unclear when and how this idiom originated. However, it was in use during the 1800s, and it most likely developed from rhyming love with dove.

Doves are a type of bird species that people often observe staying together with their mates.

Examples of Lovey-Dovey

Here is a case of two coworkers using the idiom to complain about a third coworker.

Regina: Surprisingly, Becca hasn’t done anything horrible to me for days now!

Ginny: I know. I think I know why.

Regina: Really? Why?

Ginny: She’s too busy. I saw her acting all lovey-dovey with that new guy who just started working here. I think they’ve started dating.

Regina: Oh, poor guy. Although, if she’s too busy with her new relationship to bother me, then I guess I hope they stay together forever!

In this example, two friends are discussing whether or not to invite a third friend to a movie.

Kevin: Let’s see that new superhero movie.

Steve: Yeah, that sounds great!

Kevin: Cool. We can leave in a couple of hours. I’m just going to text Eric, so that he can come, too.

Steve: Oh, no. Don’t invite him.

Kevin: Why not?

Steve: Well, it’s nothing against Eric, butut if you bring him, he’s going to bring his girlfriend. And then they’re going to act all lovey-dovey throughout the whole movie, holding hands and kissing, and it will be distracting.

Kevin: I have to tell him. I had invited him before I invited you!

More Examples

In the below example, an online dating expert gives women advice on how to use emojis while texting a person they would like to date.

• Davis, however, warns women to avoid use of flowers, hearts or any emoji that seem lovey-dovey. “It’s like the text version of too much too soon.” –Chicago Tribune

In this second example, the expression describes what seemed to be a loving couple but was later suspected to have serious relationship problems.

• “The weird thing is, I’m a New Yorker and I’ve seen it all — but he bamboozled me. Outwardly they were as lovey-dovey and as sweet and entertaining as you could imagine,” he said. –New York Post

Summary

The phrase lovey-dovey is an affectionate manner of behaving towards someone that you love.

Love Them to Pieces Meaning

Definition: To love someone to an extreme degree.

Origin of Love Them to Pieces

One definition of to pieces is through and through or completely. This seems to fit with the meaning and could show that a person loves each and every piece of someone

A more recent synonymous idiom is love to bits. Yet another similar idiom is to love one to death. Some people speculate that love to pieces signifies loving someone to the point of wanting to ruin or destroy that person. In other words, you want to love that person until they break into pieces.

This might seem crazy, but there is some evidence that love and aggression are related. This could explain the desire to hug someone so hard that it hurts, or the desire of parents to lightly bite their newborn babies’ fingers. It could also explain the expression I love you so much that I could eat you up!

It is common for someone to follow the expression love one to pieces with but and a reason why that person can be difficult.

Examples of Love Them to Pieces

In the dialogue below, two friends are discussing the significant other that one of them has.

Tina: I heard that you and Ria moved in together. How is that going?

Keanu: Well, you know that I love Ria to pieces, but she is so messy! She never cleans anything up! I’m constantly trying to tidy up after her.

Tina: That can be stressful.

Keanu: Yeah, it’s a little annoying, but I guess it’s a small price to pay for living with the love of my life.

In this example, one friend is discussing a problem he has with his pet dog.

Jonah: I am so stressed about my dog.

Tatiana: Why? What happened?

Jonah: She keeps destroying things around my house when I go to work. I love her to pieces, but I don’t know what to do with her! If she keeps up this behavior, I might have to get rid of her.

Tatiana: If you really love her, you should try doggie daycare. They can watch her during the day, and then she’ll have exercised a lot and be calm when you get her back at night.

More Examples

This excerpt is from an advice column. A woman loves her husband’s parents, but doesn’t want them to visit for too long.

• My husband is supportive either way, although I’m sure he’d like them to stay for weeks. Other than this issue I have a wonderful relationship with my in-laws and love them to pieces. –Denver Post

The second example is also from an advice column. A man is considering leaving his wife, although he loves her very much.

• I am almost ready to pack up a few belongings and leave and not tell her why, but I love her to pieces and would miss her. –Chicago Tribune

Summary

The phrase love you to pieces means to truly adore someone.

Lump In Throat Meaning

Definition: To experience a tight feeling in the throat, usually as a result of intense sadness or as a precursor to crying.

Origin of Having a Lump in Your Throat

People commonly use this idiom as a way to explain that they feel like crying, but they are trying to hold back their tears and emotions.

This expression appeared in the 1800s as a result of the physical sensation of muscles in the throat constricting during feelings of high emotions, especially sadness.

It is important to note that this lump is not a visible one. Therefore, this expression does sometimes appear in an unrelated, literal manner, where it describes a tumor or other growth in or on the neck. This meaning is completely separate from the figurative one.

Examples of Having a Lump in Your Throat

This example shows two women discussing some bad news.

Bella: I heard that our co-worker Tommy was in a bad accident.

Hannah: It’s true. He’s in the hospital, and the doctors aren’t sure whether or not he’ll survive. Even if he does survive, there’s no way to know if he’ll ever fully recover.

Bella: How awful. I’ve been trying to focus on work, but it’s hard when I’ve got a lump in my throat and feel like bursting into tears at any moment. I hope we hear good news about Tommy soon.

The following example shows two college students in their music class.

Hanh: I like the new assignment our professor gave us. It will be fun to try to choose which song provokes the strongest emotional reaction in me. Do you know which one causes the biggest emotional response for you?

Zhongyi: Yeah. Puff the Magic Dragon.

Hanh: Isn’t that children’s song?

Zhongyi: It doesn’t matter. The lyrics are very depressing. I get a lump in my throat every time I hear that song.

More Examples

This excerpt is from an article about a famous golfer.

• Palmer said he got a lump in his throat and tears in his eyes during the playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” –New York Times

The second example is from an article about underachievement.

• But that first day, walking toward the Tahoe as his parents prepared to leave, Travis felt a lump in his throat. –The Atlantic

Summary

The phrase to have a lump in one’s throat means to feel very sad, and like one is about to cry.