Reader Opinions
Non-Bidenary American-Mexican – (banana republic) February 25, 2023
You might want to update your example of Trump to say…
“The U.S. is slowly becoming a banana republic thanks to the ineptitude and corruption of the current administration.”
You’re welcome.
Marty DL – (son of a gun) February 24, 2023
My dad always said this in a mad way when I was a little girl, does this mean anything?
Anonymous – (pep talk) February 20, 2023
Stimulating one’s mental well being or IQ. for good.
Todd – (play cat and mouse) February 19, 2023
I have recently heard friends from Southeast Asia use the term Tom and Jerry as a synonym for cat and mouse. So instead of saying someone was playing cat and mouse, they said they were playing Tom and Jerry. Is this widespread, and is it typically used in other languages?
Tomt – (every nook and cranny) February 19, 2023
There were four American golfers in a Scottish Cab going from St. Andrews to a little fishing village, Anstruther, about 15 miles away. While chatting, the Cabbie said that the Fife coastline was so worn and jagged that it was defined as ,” As every nook and cranny”… both words with scottish (Celtic) roots???
David – (take with a grain of salt) February 18, 2023
To Rex Mundi (King of the World): it’s Horse Pucky, not Horse Hockey, if horse sh** is what you mean to convey.
I prefer “Horse Feathers” to express cautious distrust!
Anonymous – (stiff upper lip) February 18, 2023
He has been taught to keep a stiff upper lip whatever happens.
Taunya J Brandon – (a piece of cake) February 11, 2023
I have a hard time believing that the source of this idiom is as described. Being the best at something isnt easy. Unless it was used sarcastically and/or as a bragging point, as in “I’m so good, I can just walk in there and take that cake without breaking a sweat. ”
However, amongst our mothers of old, one could whip up a simple cake easily with the ingredients on hand. Same with pie, an experienced cook could throw that together with ease.
Even with this possible source, it is more braggdiccio:
“Are your sure you can do this, it looks really difficult?” asks the doubtful one.
“No problem, my friend! It’s as easy as baking a cake.” says the smugly confident one.
“But making a cake isnt easy, there are so many steps.”
“Not for me!”
Fiona Mackenzie – (forty winks) February 9, 2023
I believed the origin of the phrase was a children’s programme on television in the 1970’s where a character called Orinoco used to say, “I think I’ll have 40 winks” and lie down for a nap. I’ve read the origin section here for forty winks, and it turns out I’m wrong about the wombles! It is very interesting that the expression is so old.
Joe Sands – (forty winks) February 6, 2023
If a wink, is like the wink of an eye, then 40 winks would be worthless for rest.
