Smoking What is the origin and meaning of the idiom close but no cigar?
This term is used when one almost meets with success, but not quite, therefore getting nothing in return. The expression started in the US in the twentieth century, and is said to originate from the practice of fairground stalls giving out cigars as prizes. This phrase would be said to those who failed to win a prize.
What is the meaning of the idiom close but no cigar?
informal. used to say that someone almost succeeded, but is not completely successful or correct: It was close but no cigar for Johnny as he came second once again.
Where did the saying I’ll be there with bells on come from?
This phrase is frequently used in reply to a party invitation and the common format in that case is to indicate one’s enthusiasm with ‘I’ll be there with bells on! ‘. The phrase originated in the late 19th/early 20th centuries and most of the early citations of it suggest a US origin.
What does cut the Chase mean?
to get to the point without wasting time
What does it mean cut the cheese?
Verb. (third-person singular simple present cuts the cheese, present participle cutting the cheese, simple past and past participle cut the cheese) (US, idiomatic, euphemistic, slang) To flatulate.
What does chip on your shoulder mean?
To have a chip on one’s shoulder refers to the act of holding a grudge or grievance that readily provokes disputation. It can also mean a person thinking too much of oneself (often without the credentials) or feeling entitled.
What does she can t cut the mustard mean?
Most often, the phrase is used in negative constructions for when something doesn’t live up to expectations or can’t do the job, e.g., The quarterback couldn’t cut the mustard in the playoffs.
Why do people say no dice?
No dice, from the 1920s, alludes to an unlucky throw in gambling; no go, alluding to lack of progress, dates from about 1820; and no soap dates from about 1920 and possibly alludes to the phrase it won’t wash, meaning “it won’t find acceptance.” Also see nothing doing; won’t wash.
Where did the saying dressed to the nines come from?
The earliest written example of the phrase is from the 1719 Epistle to Ramsay by the Scottish poet William Hamilton: The bonny Lines therein thou sent me, How to the nines they did content me.
What does I’ll be here with bells on mean?
Eager; ready to participate
What does it mean when someone says I’ll be there with bells on?
Ready to celebrate, eagerly, as in Of course I’ll come; I’ll be there with bells on. This metaphoric expression alludes to decorating oneself or one’s clothing with little bells for some special performance or occasion.
What does the idiom slap on the wrist mean?
a small punishment when a more severe punishment is deserved: They rob someone on the street and they get a slap on the wrist – thirty days in jail.
What does strike while the iron is hot mean?
Take advantage of favorable circumstances while they last.