Explanations for Old Sayings (idioms)


There are many terms and phrases in the English language that we take for granted, but when you stop and think about it, there is no clear connection between the term and its meaning. For example, many are familiar with the term "raining cats and dogs", but can't explain how cats and dogs relate to a heavy, torrential rain.


The challenge for this assignment is to create a colourful possible explanation for the following phrases. While it is fun to learn the "real" story behind these phrases, accuracy isn't important. The challenge here is to get your creative juices flowing.

Try to develop an explanation for the following terms:

Second string

(A replacement or backup)

Knock off work

(To finish at the end of a working day.)

Stool pigeon

(An informer or traitor.)

To "stump" someone

(To provide a challenge that is too difficult to overcome.)

Long in the tooth

(Old.)

For the Birds

(Worthless)

Wing it

(To do something without preparation.)

Redneck

(Traditionally, a poor, uneducated, rowdy, white southerner.)

Raining cats and dogs

(A torrential, heavy rain.)

 

Whole nine yards

(All of something, everything.)

Whipping Boy
(A scapegoat or someone who is habitually picked on)

To be "above board"
(To be honest.)

Bury the hatchet
(Make peace with an enemy.)

Fly off the handle
(Get very angry, very quickly.)


Happy as a clam

(Happy)

Not up to scratch
(Inadequate, substandard.)

 

Back to creative writing