Idioms, Cliches, and Slang

The saying "your heart is in your hands" typically refers to the idea that you have control over your emotions and decisions. It suggests that you have the power to make choices that can impact your emotional well-being. By taking responsibility for your actions and feelings, you are metaphorically holding your heart in your hands, symbolizing self-awareness and agency in managing your emotions.

That's from the Pied Piper. In the tale, the Pied Piper was called in to rid rats from the town, which he did by playing his pipes and luring them to their death by drowning. When he returned to the town for payment, he was not paid, and he took it out on the townspeople by again playing his pipes, this time luring all of the children out of the town.

So, to "pay the piper" means to face the inevitable consequences of one's actions.[1]

The phrase "don't be such a turtle" is an idiom that means not to be slow, cautious, or overly hesitant in one's actions or decision-making. Turtles are known for their slow and deliberate movements, so telling someone not to be a turtle is a way of encouraging them to be more proactive and decisive. It is often used to urge someone to act more quickly or assertively in a particular situation.

----------------------- Shoot the Moon The Winner of the bid may at his/her option declare that they intend to "Shoot the Moon". This declaration must be made after all melds have been counted and BEFORE the first card of the hand is led during play. Making this declaration means the Bid Winner intends to take ALL the Tricks. If he/she succeeds, a bonus of 25 points is awarded the team at the conclusion of the hand. If he/she fails to take all the Tricks, SET is declared. Their team loses all points accumulated in the hand and deduct their bid plus 25 points from the score they held at the beginning of the hand.

Well, honey, when something is a real lemon, we call it a "piece of junk" or "a lemon." It's like buying a fancy car that breaks down every five minutes - what a lemon! Just like that ex-boyfriend who promised the world but couldn't even remember your birthday.

Well, honey, having someone heavy on your mind simply means you can't stop thinking about them. It's like they've set up camp in your brain rent-free, and you can't evict them no matter how hard you try. So, grab some mental earplugs and try to focus on something else before you go crazy.

Oh, what a happy little question! In the world of sex slang, "touchdown level" usually refers to reaching a satisfying and pleasurable climax during intimate moments. It's like painting a beautiful landscape with your partner, finding that perfect moment of connection and joy. Just remember, everyone's touchdown level is unique and there's no rush to get there - enjoy the journey!

Oh honey, "Oh my God" is not a bad word, it's just an expression of surprise or disbelief. Some people might find it offensive due to religious reasons, but it's not like you're dropping an f-bomb at the dinner table. So go ahead and keep using it, just maybe be mindful of who's around when you do.

The phrase comes from a saying attributed to Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658), and the powder is, of course, gunpowder. During his cold-blooded and savage Irish campaign of 1649 he is said to have concluded a speech to his troops, who were about to cross the River Slaney before attacking Wexford, with the rousing words, 'Put your trust in God, my boys, and keep your powder dry.'

However, it seems likely that the phrase was coined later by the Anglo-Indian soldier Valentine Blacker (1738-1823) and gained the Cromwell attribution through being quoted in 'Oliver's Advice' in E Hayes's Ballads of Ireland (1856).

The term "okie dokie smokie" can be offensive to African-Americans because it perpetuates racial stereotypes and uses language that has historically been used to demean and dehumanize Black individuals. The use of the term "smokie" can be seen as a reference to the racial slur "smoke," which has been used to insult African-Americans. Additionally, the overall tone and connotation of the phrase can be perceived as dismissive and disrespectful towards African-Americans, contributing to its offensiveness.

Well, let's take a moment to appreciate the beautiful idioms in "Nothing but the Truth." You'll find phrases like "the truth will set you free" and "actions speak louder than words," which add depth and color to the story. Embrace these idioms like happy little trees in your own language garden, and let them inspire you to express yourself authentically.

den up = hibernate

Well, sweetheart, "pickle weasel" may sound like something you'd find in a quirky cartoon, but it's not exactly a word you'd find in the Oxford English Dictionary. It's more like a fun little phrase that tickles your fancy. So, feel free to use it in your own dictionary of quirky expressions, but don't expect to find it in any official lexicon, honey.

Well, isn't that just a lovely phrase? "Let it happen organically" means allowing things to unfold naturally, without forcing or rushing them. It's like watching a beautiful flower bloom at its own pace. The origin of this phrase is rooted in the idea of growth and development in a way that feels authentic and true to oneself. Just like painting a happy little tree, sometimes we need to step back and let things come to life in their own time.

Well, honey, blowing air up your skirt is just a colorful way of saying someone is trying to manipulate or deceive you. It's like trying to pull a fast one or play a trick on you. So, if someone's blowing air up your skirt, you better watch out for their shenanigans.

In American slang, the word "Jasper" or "Jaspers" is often used to refer to a foolish or naive person. It can be used in a derogatory manner to describe someone who is gullible or easily deceived. The term likely originated in the early 20th century and has persisted in colloquial language.

It was a standard that West Point enforced. No Horse restricted the ability to travel, No Wife meant your time and allegiance wasn't split and No Mustache was a statement that you were not independent.

I question any High School boy with a mustache as it indicates he thinks himself a man. Only one man is allowed in a home, and that is the patriarch. Growing a mustache means it's time to leave the nest.

When someone "flicks someone off," they are using a gesture commonly known as "giving the finger" or "flipping the bird." This gesture involves extending the middle finger of one hand while keeping the other fingers folded down. It is considered a rude and offensive gesture in many cultures and is typically used to express anger, contempt, or disrespect towards someone.

Well, isn't that a lovely thought! When we say "the stars were asleep and rare," it's like saying the night sky was peaceful and quiet, with only a few stars shining brightly. It's a poetic way of describing a serene and tranquil night under the stars. Just imagine the beauty of that moment, my friend.

1. Addressing someone by saying "Hey stranger?" means you want to say it has been long time you met that person equivalent to saying " long time no see." 2a. It is when you receive, or send, a message on facebook from someone you have hooked up with or had a relationship with in the past or wanted to but didn't have the opportunity. The opening line of the "hey stranger..." is the socially acceptable way to say, it's been a long time but I am still interested in hooking up if you are. 2b. Used as a verb..."Have you ever been hey strangered? Have you ever been happy birthday strangered? Change your relationship status to single then get a hey stranger...?" 3c. A group on facebook that understand this.If so, this group is for you.

Doc Adams uses it a lot on the old TV show Gunsmoke. he normally uses it when some one disagrees with what he says, its his express of irritation, disapproval, contempt, or disbelief. it is spelt pshaw, Doc says "oh pshaw, the "P" is silent

"Heel catcher" or "supplanter" is a term used in the Bible to describe someone who deceives or undermines others to achieve their own goals. The term originates from the story of Jacob in the Book of Genesis, where he is born holding onto his twin brother Esau's heel, symbolizing his later actions of deceit and manipulation to gain his brother's birthright. In a broader sense, a heel catcher or supplanter refers to someone who uses cunning or treachery to gain an advantage over others.

"The white darkness" can have multiple interpretations depending on the context in which it is used. It could refer to a state of confusion or uncertainty, where everything seems unclear or obscured. It could also symbolize a sense of isolation or emptiness, where one feels lost or disconnected from their surroundings. Overall, the phrase conveys a feeling of being enveloped in a void or blankness, devoid of clarity or direction.

"Pigs on a wing" is a phrase from the Pink Floyd song "Pigs (Three Different Ones)" where it symbolizes a feeling of vulnerability or being exposed. It's like being out there on a limb, with no safety net in sight. So, if you're feeling like a pig on a wing, maybe it's time to find your flock or spread your wings and fly solo.

A townie is someone who lives in a town or city. Through and through means all the way through, or completely. The person is a city boy or girl, totally and completely.