It Takes Guts!
As I began searching for idioms with a digestive theme, in honour of this year’s “Poop” edition of What’s Up Yukon, I discovered…
Idiomatic Origins
Cry ‘Wolf!’
Once upon a time there was a shepherd boy who was diligently doing his duties, according to Aesop, but perhaps got a little bored…
C’est la vie!
It’s a good life … or, from the movie Oliver!, “It’s A Fine Life” (a very fine life!). Yes, I’ve taken to incorporating song titles…
The Real Deal
Remember ironing? Some of you, like me, may still secretly love to iron. And we have the “real McCoy” to thank for that…
Who Doesn’t Like Ducks?
The world should have more ducks, really, and according to a well-known idiom, they should be in a row. That’s right…
Who Doesn’t Like Ducks? Read More »
Don’t throw Out The Baby …
For some odd reason, this idiom has popped into my head several times in the past weeks: “Don’t throw out the ‘baby’ with the bathwater.”
Don’t throw Out The Baby … Read More »
Rat-a-tat-tat … I Smell A Rat
What does a rat even smell like? Well, I have no idea … even though I’ve seen a rat or two in my lifetime…
Rat-a-tat-tat … I Smell A Rat Read More »
Christmas Comes But Once A Year
So, remember that Christmas comes but once a year … and embrace that thought and whatever meaning this humble idiom holds for you.
Christmas Comes But Once A Year Read More »
On Thin Ice
I have fond memories of strapping on skates to glide over the deep-blue, almost-black pond ice on our Saskatchewan farm.
Bite The Bullet
The first mention of “bite the bullet” was, according to Wikipedia, in Rudyard Kipling’s late-1800s novel The Light That Failed.
In A Moment … ‘In The Twinkling of An Eye’
In the blink of an eye. That is how quickly this idiom of biblical origin (from 1 Cor. 15: 51–52) has been changed, as it describes a mysterious and wonderful moment, at the trumpet sound, when everything will change.
In A Moment … ‘In The Twinkling of An Eye’ Read More »
Fly Straight Like a Honeybee
The idiom make a beeline for is a bit of a mystery as we watch the erratic dance of bees – So, what’s with bees and beelines?
Fly Straight Like a Honeybee Read More »
A ‘fish’ called (insert your name here)
Living in your comfort zone feels better than feeling like “a fish out of water.” Do you know the idiomatic origins of the phrase?
A ‘fish’ called (insert your name here) Read More »
Idiomatic Origins: Bye-bye, birdie!
Never would a canary be seen in a coal mine, unless under duress. Find out what canaries under duress have to do with “bye-bye, birdie”
Idiomatic Origins: Bye-bye, birdie! Read More »
Idioms that irk me (and I’m not easily irked)
There are two idioms that have been bothering me for weeks, months even. But let’s talk about something more pleasant—cookies.
Idioms that irk me (and I’m not easily irked) Read More »
It’s raining, it’s pouring (but it’s still all right)
If it’s right as rain, it’s as it should be; it’s normal and expected; it’s right on track, exactly as anticipated. It also refers to a congenial frame of mind, or even a state of physical comfort.
It’s raining, it’s pouring (but it’s still all right) Read More »