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Highway Robbery

Highway Robbery

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Highway Robbery--9 $100 bills in a fanWhen prices increase too much, we may accuse the sellers of highway robbery. Sellers don’t use a gun to take our money. Yet, their merchandise becomes so expensive, it feels like theft.

Highway robbery refers to extremely high prices or fees.

  • Cars cost more than small houses.
  • Groceries take most of our paycheck.
  • Medical bills become so high they make us sick.

We call those overpriced items:

Yet, we must pay the bills.

We need the goods or services. Therefore, we pay but complain about the costs.

The literal meaning of highway robbery is “armed robbery of travelers on an open road.”

The definition now includes “the more or less legitimate charging of exorbitant prices,” according to The Free Dictionary.

Although we can’t control what others charge, we can control our own prices.

We want to charge fair amounts for whatever items or services we sell.

“Don’t become rich by extortion and robbery; if your riches increase, don’t be proud” (Psalm 62:10 TLB).

Thanks to Debbie Tapscott for the suggestion.

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It’s Your Nickel

It’s Your Nickel

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It's Your Nickel--wooden bowl of changeHow often do we see people throw away money? They may not actually throw cash in the trash, but they waste it. In frustration, we say, “It’s your nickel.”

Many times, money burns a hole in their pocket. They fail to save for a rainy day.

It’s your nickel means people can spend their money as they please.

We may:

  • Disagree with their choices.
  • Wish they budgeted better.
  • Caution them about their purchases.

However, they choose.

It’s your nickel expresses concern but recognizes the other people’s ownership.

Since the money is not ours, neither is the decision. If they choose to:

  • Spend money before they get it, we can’t stop them.
  • Buy luxuries rather than necessities, they live with the consequences.
  • Ignore responsibilities, regret may lie down the road.

Like everyone else, our financial decisions affect us and others.

As we save, invest, and spend, we profit or lose. We also set an example with our words and actions. With all our nickels, let’s remain wise as an owl.

“Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?” (Isaiah 55:2 NIV).

Thanks to Laurel Blevins, Karen Hart, and Judy Glen Corbin for this suggestion.

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Tight as Bark on a Tree

Tight as Bark on a Tree

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Tight as Bark on a Tree--oak leaf on tree barkWe don’t want to overspend, and we do want to save. Yet, we rarely want to be called tight as bark on a tree.

Tight as bark on a tree means extremely careful with money.

Other descriptions include:

In areas with Blackjack oak trees, we frequently hear “as tight as bark on a blackjack.”

If we are tight spenders, we buy only when absolutely necessary.

Money never burns a hole in our pockets. Instead, we lock our pockets and throw away the key! We make do with what we have in order to save.

Although we should save, we don’t want to go overboard.

Money is a means to an end, not the end itself. We use it to meet our needs and the needs of others both now and in the future.

When tempted to remain tight as bark on a tree, let’s remember:

Definitely save for a rainy day. At the same time, spend money and all of life as God leads today.

“One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want” (Proverbs 11:24 ESV).

Thanks to Billie Sue Kibbons and Lynn Kibbons Collins for the suggestion they recalled from Granny Rosa Fay Scott who lived near an area known as Black Jack, Missouri. Photo by Marta Wave on Pexels.

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Putting on the Ritz

Putting on the Ritz

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Putting on the Ritz-gold stars on a fine gold wire backgroundDuring Christmas, we see examples of putting on the Ritz all around us.

  • Elaborate decorations
  • Rich food
  • Lavish gifts (and lots of them)
  • Lovely lights

Those of us who usually live simple lives go overboard in December.

Putting on the Ritz refers to the Ritz Hotels.

Those hotels offer a life of luxury. Only the wealthy can afford them. Occasionally, we may save enough money to enjoy that lifestyle for a few days. Sadly, some of us charge now and pay much more than the original cost later.

Fred Astaire made the Irving Berlin song, “Putting on the Ritz” popular.

When we put on the Ritz, we act rich and stylish.

We may not be able to afford to live high on the hog. Yet, we pretend we can. We like special treatment. An occasional splurge may lift our spirits.

However, let’s never forget those who need the basics.

Many in our world don’t have enough food, heat, shelter, or clothing. This Christmas and throughout the year, let’s brighten their lives by sharing with them.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19-20 NIV).

Thanks to Lindy Pierce for the suggestion. Image by Annette Meyer from Pixabay

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Turn the Tables

Turn the Tables

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Turn the Tables: chess board reflected underneath itI never played much chess. However, I played checkers with my dad and sister for years. When I was losing, I hoped to turn the tables. I wanted to win.

I never physically turned the tables to play from the opposite side. However, I tried to change the outcome of the game.

When we turn the tables, we reverse a situation.

It becomes the opposite of what it was. We see such major changes in:

  • Board games, like chess or checkers
  • Sports events
  • Job positions
  • Any competition

This expression also applies to major changes in plans.

Usually, the change helps the person who had an earlier disadvantage. Roles reverse. The shoe is on the other foot.

How did this expression begin?

According to The Free Dictionary, “Until the mid-18th century, tables was the usual name for the board game backgammon. Early instances of the use of this phrase, dating from the mid-17th century, made it clear that it comes from the practice of turning the board so that a player had to play what had previously been their opponent’s position.”

We find examples of turned tables throughout history.

 The Bible tells the story of Joseph and his brothers. Joseph’s brothers were jealous of him and sold him into slavery. Eventually, Joseph achieved an important leadership position. When famine struck, Joseph’s brothers went to him for grain. They did not recognize him. After Joseph identified himself, his brothers feared for their lives.

Yet, Joseph did not act high and mighty when their roles changed. Instead, he forgave his brothers and provided for them.

Like Joseph, we have an opportunity to help others when the tables turn our way.

“‘But Joseph said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.’ And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them” (Genesis 50:20-21 NIV).

Thanks to Debbie Tapscott and Beckham Wilson for the suggestion. Image by Waldemar Bajda from Pixabay.

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Bigwig

Bigwig

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Bigwig-woman in costume with high wigFew of us are bigwigs. However, we probably know people who are.

A bigwig is an important person.

The person may be a:

  • King, queen, or other government official
  • President of a company
  • Famous actor or athlete

A bigwig usually has a high position, power, and money.

According to The Phrase Finder, “The fashion for wigs began with the Bourbon kings of France. Louis XIII (1601 – 1643) went prematurely bald and took to wearing a wig. By the middle of the century … wigs were virtually obligatory for all European nobility.” Their wigs became so large, this phrase grew in popularity.

Bigwig also means a person who pretends to be important.

If we try to be a bigwig, we act highfalutin. Our pride gives us a big head. Other people usually recognize the behavior as only an act.

Everyone is important to God.

We may not have a high position, money, or power, but God gives us purpose. May each of us find our purpose and do it to the best of our ability.

“Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you” (Romans 12:3 NIV).

Thanks to Regina Graham for the suggestion. Image by Michael Gaida from Pixabay.

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A Day Late and a Dollar Short

A Day Late and a Dollar Short

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A Day Late and a Dollar Short--several dollar bills spread outAs a child, I often heard people say they were a day late and a dollar short. They usually meant they did not have enough money to buy something or pay a bill.

However, I learned the expression has a greater meaning.

A day late and a dollar short means to be unprepared and too late.

That can be money for purchases or bills, as I thought. It can also mean not enough effort in:

  • Relationships
  • Work
  • Personal goals

In each one, people fail to get the ball rolling. They dillydally when they need to get to work.

Lack of effort and failure to be on time benefit no one.

Everyone loses.

  • Family members who ignore one another threaten their relationships
  • Lazy workers hurt their employers and risk losing their jobs.
  • Anyone who invests little time or effort fails to achieve their best.

Prepare. Work well. Use time wisely.

A good plan for now and eternity, don’t you agree?

“Jesus replied, ‘My light will shine out for you just a little while longer. Walk in it while you can, and go where you want to go before the darkness falls, for then it will be too late for you to find your way’” (John 12:35 TLB).

Thanks to Emily Akin for the suggestion.

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.

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Dollars to Donuts

Dollars to Donuts

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Dollars to Donuts--a collection of various kinds of donutsDollars to donuts (or doughnuts):

  • Prices will rise.
  • Taxes will increase.
  • People will die.

We can predict some events with confidence. We expect them to happen.

If we say dollars to donuts, we express certainty.

No doubts. No ifs, ands, or buts.

Many of us use the expression with no idea it comes from gambling. Whether we bet or not, we say dollars to donuts to voice confidence. To risk money against donuts or anything of little worth would be a safe bet.

We act with certainty on many issues, but hardly anything is definite.

  • Prices occasionally go down.
  • Taxes usually rise, but not always.
  • Jesus rose from the dead and offers eternal life to all who follow Him.

God’s promises never fail.

We can count on God’s offer of:

Those gifts are worth more than all the dollars and donuts in the world.

“For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his” (Romans 6:5 NIV).

Thanks to Tillie Cowherd for the suggestion. Image by Edward Lich from Pixabay.

Remember: On Saturday, October 30, I will randomly select the name of one person on my mailing list to receive a free copy of Tracy Crump’s book,  Health, Healing, and Wholeness: Devotions of Hope in the Midst of Illness. Please encourage your friends to also subscribe to my mailing list for a chance to win.

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Katy Bar the Door

Katy Bar the Door

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Katy Bar the Door: old double doors with bar across themGet ready. Beware. Katy bar the door.

My dad often used this expression if he expected trouble, such as:

  • Bad weather
  • Economic problems
  • Political unrest
  • Broken relationships

Katy (or Katie) bar the door warns of danger ahead.

A common southern expression, it tells people to be careful. They need to watch their step and prepare for hard times ahead.

If people expect someone to try to break in their house, they lock (or bar) their door. They take necessary precautions.

The origin of Katy bar the door is uncertain.

 According to The Phrase Finder, possibilities include:

  • A Scottish folk song, “Get Up and Bar the Door”
  • The attempt of Catherine Douglas to save the Scottish King James I

Whatever the origin, use caution when facing danger. 

Better safe than sorry. Take the right steps to protect against possible threats.

“The clever see danger and hide; but the simple go on, and suffer for it” (Proverbs 27:12 NRSV).

Thanks to Brad Leverett for the suggestion. Image by József Kincse from Pixabay.

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.

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On the Up and Up

On the Up and Up

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On the Up and Up--hot air balloons in front of cloudsOn the up and up sometimes refers to people becoming successful.

With high goals and hard work, they strive for a good:

  • Income
  • Reputation
  • Position

They rise in the business world.

On the up and up also refers to anything improving.

  • Health
  • Work
  • Relationships

Today’s focus relates to behavior.

People on the up and up are:

  • Honest
  • Dependable
  • Respectable
  • Fair

Anything they say can be taken to the bank. As good as their word, they have no need to hide anything they do.

  • When they make a deal, they honor their agreement.
  • If they share information, no one doubts its truth.
  • When they promise to do something, they do it.

People whose behavior is on the up and up live clean, moral, legally upright lives.

They want to do what is right. They may not become rich or famous. However, they find far greater success than money or fame. Their choices give them a clear conscience – a gift money can never buy.

“May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, is in you” (Psalm 25:21 NIV).

Thanks to Brad Leverett for the suggestion. Image by Gerhard G. from Pixabay

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