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Slick as a Whistle

Slick as a Whistle

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Slick as a Whistle--man holding a small whistle to his mouthA nurse recently told one of my friends, “You bruise like slick.” I think she meant my friend bruised easily. However, I am guessing based on the meaning of slick as a whistle and similar expressions.

As slick as a whistle, a simile, means quickly and skillfully.

If we have the ability and motivation, we:

  • Waste no time
  • Perform well
  • Make the work look easy

We love for our efforts to go as slick as a whistle.

  • No problems
  • Simple
  • Fast

However, we must be willing to:

  • Learn
  • Practice
  • Invest time and energy

We also want possessions to perform well.

We depend on:

  • Cars to take us where we need to go
  • Electronics to keep us in contact with friends, coworkers, and businesses
  • Appliances to cook, cool, and clean

This expression’s origin is uncertain according to The Free Dictionary.

First recorded in 1830, it probably “refers either to the ease of producing a whistle or to its clear tone.”

If we desire slick-as-a-whistle results, we must remain on our toes.

  • Ready to do what needs to be done
  • Willing to go the extra mile
  • Using our talents in the most effective way

“If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success.” —Ecclesiastes 10:10 NIV

Thanks to Fran Smith for the idea. Photo courtesy of Pexels.

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Down Pat

Down Pat

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Down Pat--open books with pen and pencil holders beside themDo you know people who appear to have life down pat? Everything they do, they do well.

  • They excel at athletics.
  • Music flows from them.
  • Academic awards cover their walls.
  • They smile through every hardship.

Down pat means you have learned something well.

The Free Dictionary defines it as “Learned, mastered, or understood perfectly, to the point of requiring little or no focus to do, recall, or accomplish.” You hit the bull’s eye.

To get anything down pat usually requires extra effort.

Before you make it look easy, you must:

  • Work hard
  • Study
  • Practice
  • Memorize

You need to develop your natural abilities.

Talent alone rarely gets you where you want to go. Experts were once students. When you study hard, your skills grow.

God gives the talent. People add the elbow grease.

“I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw” (Proverbs 24:32).

Thanks to Katherine Pasour for the suggestion.

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