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Carry Someone Somewhere

Carry Someone Somewhere

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Carry Someone Somewhere--large boy carrying small girl on his backI still remember a college professor saying he had to carry someone somewhere. His statement puzzled me. I knew he could not carry the grown man on his back. Instead, he meant he had to transport the man in his car.

To carry someone somewhere means to take the person somewhere.

Like my college professor, we may take others to:

  • Appointments
  • Church
  • Family gatherings
  • Wherever they need to go

When the need arises, we don’t hem and haw.  We do what needs to be done. That kind of carrying takes time but is easier on our backs.

To carry someone somewhere also means to accompany the person.

Whether we provide transportation or not, people do not have to go alone. We escort them for:

  • Safety precautions
  • Fun times
  • Dates

The key to both meanings is to be there.

At times, we meet needs. Other times, we simply enjoy one another’s company. Either way, we share friendship and fellowship.

“Then Esau said, ‘Let us be on our way; I’ll accompany you.’” (Genesis 33:12 NIV).

Thanks to Joyce Cordell for the suggestion and to Crystal Gosser for the photo.

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Chew the Fat

Chew the Fat

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Chew the Fat--family around a table for ThanksgivingOur family loves to meet and eat. Thanksgiving, Christmas, special birthdays, or for no reason at all. We also love to chew the fat, spending hours talking and laughing.

To chew the fat means to have long, relaxed conversations.

  • No rush
  • Easy laughter
  • No schedule

We enjoy leisure from the daily grind.

To chew the fat involves little or no heavy discussion.

We simply shoot the breeze. Chats stay:

  • Friendly
  • Relaxed
  • Informal

Conversations may occasionally include bits of gossip. When tempted to gossip, we need to bite our tongue.

Two other expressions share similar meanings.

  • Chew the rag
  • Chew the cud

Origins for chew the fat and chew the rug are unknown. People have guessed possibilities but with no certainty. We find a simpler explanation for chew the cud.

According to Phrase Finder, a cud is the food cows “bring back into their mouths from their first stomach to chew at leisure.” We see that slow chewing while cows graze in pastures.

Enjoy special time to chew the fat with friends and family.

Make memories and strengthen relationships. They are gifts from God.

“I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers” (Ephesians 1:16 NIV).

Thanks to Gail Gosser and Regina Graham for the suggestion.

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Don’t Take Any Wooden Nickels

Don’t Take Any Wooden Nickels

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Don't Take Any Wooden Nickels--wood bowl filled with loose change

I remember my dad saying, “Don’t take any wooden nickels.” At the time, I had no idea what he meant. I knew wooden nickels were not real money. So, why would he make such a strange statement?

Don’t take any wooden nickels warns us not to be conned or swindled.

A wooden nickel is:

  • Fake
  • Worthless
  • Suspicious

Don’t be fooled.

Take precautions. Never accept anything unless you know it is the real thing.

Don’t take any wooden nickels offers a word to the wise.

Before trying anything new, check with people who:

We often hear this primarily American phrase when people say goodbye.

The speaker means:

  • Be careful.
  • Take care of yourself.

According to The Free Dictionary, it probably originated in the early 20th century. “Country residents visiting the city were considered easily duped.” Therefore, they needed to protect themselves from being deceived.

Banks used wooden nickels for promotions during and after the Great Depression.

They redeemed the fake coins for prizes.

 Don’t cheat and don’t get cheated.

We never want to hornswoggle or be hornswoggled. Instead, let’s stay so honest that people can take it to the bank.

“If you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?” (Luke 16:11 NIV).

Thanks to Sharon Berry, Laurel Blevins, Karen Hart, Judy Glen Corbin, Beckham Wilson, and Rebecca Stafford for the suggestion.

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Cold Shoulder

Cold Shoulder

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Cold Shoulder--back of a young woman with off-the-shoulder blouse in a field of yellow flowersHas anyone given you the cold shoulder? It’s no fun, is it?

To receive a cold shoulder means people ignore or reject you.

They:

  • Snub you.
  • Pay no attention to you.
  • Turn away from you.

Rejection is depressing.

A cold shoulder is not accidental. Those who snub you have no interest in contact with you.

The origin of cold shoulder probably differs from widespread belief.

According to The Phrase Finder and The Free Dictionary, many people believe this expression began with a nineteenth century custom.

  • Hosts served a meal of roasted meat to welcomed guests.
  • They served a cold shoulder of meat to guests who outstayed their welcome.

The Phrase Finder says, “There’s no evidence to support this view.” It adds, “The first reference to the phrase in print is in Sir Walter Scott’s ‘The Antiquary,’ 1816.”

Rather than an unfriendly cold shoulder, show love and concern for others.

“If you see some brother or sister in need and have the means to do something about it but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God’s love? It disappears. And you made it disappear” (1 John 3:17 MSG).

Thanks to Kay Emerick for the suggestion. Image by Eszter Miller from Pixabay.

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

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Feeling Their Oats

Feeling Their Oats

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Feeling Their Oats--horse raised on back hooves in front of lake and a cloudy sunsetHave you watched children on school playgrounds? They are feeling their oats! Free from classrooms, they run, jump, and play. Excitement fills the air.

Feeling their oats means being active and full of energy.

This expression applies to more than children. Adults also want to move after long periods of inactivity.

Feeling their oats suggests the behavior of horses after they are fed.

Oats or other grains increase their energy and liveliness. According to The Free Dictionary, this early nineteenth century expression is American in origin.

Feeling their oats also refers to feelings of self-importance.

Those feelings show up when:

Full of energy works well. Full of self-importance does not.

Increase the first. Avoid the second.

“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18 NIV).

Thanks to Judy Fagan for the suggestion. Image by Patou Ricard from Pixabay.

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

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Weather the Storm

Weather the Storm

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Weather the Storm--Snow covered shrub (nandina) with red berries

How did you weather the recent storm? Some of you may have escaped snow, ice, and frigid temperatures. However, we experienced all three. More than one person said our driveway was like a skating rink.

Literally, to weather the storm means to stay where we are until a storm passes.

We go nowhere. With few options, we hunker down and wait until the worst is over.

Figuratively, to weather the storm means to survive a hard time or situation.

We experience and live through it. Many close to us have recently faced such hardships.

  • Health crises
  • Death of family members
  • Job loss
  • Financial difficulties
  • Family problems

According to The Free Dictionary, this expression “has been used figuratively from about 1650.”

A similar expression is to ride out the storm.

We hang on for dear life through our difficulties.

Life is not always easy.

We experience ups and downs. Hard times come and go. Yet we can make it.

We never have to weather the storm alone.

God promises never to leave  those who follow Him. Because He remains near, we have no need to fear.

“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid” (Hebrews13:6 NIV).

Thanks to Beckham Wilson for the suggestion.

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

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Knock on Wood

Knock on Wood

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Knock on Wood--knuckles rapping on woodHow often have you heard people say, “Knock on wood”? When they do, they rap their knuckles on something made of wood.

Knock on wood is based on a superstition.

People want something good to happen or continue. If they mention it, they fear they jinx it.

Therefore, they knock on wood for good luck. Ancient superstition taught that knocking on or touching wood wards off evil spirits.

Touch wood is a similar expression.

According to Phrase Finder, that version is more common in the UK. People sometimes jokingly tap their heads rather than wood. The British version is older than the American one.

Knock on wood expresses hope that good luck continues and bad luck stays away.

  • Good versus bad health
  • Calm versus stormy weather
  • Positive versus negative relationships
  • Success versus failure

People frequently use this expression for laughs.

They don’t believe the superstition. However, they have fun with the saying.

Enjoy fun expressions but put your faith in God.

Superstitions mislead you. God will never take you the wrong way.

“Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray” (1 John 3:7 NIV).

Thanks to Janna Babak and Jennifer Annette Graham for the suggestion and to Allie Kowle for the photo.

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

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Get on the Stick

Get on the Stick

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Get on the Stick--ladybug on a tree branchDid anyone ever tell you to get on the stick? You rested too long. Or were busy with something else. Or simply felt lazy. The person talking may have been a:

  • Parent
  • Boss
  • Co-worker
  • Friend

Whoever it was, they wanted you to do the job they had in mind.

To get on the stick means to get busy.

Fixing to do something is not enough. You must get up and do it.

Get on the stick also applies to non-work activities.

Those include:

  • School
  • Sports
  • Anything you should do but keep avoiding

Put your best foot forward. You will be glad you did.

“We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.” (Hebrews 6:12 NIV).

Thanks to Darrin Jenkins for the suggestion and to Debbie Tapscott for the photo.

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

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Throw Your Hat into the Ring

Throw Your Hat into the Ring

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Throw Your Hat into the Ring--two people throwing their hats into the air with the sun setting behind themDo you often throw your hat into the ring? Maybe for a group activity, fun event, or political office? You decide to give it a whirl.

If you throw your hat into the ring, you announce your decision to join or compete.

You may:

  • Enter a contest.
  • Make or accept a challenge.
  • Participate in a special event.
  • Start a new step in life.

Throw your hat into the ring began with boxing.

According to The Phrase Finder, “The expression dates from at least the early 19th century.” Boxing rings were “circular spaces in a crowd of onlookers.” No “square roped ‘rings’” like today. If someone wanted to compete, he threw his hat into the ring. That was easier than shouting above the noisy crowd.

Be careful before you throw your hat into the ring.

Many activities prove worthwhile. Others you want to avoid at all costs.

When Jesus calls, always follow.

The cost may be great, but the reward will be greater. Many believers endure persecution such as:

  • Ridicule
  • Job loss
  • Rejection from friends and family
  • Imprisonment
  • Death

Nevertheless, they throw their hat into the ring with Jesus. They prefer to suffer rather than deny their Savior.

“Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 2:3 NIV).

 Thanks to Lam DeBrot for the suggestion. Photo by Nabil Naidu with Pexels.

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

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Satisfy Like Honey on a Warm Biscuit

Satisfy Like Honey on a Warm Biscuit

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Satisfy Like Honey on a warm biscuit--honey drizzled on a split biscuitCold winter days call for comfort food. Nothing satisfies like honey on a warm biscuit. It fills our stomachs and sticks to our ribs.

To satisfy like honey on a warm biscuit means to comfort or indulge.

As sweet as honey on a warm biscuit is a related simile. SimiliesGuru.com says the expression is used “for cozy, satisfying happiness.”

Our sources of satisfaction differ.

Some of us enjoy a good book. Others prefer a long walk. Many find satisfaction in both.

We may also enjoy:

  • Time with friends and family
  • Travel
  • Naps

Choices vary according to our personalities and interests.

Reading the Bible satisfies better than honey on a warm biscuit.

God’s Word offers:

  • Lessons for daily life
  • The way to eternal life
  • Direction for life decisions

It also reminds us that our words and actions matter. Luke 6:31 tells us to treat others like we want them to treat us. Be as sweet to them as we want them to be sweet to us. Remember, we catch more flies with honey than vinegar.

Seek satisfaction that lasts.

Follow God’s guidance for joy that never fails.

“But you would be fed with the finest of wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you” (Psalm 81:16 NIV).

Thanks to Sharon Berry for the suggestion.

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

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