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Tag: idiom

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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The Patience of Job

The Patience of Job

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The Patience of Job--Bible open to book of JobDo you know people with the patience of Job? Those I admire include:

  • Parents with a houseful of children
  • Teachers with rowdy, disrespectful students
  • Doctors with full waiting rooms who take time to answer questions

The patience of Job refers to people with great patience.

They stay calm in the middle of chaos. They treat others with kindness — even those rude to them.

People with the patience of Job endure through every circumstance.

They rarely waver despite:

  • Illness
  • Financial problems
  • Relationship struggles
  • Work overload

The patience of a saint means the same.

We often wonder how those people stay cool as a cucumber while others sweat bullets.

They rarely:

  • Yell
  • Act frustrated
  • Blame others

Instead, they:

  • Speak quietly
  • Do what needs to be done
  • Take responsibility when they do anything wrong

This expression refers to Job, a man in the Bible, who lost almost everything.

His losses included:

  • All his children
  • Possessions
  • Health

Job could not understand his suffering but stood firm in his faith.

Although he received little support from people, he relied on God.

Eventually:

  • Job’s health was restored.
  • He had more children.
  • His possessions doubled.

One constant for Job: Through all his ups and downs, God was always there.

“I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God” (Job 19:25-26 NIV).

Thanks to Jessi Gowen for the suggestion.

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Peanuts

Peanuts

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Peanuts-squirrel eating peanuts from a feederOne of my cousins had the childhood nickname, Peanut. Like me, she was tiny, no bigger than a minute. Family and friends were not making fun of her. They loved her and thought she was cute as a button. In fact, they loved all the peanuts among us.

In addition to snack food, peanuts refer to tiny people or small amounts of money.

Good food. Good people. Not so good on a paycheck.

Although small, peanuts we eat have much to offer.

  • Great taste
  • Healthy fats
  • Plant-based protein

People who are peanuts also offer much.

Small does not mean weak. We can be:

  • Strong
  • Determined
  • Talented

For peanuts means for a small amount of money.

We either pay or receive little for a service. However, when we pay better wages, we usually receive better service. Most of us desire a good day’s pay for a good day’s work.

Peanut gallery means cheap theater seats far from the stage.

It also means people whose opinions receive little or no respect.

The Bible teaches the importance of small things and small people.

Whether small or great, let’s respect one another.

“The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches” (Matthew 13:31-32 ESV).

Thanks to Rebecca Stafford for the suggestion. Image by Christiane from Pixabay.

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Back to Square One

Back to Square One

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Back to Square One--colored hopscotch squares on pavementDid you ever play hopscotch? We enjoy hopping through all those squares. However, we don’t enjoy having to go back to square one.

Back to square one means we must start over.

We made a mistake and have to begin again. Not fun in games. Not fun in relationships or work. Yet, no one is perfect. We all fail.

Back to the drawing board is a similar expression.

Back to square one can be a positive.

If we learn from our mistakes, we try not to repeat them. Instead, we take advantage of the opportunity to improve. Works well in games. Works well in relationships or jobs. We rise from the ashes of our mistakes.

A common saying encourages us. “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.”

Jesus offers second chances.

Sometimes our failures are our fault and sometimes not. Either way, Jesus loves us and wants to give us a fresh start. Even when we feel like we can’t win for losing.

Jesus will always lead us in the right way to go. He will “guide our feet into the path of peace” (Luke 1:79 NIV).

Thanks to Janna Babak for the suggestion. Image by Abby Haukongo from Pixabay.

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Cut from a Different Cloth

Cut from a Different Cloth

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Cut from a Different Cloth--Scissors on solid blue and blue checked fabricsMy grandmother taught me to sew. We made most garments from one cloth. However, we cut some from a different cloth.

Literally, cut from a different cloth means garments made from different fabrics.

I made the top of one dress from velvet. The bottom was satin. Although unlike one another, the two cloths worked well together.

Figuratively, cut from a different cloth means people or objects differ.

We may vary in:

  • Personality
  • Culture
  • Interests
  • Backgrounds

Being cut from a different cloth can cause problems.

If we refuse to accept anyone unlike us, life becomes difficult.

Everyone suffers from:

  • Inability to get along
  • Lack of understanding
  • Poor support

Often, our differences matter little.

We may compromise or change our minds on:

  • Decorations
  • Menus
  • Entertainment

Other times, we must stand firm in our convictions.

We never want to waver on:

  • Eternal matters
  • Harmful behavior
  • Honesty

Whether cut from the same or a different cloth, let’s learn to get along.

  • Disagree in agreeable ways.
  • Respect one another.
  • Listen and learn.

“Show proper respect to everyone” (1 Peter 2:17 NIV).

Thanks to Darrin Jenkins 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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Hold Your Taters

Hold Your Taters

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Hold Your Taters--two small hands holding three potatoesWhen my brother was little, I often said, “Patience, Robbie, patience.” He once responded, “I hate that word!”

He might have preferred my saying, “Hold your taters.” Tater is slang for potato.

To hold your taters means to wait or be patient.

  • Don’t rush.
  • Take your time.

This expression is similar to:

All remind you to practice caution.

 If you move too quickly, you often end up in trouble.

To stay out of hot water, you need to:

  • Slow down.
  • Think before you act.

Hold your taters in all of life.

  • In work or play
  • Alone or with others

Hurrying or skipping one thing so you can begin another rarely works.

Instead:

  • Take a deep breath.
  • Complete step one before you take step two.

“It is dangerous and sinful to rush into the unknown” (Proverbs 19:2 TLB).

Thanks to Debbie Tapscott for the suggestion and to Karen Atwood 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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Don’t Know If We’re Afoot or on Horseback

Don’t Know If We’re Afoot or on Horseback

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Don’t Know if We’re Afoot or on Horseback-horses in field with stone fence in forefrontOften caregivers don’t know if we’re afoot or on horseback. We are spread so thin, we meet ourselves coming or going. However, we are not alone. That happens to many people.

When we don’t know if we’re afoot or on horseback, we don’t know what we’re doing.

We are so confused we can’t remember:

  • What we have done
  • What we are doing now
  • What we need to do next

We lose our sense of direction and awareness of our actions.

Not knowing if we are afoot or on horseback often results from feeling overwhelmed.

Causes include:

Too much to do and too little time leave us bumfuzzled.

A day away does our bodies and minds good.

Whether we sit, walk, or ride, we need to rest and relax. A trip through the countryside refreshes and restores me. What helps you?

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28 NIV).

Thanks to Lori Carol Maloy 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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Cooking with Gas

Cooking with Gas

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Cooking with Gas--Bernice ChildressOne of my husband’s caregivers and I were dealing with a difficult situation. When we finally had everything working well, she said, “Now we’re cooking with gas!” That was a new expression for me.

This saying originated when gas stoves began replacing wood burning stoves.

My caregiver friend explained that gas stoves were considered a wonderful invention. Although wood burning stoves made delicious meals, they required hours of work.

  • Chopping wood
  • Starting a fire
  • Deciding when to start cooking
  • Wiping sweat during hot summer months
  • Cleaning ashes from the stove after cooking

Plus, cooking temperatures were hard to control.

Gas stoves were easier to use and resulted in fewer mistakes.

Cooks were more likely to achieve the results they desired. My mom loved her gas stove.

Cooking with gas means we achieve success.

Like a cook who prepares a gourmet meal or bakes a perfect cake, we get something right.

We successfully:

  • Solve a problem.
  • Correct an error.
  • Receive a promotion.

We do our work well.

If we are cooking with gas, people may think we work wonders.

Whether we create perfect meals or the perfect ball team, those who share our success love it.

Whatever we do, let’s encourage one another to do our best.

If we want to take the cake, we can’t use half-baked ideas. Neither can we do half-baked work.

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully” (Romans 12:6-8 NIV).

Thanks to J.D. Wininger and Rita Smalley 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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In All My Born Days

In All My Born Days

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In all my born days--Niagara Falls“Never in all my born days have I seen such a thing.” In our neck of the woods, we used to hear people make such statements.

I don’t remember ever saying it. However, I thought something similar the first time I saw Niagara Falls. A right smart of water rolls over those falls.

In all my born days means in all my life.

It refers to what we:

  • See
  • Hear
  • Feel
  • Experience

What happened is totally new.

An event never experienced in all my born days often results in surprise or shock.

I have not heard or read this expression for years. Yet I love the unique way it conveys people’s reactions.

It reminds me of conversations on the old Beverly Hillbillies television show.

Have you ever heard anyone use this expression?

If so, do you remember who said it or where? I am curious about its use in other areas. Thank you in advance for taking the time to comment.

“Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy” (Psalm 98:8 NIV).

Thanks to Kristy Horine 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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Don’t Steal My Joy

Don’t Steal My Joy

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Don't Steal My Joy--daisies with child holding one between his toesI love to make people happy, don’t you? Occasionally someone says an action or gift is too much. My frequent response: “Don’t steal my joy.”

Don’t steal my joy tells people to allow us to do something special for them.

If they love our gifts, it fills us with joy. We delight in helping them or offering acts of kindness.

We don’t want them to say it is too much. Or that we should not do it. We want them to accept it and enjoy it as much as we enjoy sharing.

Neither should we steal anyone else’s joy.

I almost did that recently. A friend brought thoughtful gifts for my husband. They would make his life and mine much easier. When I wanted to pay for them, she responded with a smile, “Don’t steal my joy.” She had heard me say that and enjoyed the opportunity to say it back to me.

No one can steal the joy we find in Jesus.

Jesus offers us the gift of forgiveness, a future home in heaven, and joy whatever our present circumstances.

People may mistreat us. Troubles may surround us. Life may throw us for a loop, and our emotions may tumble. Nevertheless, Jesus fills us to the brim with everlasting joy. Nothing and no one can take that away.

“Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven” (Luke 6:23 NIV).

Thanks to Carol Edwards for the suggestion. Image by Christiane from Pixabay.

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