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Tag: idioms

Bite Someone’s Head Off

Bite Someone’s Head Off

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Bite Someone's Head Off: tiger with open mouthWhen we see a tiger or other wild animal open its mouth and hear it roar, we may fear it will bite someone’s head off. When we open our mouths while angry, other people may expect us to bite their heads off.

To bite someone’s head off means to react in anger.

We have a bad day, so we take it out on the people around us. They may have no idea why we react as we do, since they did nothing to provoke us.

Other times, people may irritate us with what we consider inappropriate behavior.

Either way, we act or react with:

  • Rage
  • Force
  • Impatience

A similar expression is to snap someone’s head off.

Both mean to scold or speak in a mean manner. If we are mad at the world, whoever comes our way suffers.

Our response to others matters.

Once we speak words, we can’t take them back. We can apologize, but the harm remains.

We all have bad days.

However, we decide whether we will do the best we can or make life miserable for everyone we encounter. Remember, we catch more flies with honey than vinegar. Will we spread:

  • Health or harm?
  • Love or hate?
  • Encouragement or despair?

Let’s not allow bad days to control us. Rather, let’s bite our tongues and treat others as we want to be treated.

“They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim cruel words like deadly arrows. (Psalm 64:3 NIV).

Thanks to Katherine Pasour for the suggestion. Photo by shravan khare on Pexels.

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Butt Heads with Someone

Butt Heads with Someone

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Butt Heads with Someone--two boys with heads together and fists clenchedWhen we butt heads with someone, we cause and receive pain. No fun.

Literally, to butt heads means to hit heads together.

We often see this when animals lock horns. They fight to determine who will lead their group.

Figuratively, to butt heads means to strongly disagree or have an intense argument.

This causes problems in any relationship:

  • Families
  • Friends
  • Neighbors
  • Political parties
  • Social organizations

 The tactics in such arguments aim to hurt rather than heal.

  • Name calling
  • Disrespect
  • Physical or verbal fights

 Rather than butt heads, we need to learn to get along.

We can disagree in an agreeable way. If we explain our differences in a calm, respectful manner, everyone wins. Two heads are better than one applies even when the two heads disagree.

 “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” (James 4:1 NIV).

Thanks to Tracy Crump for the suggestion and to Megan Wollman for the photo.

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Dog-tired

Dog-tired

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Dog-tired--dog lying downAfter a dog’s long hunt, chase, or play, it drops to the ground dog-tired. Following long busy days, we also feel tuckered out and want to collapse.

Dog-tired means exhausted.

Worn out, we want nothing more than rest. We long for:

Dog-tired often makes us grouchy.

We don’t want anyone or anything to bother us. If someone interrupts our rest, our response frequently falls short of perfect.

Like dogs, our fatigue comes from common causes.

We engage in too much:

  • Work
  • Play
  • Other activity with too little time

When possible, let’s pace ourselves.

  • Work with others so workloads don’t overload.
  • Take time to enjoy favorite activities.
  • Do what we can and don’t stress about the rest.

Look for the positives in whatever we do and try not to overdo.

“For I have given rest to the weary and joy to all the sorrowing” (Jeremiah 31:25 TLB).

Thanks to Beckham Wilson for the suggestion.

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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.

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

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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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Whale of a Time

Whale of a Time

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Whale of a Time--two whales divingMy husband and I had a whale of a time watching whales off the coast of Cape Cod. What a thrill. I thought we might see one or two whales, but they were everywhere. Whales surrounded our boat.

That may sound like a whale of a tale, but it’s true. My pictures don’t begin to capture all we saw in spite of a light rain.

A whale of a time means an exceptionally good time.

The experience is:

  • Enjoyable
  • Fun
  • Exciting
  • Huge (like the size of a whale)

Occasionally we add an adjective to the expression and say we had a whale of a good time.

We differ on what makes a whale of a time.

Will we choose to enjoy whatever this day offers?

Certainly, some days challenge us more than others. Nevertheless, our outlook makes a tremendous difference in our degree of enjoyment.

“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs” (Psalm 100:1-2 NIV).

Thanks to Jane Ashley Pace for the suggestion.

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At Sixes and Sevens

At Sixes and Sevens

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At Sixes and Sevens--white dice on a black backgroundAfter I posted “At Loggerheads,” I received the following comment. “It’s all sixes and sevens now… That’s a ridley sea turtle, not a loggerhead.” Since I am not a turtle expert, I should have double checked my source. However, I did not.

At sixes and sevens means confused or disorganized.

In addition to turtles, I get confused about:

  • Numbers (Math is not my strength.)
  • Physics (I received a good grade but have little understanding.)
  • Meteorology (Weather forecasts keep me informed.)

At sixes and sevens also means frazzled.

Life gets overwhelming. Daily difficulties leave me bumfuzzled. Bewildered and spread too thin, I find myself going in circles unsure what to do next.

Rest makes a world of difference.

With a clearer mind and restored energy:

  • Life feels less confusing.
  • Organization looks more doable.
  • Tasks fall into place

The Free Dictionary offers two possible origins for this expression.

  1. “A dice game in which rolling a six or a seven was unfavorable.”
  2. “A dispute that arose between two of the guilds or craft organizations in medieval London.” It involved sixth and seventh place in the city’s annual procession.

When confused, turn to the right resource.

Seek God as the ultimate answer for life’s most important questions.

“I call on the Lord in my distress, and he answers me” (Psalm 120:1 NIV).

Thanks to Jeff Buck for the suggestion. Image by Willi Heidelbach from Pixabay

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You Got This

You Got This

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You Got This! in red on a Rolodex cardIf we want to encourage people who face difficult challenges, we might say, “You got this” or “You’ve got this.” We want them to know we understand their problems. Yet, we also believe they can overcome them.

You got this means we think people can manage their troubles.

We reassure them that they:

  • Can do it
  • Have no reason to fear
  • Can conquer their uncertainty

We believe in their ability to do what they need to do.

You got this offers hope.

We all feel hopeless from time to time. We get discouraged, ready to give up. Yet, a pep talk from a family member or friend can work wonders. It helps us keep on keeping on.

Our present troubles will not last forever.

Instead, we look for light at the end of the tunnel. In addition, if we have placed our faith in Jesus, we look forward to a home in heaven at the end of the road.

“Encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone” (1 Thessalonians 5:14 NIV).

Thanks to Rebecca Stafford for the suggestion.

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Down the Road

Down the Road

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Down the Road--road leading into a greenery-covered tunnelWhen I was a child, several relatives lived down the road from us. My sister and I often walked to their houses to play with our cousins.

We also spent time wondering what God had down the road for our futures. Where would we live? What would we do?

Down the road has two meanings.

  1. On the same road or nearby
  2. In the future

This post will focus on the second meaning.

It pays to plan for what lies down the road.

“Failing to plan is planning to fail.” That quote or similar ones have been credited to Benjamin Franklin, Reverend H. K. Williams, and others. Yet, the source remains uncertain. Regardless of who first said it, the truth endures.

We face an uncertain future.

Although we want to plan, life offers no guarantees. Therefore, we prepare for our goals. Yet, we also prepare for life’s unknowns.

God remains with us both now and down the road.

In spite of life’s uncertainties, we can always count on God’s peace and presence. Whether our plans work out or go down the drain, God promises never to leave us alone. All we have to do is follow Him in faith.

 As we travel down life’s road, may we never stray from the straight and narrow.

“Mixed motives twist life into tangles; pure motives take you straight down the road” (Proverbs 21:8 MSG).

Thanks to Beckham Wilson for the suggestion and the photo.

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At Loggerheads

At Loggerheads

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At Loggerheads--loggerhead turtle on sandAt loggerheads has nothing to do with loggerhead turtles. Although we might enjoy finding the so-ugly-they-are-cute turtles, they give no insight into the idiom. Unless they fight.

At loggerheads means in conflict.

We disagree or argue and fail to resolve the problem. Probably one of the best-known examples of conflict between families is the Hatfield and McCoy feud.

Usually no one wins when at loggerheads.

As with the Hatfields and McCoys, strong disagreement often causes great suffering on both sides including violence or death.

In addition to families, quarrels or disputes occur among:

  • Friends
  • Co-workers
  • Countries
  • Organizations

The Free Dictionary gives two possible origins for the expression.

  1. “A ‘logger’ is a 16th-century term for a block of wood, so a ‘loggerhead’ is a blockhead or fool.”
  2. Loggerhead is also a late 1600s term for “a long-handled iron poker with a bulb-shaped end that was heated in the fire and used to melt pitch.” This “may have been alluded to as a weapon.”

Rather than remain at loggerheads, let’s seek solutions.

  • Compromise when possible.
  • Agree with the other person when we realize we are wrong.
  • Stand firm when necessary.
  • Follow Jesus’ example of self-giving love.

“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs” (Proverbs 10:12 NIV).

Thanks to Sarah Burns Hampshire for the suggestion. Photo by Amy Farías with Pexels.

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

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