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Fiddlesticks

Fiddlesticks

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Fiddlesticks- a violin and bow on grass amid autumn leavesFiddlesticks often flies from my mouth. Not the actual bows used to play fiddles, but an expression of frustration. I say it when I:

  • Forget an important item or event.
  • Drop what I’m carrying.
  • Believe something is foolish.

Fiddlesticks expresses frustration or impatience.

It also means to be annoyed or to think something makes no sense. The situation or statement sounds or looks like garbage.

Fiddlesticks moments can change into creative ones.

We can turn our frustration or impatience into opportunity. If we don’t like the way things are, we do something about it. When we don’t have the resources we want, we use the resources we have.

For example, another little-known form of fiddlesticks exists. According to The Creole State Exhibit of Louisiana’s Living Traditions, fiddlesticks were “a traditional way of adding percussion…. As one person played the fiddle, another tapped out a rhythm on the strings.”

Wikipedia explains that the second person used “a pair of straws, sticks, or knitting needles to tap out a rhythm on the strings over the upper fingerboard (between the bow and the fiddler’s fingering hand).”

By using their existing resources, they added variety to their music.

We choose: Remain upset or adjust our circumstances.

Like the makers of the rhythmic fiddlesticks, we may have to make do with what we have. Yet, who knows what a difference we can make until we try?

“O my soul, don’t be discouraged. Don’t be upset. Expect God to act! For I know that I shall again have plenty of reason to praise him for all that he will do. He is my help! He is my God!” (Psalm 42:11 TLB).

Thanks to Laurel Blevins and Karen Hart for the suggestion. Image by Iryna Bakurskaya from Pixabay.

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Hem and Haw

Hem and Haw

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Hem and Haw: fork in road with a sign pointing the two ways to "later" or "now"A young cousin visited our family years ago. When no one was looking, she helped herself to Mom’s perfume. Lots of perfume. Stink-you-out-of-the-house strong. When Mom asked about it, Kim chose to hem and haw.

Kim looked at the ground, the sky, and the trees. Never at Mom. Regardless of what Mom said, she responded, “I’m just tired.”

Kim did not want to answer Mom’s question. She was not caught red-handed, but she was obviously guilty.

According to The Free Dictionary, to hem and haw is “to refuse to give a definite answer.”

“‘Hem,’ similar … to … ‘ahem,’ [means] to hesitate. ‘Haw’ [means] much the same…. Combine the two, and you have someone who’s stalling for time and hoping not to have to respond any further.”

Some people simply say “hem haw.”

To hem and haw also means to act with uncertainty.

Both meanings often involve:

  • Pauses
  • Unclear speech
  • Poor eye contact
  • Vague answers
  • Frequent throat clearing (a similar sound to the expression)

Such behavior occurs when people don’t know how to answer or don’t want to answer.

Rather than a direct reply, they stall with meaningless sounds or words.

Saying “I don’t know” or “I did it” sounds better than avoiding the truth.

Honesty helps keep people out of hot water. Choose the right way now to stay out of trouble now and later.

“Speak the truth to each other” (Zechariah 8:16 NIV).

Thanks to Terrie Wilson for the suggestion. Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay.

NOTE: While exploring related expressions, I discovered I used a similar introduction for beat around the bush. However, it works so well for both, I decided to keep it here too.

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

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Put to Bed

Put to Bed

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Put to Bed--sleeping puppy on a hand-made cherry bedFollowing baths, brushed teeth, prayers, and other routines, children are put to bed every night.

Some of us also put our pets to bed. This puppy receives lots of love and care from its owner. A hand-made cherry bed waits anytime puppy needs a nap. Not a typical dog’s life.

We understand the literal meaning of put to bed.

People and animals need sleep. Going to bed may be voluntary or it may be required. Sometimes it serves as punishment for bad behavior.

It also means to stop discussing or arguing about an issue.

Whether we agree or disagree, we drop the subject. We let sleeping dogs lie.

It often means to complete all or part of an activity.

Final preparation begins or is already finished.

It’s a common saying for newspapers and other printing and means no more edits. Papers or books are ready to print.

The most important decision to put to bed is our eternal destination.

 We don’t want to leave our relationship with Jesus up in the air. At the end of the day, nothing matters more.

“Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:4 NIV).

Thanks to J.D. Wininger for the suggestion and to Ina Ree Pickett for the photo.

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Upon My Word of Honor

Upon My Word of Honor

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Upon My Word of Honor--2 older women dressed up with pursesWhen anything shocked my grandmother and her sister, they often declared, “Upon my word of honor!” Occasionally they shortened it to “Pon my word of honor!” or simply “My word!”

Sometimes their surprise came from love or admiration. Both enjoyed and grew flowers. An amazing new discovery led to clapped hands and words of approval.

Other times the same words expressed their disapproval. Unruly children might lead to, “Upon my word of honor! I can’t believe their parents let them get away with that.”

Upon my word of honor has two main meanings.

 My grandmother and great-aunt demonstrated one.

1. It expresses shock or surprise.

People can’t believe what they see or hear. It amazes them.

2. Upon my word of honor is also an oath or vow.

People promise or pledge to do something. That may be a formal pledge like an oath of office. It may also be an informal promise between friends or acquaintances. They mean they will do what they say. They vow they are telling the truth.

Why not always live an honest life rather than make promises?

If people know someone is as good as their word, they will not question what that person says or does. They trust them.

“Say just a simple ‘Yes, I will’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Your word is enough. To strengthen your promise with a vow shows that something is wrong. (Matthew 5:37 TLB).

Thanks to Jason Smith (and his Aunt Beulah who used this expression) for the suggestion.

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Hornswoggle

Hornswoggle

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Hornswoggle-two little girls in sunsuits, one with a mischievous smileSome of us hornswoggle. Others of us get hornswoggled.  I don’t know about you, but I belong in the second category.

I am gullible from head to toe. Just ask my sister. When we were children, she tricked me into washing dishes for her over and over again.

Can’t you see the fun oozing out of her little body? We still get good laughs from her tricks.

Hornswoggle means to trick or cheat.

Other words describe it as:

  • Deceive
  • Dupe
  • Hoax
  • Bamboozle
  • Swindle
  • Hoodwink

Many hornswoggle experiences are harmless.

No one gets hurt. Laughter usually follows.

  • Surprise parties
  • Jokes

Enjoy those times.

However, other experiences cause great harm.

  • Scams and other money schemes
  • Relationship deceit

Watch out for snakes in the grass who hurt others with their deceptive ways.

The greatest harm comes from religious deceit.

Religious wolves in sheep’s clothing pretend to be someone or something they are not. They look and sound harmless but lead people the wrong way.

We want to be sure we follow the right path in life. We also want to direct others to it. Follow Jesus, “the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6 NIV).

“[Jesus] replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them” (Luke 21:8 NIV).

Thanks to Jonna J. LeVan for the idea. Read how her son hornswoggled her on Tracy Crump’s Caregiver Corner.

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Make Up for Lost Time

Make Up for Lost Time

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Make Up for Lost Time--grandfather clockMost of us have had to make up for lost time. We plan to complete tasks. Yet, other events interfere with those plans.

To make up for lost time means to spend time doing what we should have done earlier.

Because of our delay, we have to work quicker or longer to get the job done. For example, we:

  • Leave late and drive faster to arrive on time. (I don’t recommend this.)
  • Fail to complete a work assignment and have to work harder later.

We occasionally make up for lost time in our relationships.

  • After years apart or with little time together, we focus on one another.
  • When illness prevents favorite activities, we spend extra time on them after we heal.

Too often, we waste time.

That looks different for each of us. We dillydally when we:

  • Delay a task we don’t want to perform
  • Sleep late
  • Spend excess time on fun but useless activities

 We also make up for lost time through no fault of our own.

We simply have more to do than we can do.

  • Emergencies occur.
  • We complete the work other people failed to do.
  • Unexpected requests or assignments arise.

God gives each of us twenty-four hours a day.

Will we:

  • Use it wisely?
  • Keep our priorities in order?
  • Do our best?

As John Wooden said, “If you don’t have time to do it right, when are you going to have the time to do it over?”

“I trust in you, Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in your hands.” —Psalm 31:14-15

Thanks to Beckham Wilson for the suggestion and to Beverly Ennis for the photo.

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The Blind Leading the Blind

The Blind Leading the Blind

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The Blind Leading the Blind: Man and guide dog on sidewalkThe blind leading the blind does not work.

I have two friends who are blind. Both possess amazing talents — musically, intellectually, spiritually, and socially. However, they can’t help one another, or anyone else, safely cross a street. That requires someone with sight.

Both have loving family and friends who assist them when needed. Both also have guide dogs specially trained to help them.

The blind leading the blind describes people unable to do a task who try to help others perform that same task.

They can’t do it. If they try, both end up in a right smart of trouble.

People need to know what they are doing in order to help someone else.

They must have:

  • Knowledge
  • Experience
  • Skills

For example:

  • Help with math requires an understanding of math.
  • Assistance with cooking requires the ability to cook.
  • Guiding a tour group requires knowledge of the area.

We find the blind leading the blind in the Bible.

Jesus used it in Luke 6:39 and Matthew 15:14. In Matthew, religious leaders rejected the truth. Jesus described them as the blind leading the blind.

To help others is a good thing. Yet, that requires:

  • A willingness to learn
  • The ability to assist

Learn and develop skills first.

Then offer help.

“Leave them; they are blind guides. If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.” (Matthew 15:14 NIV).

Thanks to Brad Leverett for the suggestion and to Cole Torbert (and Louie) for the photo.

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Lipstick on a Pig

Lipstick on a Pig

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Lipstick on a Pig--baby pigWe can put lipstick on a pig, but it is still a pig.

Lipstick on a pig means we try to make something look better than it is.

  • A pretty plate does not make bad food taste good.
  • Fresh paint on a falling-down house does not make it safe.
  • A new building does not make a failing business succeed.

Change must occur inside as well as outside.

  • Cook better food to go on that pretty plate.
  • Repair the house and then paint it.
  • Change how the business in that new building operates.

Lipstick on a pig fools few people.

Often it fools no one.

Only true change makes a difference.

An improved appearance may make us feel better for a while. However, we must tackle the real problems for lasting change.

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but be a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think. Then you will learn from your own experience how his ways will really satisfy you” (Romans 12:2 TLB).

Thanks to Frank Cheatham for the suggestion.

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You Made Your Bed, You Must Lie in It

You Made Your Bed, You Must Lie in It

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You Made Your Bed--bed in The Elms (R. I.)You made your bed, you must lie in it has nothing to do with making a bed. The expression focuses on behavior.

You have to live with the results of what you do.

  • Good choices bring good results.
  • Bad choices bring bad results.

If you cause problems, expect problems in your life. If you share joy, expect joy in return.

 Of course, exceptions to the rule occur. However, you usually experience the natural or logical effects of your actions. You did it, so you must live with it.

Several expressions have the same meaning.

Whether you talk about beds, gardens, music, or chickens, the message remains the same. For the best life, make the best choices.

“When you see trouble coming, don’t be stupid and walk right into it— be smart and hide” (Proverbs 22:3 CEV).

Thanks to Bonnie Alley 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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Cool as a Cucumber

Cool as a Cucumber

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Cool as a Cucumber--sliced cucumberSome people stay cool as a cucumber.

Whether good times or bad, they remain calm.

Cucumbers are mostly water, which keeps them cool. A slice of cucumber in a glass of water provides cool refreshment on a hot summer day.

However, cool as a cucumber does not refer to a cool temperature. It means people who rarely get upset.

  • Plans don’t go their way. They make other plans.
  • People mistreat them. They still treat those people well.
  • Losses occur. They give thanks for what they had.

They live an easy-does-it life and look for the light at the end of the tunnel.

Few things get them down.

When they do get down, they soon rise again and keep going. They know that nothing in this life lasts forever. Therefore, they make the most of the moments they have.

Cool as a cucumber people spread peace.

By staying calm and peaceful, they help people around them stay calm and peaceful.

Peace that never fails can be found when anyone lets go and lets God.

“[God’s] peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7 TLB).

Thanks to Janna Babak for the suggestion.

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