The term Canuck is first recorded about 1835 as an Americanism, originally referring specifically to a French Canadian. Today, Canuck now refers to any Canadian. And, of course, the Vancouver NHL hockey team.
A "Catch-22" is a paradox that is impossible to find a solution or answer to. This saying is based on the book of the same name by Joseph Heller, which was written in 1953. Catch-22 is about U.S. Air Force fighters who didn’t want to fly into dangerous bombing missions, yet the only way to be exempt of this duty was to be dismissed on grounds of insanity. Hence, a fighter would have to be either crazy or willing to die—placing them in a Catch-22 situation.
If a telemarketer calls you for the 10th time in a day, you’re probably really mad about it, or "cheesed off." It’s a non-profane phrase for expressing your annoyance.
To "chip in" means to help someone out. If someone doesn’t have enough cash to pay for lunch, you might chip in an extra few dollars to cover the bill.
Do you know a person who seems to be angry, reserved or upset, but won't explain why? He or she may have a "chip on their shoulder," meaning they are harbouring longstanding feelings of hurt or anger.
When Michael Phelps won the gold medal for all the swimming races in the Olympics, he did it in a "clean sweep." A clean sweep is simply when someone wins in every event at a competition or contest.
This saying either comes from Spanish roots or from British writer Charles Dickens. The two objects, "cloak and dagger," are related to spies, mystery and espionage. This phrase is used to refer to situations that are shady and unexplainable.
When your relationship has been bad for five long years, and you still have hope it’ll improve, it means you’re "clutching at straws." It’s when you hope for the best in a situation that is sliding through your fingers and will end poorly.
Back to the idea of the “naughty” or “nice” list, those children on the naughty side are said to expect coal in their stockings instead of presents and candy.
If you’ve been planning to go skydiving for the first time, and you freeze up when you’re at the edge of the plane's door, it means you just got "cold feet." It’s when you get scared enough that you can’t go through with something like skydiving or a wedding.
Did you have an argument with someone and they haven’t gotten over it? Are they not speaking to you and ignoring you? You're being given the "cold shoulder."
楼主
发表于 2012-2-1 03:25:41
