Meaning of “Up A Gum Tree” Origin of Phrase with examples.
Up A Gum Tree Meaning With most phrases it is the origin rather than the meaning that is in doubt. ‘Up a gum tree’ has several meanings. The most …
Meaning of “Up A Blind Alley” Origin of Phrase with examples.
Up A Blind Alley Meaning Following a course of action that leads to no good outcome. Origin Alleys are blind if they have no ‘eye’ or through passage – …
Meaning of “Under The Weather” Origin of Phrase with examples.
Under The Weather Meaning To be ill. Example I’d love to help you move all your furniture next weekend, but I expect to be feeling a bit under the …
Meaning of “Under The Gun” Origin of Phrase with examples.
Under The Gun Meaning A need to perform under a tight deadline. Example I’m under the gun to complete this report – it’s due first thing in the morning. …
Meaning of “Under My Wing” Origin of Phrase with examples.
Under My Wing Meaning To accept an apprentice. Example I have watched you flounder about for long enough. I will take you under my wing, teach you the trade, …
Meaning of “The Back of Beyond” Origin of Phrase with examples.
The Back of Beyond Meaning A lonely forsaken place. Origin The inland desert region of Australia that is otherwise known as the Never-never is also sometimes called the ‘Back …
Meaning of “The Apple of My Eye” Origin of Phrase with examples.
The Apple of My Eye Meaning Originally meaning the central aperture of the eye. Figuratively it is something, or more usually someone, cherished above others. Origin The phrase is …
Meaning of “Take The Mickey” Origin of Phrase with examples.
Take The Mickey Meaning Tease or make fun of. Origin There are various forms of this: take/extract the Mick/Mickey/Michael, although the ‘take the Mickey’ version is most often used …
Meaning of “Takes The Cake” Origin of Phrase with examples.
Takes The Cake Meaning Coming first in some, often trivial, activity. Origin Slaves used to hold competitions to see which couple could produce the most elegant walk. The best …
Meaning of “Take a Dive” Origin of Phrase with examples.
Take a Dive Meaning To intentionally fail in competition, to throw a game. Example All good salesmen learn to take a dive when playing golf with customers. Origin Boxers …