Hurts Like The Dickens Meaning To hurt a lot, to be painful. Example It hurts like the dickens that Therese’s old computer won’t bring up jokes properly! Origin Dickens …
Hunky Dory Meaning To be okay, everything is good. Example If you would only pay the bills on time, everything would be hunky dory. Origin Huncho-dori was a major …
Hold Your Horses Meaning Hold on; be patient. Origin US origin – 19th century. In keeping with its American origin, it originally was written as ‘hold your hosses’ and …
Hand Over Fist Meaning Quickly and continuously. Origin This is probably of naval origin. I hesitate to say definitely as the earliest reference to it, although clearly referring to …
Ham Actor Meaning An inferior actor with, perhaps, lots of gesticulations but little else. Origin 19th century make-up was removed with ham fat. Alternative: a touring troupe of American …
Half Cocked Meaning To be less than fully prepared. Example in halfcocked demanding a raise, you Before you go better think through what you are going to say. Origin …
Halcyon Days Meaning Calm, peaceful days. Origin Halcyon is a name for a bird of Greek legend which is commonly associated with the kingfisher. The phrase comes from the …
The Hairy Eyeball Meaning A glance made with partially lowered eyelids. This usually indicates suspicion or hostility but may signal other emotions too. Origin This is a US phrase …
Hair of the Dog Meaning Using something from A as an antidote to solve B’s problems caused by A. Origin Hair of the dog is part of a longer …
Had Your Chips Meaning Someone’s luck has run out and they are close to failure. Origin Chips refer to gaming chips or tokens. Someone who loses their chips could …
