Biblical


A very small part of a bigger whole.

The country’s debt has risen to a trillion pounds. Paying off a billion is just a drop in the bucket.

The Bible.

Worldwide.


A small flaw that spoils the whole.

It was good to win the gold but not being able to attend the ceremony to collect it was the fly in the ointment.

The Bible.

Worldwide.


Failure is certain if those on the same side argue amongst themselves.

The Tory party can’t stop arguing over Europe. Don’t they know that a house divided cannot stand.

Biblical.

Widespread but uncommon. Rather formal for everyday speech.


You cannot change your innate self.

He was a bully at school and he’s a bully now – a leopard can’t change its spots.

Biblical.

Widespread but rather formal form of expression. Not widely used by the young.


Avoiding the main topic.

If you want Jill to go out with her, don’t beat around the bush – ask her.

Britain, 1400s. One of the oldest non-Biblical phrases in the language.

Worldwide.


1 – One’s family. 2 – the bodily stuff we are made of.

1 – We aren’t putting Dad into a home. He is our flesh and blood after all. 2 – It’s so hot in here – almost more than flesh and blood can stand.

Britain, 10th century, from a biblical source.

Worldwide.


Someone who compassionately helps another who is in need.

I’d lost my wallet and couldn’t get home. He played the good Samaritan and gave me a lift to my door.

Britain, 17th century. From a biblical source.

Worldwide.


Someone who is cherished above all others.

She’s my only child – the apple of my eye.

Britain, 9th century – making it one of the oldest phrases in the language that is still in regular use in its original form.

Worldwide.


The last of a series of problems, which pushes one’s endurance beyond its limits.

I’ve put up with his taunting for years but picking on my daughter was the last straw and I punched him.

Britain, early 19th century.

Worldwide.

Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.