Excellence
Beyond price
Meaning
To be so prized and valuable as to not be obtainable by money.
Examples
Getting in to the school hall for the annual nativity play cost us $5 but seeing little Angie in the lead role was beyond price.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 16th century.
Where is it used?
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On the ball
Meaning
With a good understanding of a situation and a readiness to act.
Examples
I gave him the predicted profits and he immediately knew they were wrong and sold the stock. He was really on the ball financially.
Where did it originate?
USA. Deriving from the expression ‘keep your eye on the ball’.
Where is it used?
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Out of sight
Meaning
Still used with its literal meaning of ‘beyond the range of sight’ but more commonly used in its hippie-era meaning of ‘excellent; extraordinary’.
Examples
The other runners were good, but Usian Bolt was out of sight.
Where did it originate?
USA, 19th century coinage before being re-used in the 1960s.
Where is it used?
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How the idiom originated
Peachy keen
Meaning
Excellent; wonderful.
Examples
Wow, that 20-year old whiskey is peachy keen..
Where did it originate?
USA, mid-20th century.
Where is it used?
Mostly USA.
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Perfect pitch
Meaning
The ability to determine a musical note by ear.
Examples
He knew that the cars engine was humming a D sharp just by listening – he has perfect pitch.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 1920s. Deriving from the earlier ‘absolute pitch’, which is known from the 1880s.
Where is it used?
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The best of both worlds
Meaning
The benefits available from two apparently conflicting options.
Examples
I went on a sailing holiday and got to stay in a cosy beachside villa each night. It seemed like the best of both worlds.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 19th century.
Where is it used?
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The best thing since sliced bread
Meaning
An outstandingly good idea or plan.
Examples
Some people hate iPhones Apple fanboys think they are the best thing since sliced bread.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 20th century.
Where is it used?
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The glorious twelfth
Meaning
The 12th of August – the start of the British grouse shooting season.
Examples
Just two weeks to go. I’ve booked all the beaters and the trip to the grouse moor is all set – bring on the glorious twelfth.
Where is it used?
Britain.
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