"hyperbole" idioms...
See also, a list of phrases that relate in some way to the word hyperbole
" A fate worse than death "
Meaning:
The reputed opinion of sexual intercourse by prim Victorian ladies.
Example:
Lord Carruthers dragged me to his bedroom and left me in no doubt I was to suffer a fate worse than death.
Where did it originate?:
The United Kingdom.
Where is it used?:
Worldwide, but now considered rather old-fashioned and used mainly by the older generation.
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" A knight in shining armour "
Meaning:
A person who comes to the aid of another when other hopes have faded, like the knights in romantic stories.
Example:
She was stuck, out of petrol in the middle of the moors at night. When the repair man turned up she called him her knight in shining armour.
Where did it originate?:
The United Kingdom. An allusion to the notion of gallant and noble mediaeval knights.
Where is it used?:
Widespread but not commonly used.
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" Foam at the mouth "
Meaning:
To show vehement rage.
Example:
He was mad as hell - really foaming at the mouth.
Where did it originate?:
Britain , from Shakespeare's Julius Caesar.
Where is it used?:
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" Going to hell in a handbasket "
Meaning:
Deteriorating and headed for complete disaster.
Example:
When the British went over the top at the Somme the soldiers didn't realise they were headed for hell in a handbasket.
Where did it originate?:
Where is it used?:
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" Like a chicken with its head cut off "
Meaning:
In a frenzied manner.
Example:
He was shouting and swearing because they had lost the contract - he was running around like a chicken with its head cut off.
Where did it originate?:
Where is it used?:
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" New York minute "
Meaning:
A short space of time.
Example:
I know we need to leave soon, but I can get ready really quickly. I'll be with you in a New York minute.
Where did it originate?:
Where is it used?:
Mostly USA.
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" Over my dead body "
Meaning:
Said when you absolutely refuse to allow something to happen.
Example:
He bullied me at school and now you want to promote him. Over my dead body!
Where did it originate?:
Britain , circa 1800. From the writings of Samuel Taylor Coleridge.
Where is it used?:
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" Shoot down in flames "
Meaning:
Destroy an argument or theory.
Example:
They sent their perpetual motion ideas to the Royal Society. Of course, it was all nonsense and they were shot down in flames.
Where did it originate?:
Britain , 1940s. An allusion to fighter planes being shot down.
Where is it used?:
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" Van Gogh's ear for music "
Meaning:
Tone deaf.
Example:
I'd love to join the choir but my audition was a disaster. The conductor said I had Van Gogh's ear for music.
Where did it originate?:
An ironic joke alluding to Van Gogh's celebrated loss of his ear, coined in
Britain in the late 20th century. The source idiom 'ear for music' has been used in Britain since the 18th century.
Where is it used?:
Mostly Britain and not a common idiom.
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