Idioms · 9 entries
The reputed opinion of sexual intercourse by prim Victorian ladies.
The United Kingdom.
The United Kingdom. An allusion to the notion of gallant and noble mediaeval knights.
Britain, from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar.
USA, 19th century.
USA, late 19th century.
USA, 20th century.
Britain, circa 1800. From the writings of Samuel Taylor Coleridge.
Britain, 1940s. An allusion to fighter planes being shot down.
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.
Entry 1
Meaning The reputed opinion of sexual intercourse by prim Victorian ladies.
Usage Worldwide, but now considered rather old-fashioned and used mainly by the older generation.
Example
Pronunciation
Entry 2
Meaning A person who comes to the aid of another when other hopes have faded, like the knights in romantic stories.
Usage Widespread but not commonly used.
Example
Pronunciation
Entry 3
Meaning To show vehement rage.
Usage Worldwide.
Example
Pronunciation
Entry 4
Meaning Deteriorating and headed for complete disaster.
Usage Worldwide.
Example
Pronunciation
Entry 5
Meaning In a frenzied manner.
Usage Worldwide, but not particularly common.
Example
Pronunciation
Entry 6
Meaning A short space of time.
Usage Mostly USA.
Example
Pronunciation
Entry 7
Meaning Said when you absolutely refuse to allow something to happen.
Usage Worldwide.
Example
Pronunciation
Entry 8
Meaning Destroy an argument or theory.
Usage Worldwide, although rather old-fashioned.
Example
Pronunciation
Entry 9
Meaning Tone deaf.
Usage Mostly Britain and not a common idiom.
Example
Pronunciation