Medical
A bad break
Meaning
1. A misfortune. 2. A serious bone fracture.
Examples
1. Tony has lost his job, just when he needed the cash to move house. That’s a bad break. 2. Tanya’s leg was crushed when the rock fell on it – a really bad break the doctor said.
Where did it originate?
1. USA 2. UK.
Where is it used?
1. USA. 2. Widely used.
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A shot in the arm
Meaning
A boost or encouragement.
Examples
I was out on my feet after ten miles’ running but seeing the kids cheering me on was a real shot in the arm.
Where did it originate?
USA, initially alluding to a shot of drugs but now used without that connotation.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, very commonly used.
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A taste (or dose) of your own medicine
Meaning
Mistreatment you receive in retaliation to that you gave to others.
Examples
You always made me work on Christmas Day when I was the junior. Now I’m in charge of the holiday rota and you can take a dose of your own medicine.
Where did it originate?
Aesop.
Where is it used?
Widely used.
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As high as a kite
Meaning
1. Very high up in the sky. 2. High on drugs or excitement.
Examples
1. The Petronas Tower is as high as a kite. 2. She was ecstatic that she won the gold medal. She was high as a kite afterwards.
Where did it originate?
1. Britain – 17th century. It probably refers to Red Kites, birds that were common in the UK in the 17th century, rather than children’s kites. 2. USA.
Where is it used?
1. In the UK. 2. Worldwide.
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Basket case
Meaning
A person or thing that is no longer able to function effectively, either through disability or misfortune.
Examples
The Greek economy took a nosedive after the 2008 world financial meltdown – to the point of becoming a total economic basket case.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
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Day surgery
Meaning
Minor surgery that does not require the patient to stay in hospital overnight.
Examples
I’ve got to have a gallstone op – luckily it doesn’t take long. It will be a day-surgery job.
Where did it originate?
Britain, mid 20th century.
Where is it used?
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Funny farm
Meaning
A mental hospital.
Examples
Sadly, Jack was so psychotic they had to take him to the funny farm.
Where is it used?
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Hair of the dog
Meaning
An alcoholic drink, intended to cure a hangover. It is mistakenly believed that a small measure of the same drink that made a person drunk will sober them up and cure the drinks ill effects. The expression is also used in other contexts, whenever an additional dose of whatever caused a problem is thought to be an appropriate remedy.
Examples
I feel rough. I shouldn’t have had those last six tequila slammers last night. Here goes another – maybe it will be the hair of the dog.
Where did it originate?
England, 16th century.
Where is it used?
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Knee jerk reaction
Meaning
A quick and automatic response.
Examples
When Isis bombed Paris the knee-jerk reaction was to bomb them back.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 19th century. Driving from the medical test involving tapping the knee.
Where is it used?
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The heebie-jeebies
Meaning
A state of nervous anxiety or fear.
Examples
I didn’t like staying in that old house overnight. The creaks and bumps gave me the heebie-jeebies.
Where did it originate?
USA, 20th century. The origin isn’t known but heebie-jeebie was formerly the name of a dance.
Where is it used?
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Uncle Dick
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for sick.
Examples
Sorry, I won’t be into work today. I’ll feeling Uncle Dick.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
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Under the weather
Meaning
Feeling ill.
Examples
I’ve had a sore throat all week, now it’s turned to a cold. I’m feeling right under the weather.
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