"music" idioms...
See also, a list of phrases that relate in some way to the word music
" All together now "
Meaning:
Invitation to join in communal singing.
Example:
Come on all of you, let's have a sing-song. I'll count you in - all together now.
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" Brahms and Lizst "
Meaning:
Cockney rhyming slang for pissed.
Example:
Two bottles of wine at home and then four pints in the pub - he was totally Brahms by ten-o-clock.
Where did it originate?:
Where is it used?:
Mostly Britain.
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" Elvis has left the building "
Meaning:
The primary performer has left. There's no point waiting around.
Example:
Go away. We're closed. It's all over. Nothing to see here. Elvis has left the building. Do I need to go on?
Where did it originate?:
Where is it used?:
Worldwide , but more common in the USA than elsewhere.
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" Face the music "
Meaning:
Accept he unwelcome consequences of one's own actions.
Example:
Jack pretended he had a Ph.D. to get the job. Now it's come out that he hasn't he'll have to face the music and resign..
Where did it originate?:
Where is it used?:
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" Perfect pitch "
Meaning:
The ability to determine a musical note by ear.
Example:
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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" 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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