Idioms · 9 entries
Extremely cold weather. The full expression is 'Cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey'.
The UK and USA in the early 20th century.
Britain, 14th century, deriving ultimately from ancient Rome.
Britain, 18th century.
USA, 20th century.
Britain, early 20th century. A pun on the expression ‘winter draws on’ (that is, winter is approaching). ‘Drawers’ is a British slang term for knickers.
Entry 1
Meaning Extremely cold weather. The full expression is 'Cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey'.
Usage Worldwide, mostly among people in their 20/40s, as a slang expression.
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Entry 2
Meaning Cockney rhyming slang for sun.
Usage Mostly Britain.
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Entry 3
Meaning The hottest days of the summer season.
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Entry 4
Meaning When troubles come they often come together.
Usage Worldwide, but somewhat old-fashioned.
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Entry 5
Meaning Blissfully happy.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 6
Meaning Cockney rhyming slang for cold.
Usage Mostly Britain.
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Entry 7
Meaning Raining very heavily.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 8
Meaning Feeling ill.
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Entry 9
Meaning British euphemistic joke.
Usage Britain.
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