Idioms · 18 entries
A proverb that suggests a poor workman tends to look for an excuse for his poor work.
The expression is found in British collections of proverbs from the 16th century.
The United Kingdom - 17th century.
The United Kingdom, 20th century. The allusion being that someone is in a race against the clock.
USA and Britain, in the 1980s
Britain, 19th century.
USA, 20th century.
Britain, 17th century.
Britain, late 19th century.
USA, 1950s
Britain, 1990s.
USA, late 19th century.
Britain, 16th century proverb.
Britain, 19th century. Possibly of nautical origin.
From the Bible.
20th century origin, although the similar ‘Friday face’ is known in England since the 16th century.
1. Britain, 16th century. 2. (As ‘workout’) USA, late 19th century.
Entry 1
Meaning A proverb that suggests a poor workman tends to look for an excuse for his poor work.
Usage Worldwide, but less commonly than 50 years ago.
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Entry 2
Meaning Anything you save has the same effect as adding to your income.
Usage Worldwide, but uncommon.
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Entry 3
Meaning In a great hurry to complete something before a set deadline.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 4
Meaning Eating one’s lunch while still working. (A Pun on ’Al fresco’.).
Usage Widely used, but mainly in the 30/40s generations who work in offices.
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Entry 5
Meaning Typical; a normal set of circumstances.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 6
Meaning Said when a plan fails and it's time to start again and make a new plan.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 7
Meaning To work late into the night.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 8
Meaning Slang term for a computer programmer.
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Entry 9
Meaning The dull daily routine.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 10
Meaning Said to someone who is a poor performer at a task - suggesting that they wouldn't be able to succeed at it professionally.
Usage Worldwide, but not particularly commonplace.
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Entry 11
Meaning A work day which an employee is allowed to spend at home relaxing.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 12
Meaning Working hours that extend overnight.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 13
Meaning Doing things in a rush makes for a poor result.
Usage Mostly Britain.
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Entry 14
Meaning To understand how to do something.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 15
Meaning A standard office day, between 9am and 5pm. Often used to denote the boring nature of the weekly working routine.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 16
Meaning Instruction to get out of bed and get ready for work.
Usage Worldwide, but somewhat old-fashioned.
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Entry 17
Meaning Anticipation of the weekend after a hard working week.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 18
Meaning 1. Calculate using arithmetic. 2. Take exercise (also spelled 'workout').
Usage Both forms used Worldwide.
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Pronunciation