20240717生成俗语250~259

250. Close shave

This idiom originates from the act of shaving where a razor blade is very close to the skin, implying a sense of danger.

It is used metaphorically to describe a situation where someone narrowly avoids an accident or disaster, indicating that the situation was very close to being harmful but was ultimately escaped.

He had a close shave when his car skidded on the ice.

That was a close shave; I almost broke my leg! 

The hikers had a close shave with the falling rocks.

251. Closed-minded

This idiom is used to describe individuals who refuse to consider new ideas or opinions.

Such people are often biased against differing viewpoints and are stubborn in their beliefs, unwilling to change or have an open mind.

The origin might metaphorically suggest that the mind is as if a closed door, not accepting new knowledge from the outside nor changing itself.

She’s so closed-minded that she won’t even listen to a different perspective.

It’s hard to have a productive discussion with someone who is closed-minded. 

He was too closed-minded to appreciate the new ideas presented in the meeting.

252. Clown around

This phrase originates from clown performances in the circus.

Clowns usually do ridiculous acts and perform comical tricks to entertain the audience.

Therefore, “clown around” has come to describe people who do silly things, often in inappropriate situations, to amuse themselves and others.

Stop clowning around and get to work

The kids were clowning around during class, annoying the teacher. 

He likes to clown around to make his friends laugh. 

253. Cock-and-bull story

The exact origin of this phrase is debated.

one theory is that it originates from a 17th-century inn in England named “Cock and Bull,” where people purportedly told exaggerated and fanciful tales.

Another theory suggests the phrase simply refers to the absurd and unbelievable nature of such stories.

Nowadays, this idiom is used to describe fabricated and highly improbable stories.

He told me a real cock-and-bull story about why he was late. 

Don’t believe his cock-and-bull story; he’s just trying to cover up his mistake.

That was the most ridiculous cock-and-bull story I’ve ever heard. 

254. Coin a new term

This phrase originates from the word “coin,” which initially meant to mint coins.

In the 16th century, the term evolved to mean “create or invent.”

Hence, “coin a new term” came to be used to describe the act of creating a new term or phrase, often to articulate a new concept or idea.

She managed to coin a new term for the social phenomenon they were studying. 

The author coined a new term that quickly became popular in the industry. 

It’s not every day that someone coins a new term that sticks in everyday language. 

255. Coin a phrase

This phrase originates from the process of minting coins.

Just like minting money, coining a phrase means introducing a new expression into the language.

Originally, the verb “coin” specifically referred to minting coins, and later it was extended to mean creating new words or phrases.

He is often credited with coining the phrase “survival of the fittest

When your friend said “staycation,” do you think she coined that phrase?

Many writers hope to coin a phrase that becomes widely adopted.

256. Cold enough to freeze the ball off a brass monkey

This idiom’s origin is somewhat debated.

One explanation is that it comes from naval terminology, referring to brass structures used to stack cannonballs on ships.

In extremely cold weather, the brass would contract, causing the cannonballs to fall off. While this explanation is widely accepted, the true historical accuracy remains debated.

It’s cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey out there today!

The temperature dropped so low last night, it was cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey. 

I can’t believe how cold it is, it’s cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey!.

257. Cold feet

The origin of this phrase is unclear, but one explanation is that “cold feet” metaphorically links the physical sensation of coldness with fear or nervousness.

This feeling may arise when someone is about to do something but suddenly feels scared, especially during significant decisions like weddings, job interviews, or public speaking.

He got cold feet right before the wedding and called it off. 

I was going to take that job offer, but I got cold feet at the last moment. 

Don’t get cold feet now; you’ve prepared so much for this presentation. 

258. Cold shoulder

This phrase originated in the 19th century when a cold shoulder of mutton was a symbol of poor hospitality towards unwanted guests.

Therefore, “cold shoulder” has been used to describe deliberately ignoring or being unfriendly to someone.

It indicates showing a somewhat indifferent or unfriendly attitude towards others.

She gave him the cold shoulder after their argument. 

He felt hurt when his friends gave him the cold shoulder. 

Don’t give him the cold shoulder just because he made a mistake. 

259. Collecting dust

This phrase can trace its origin to the situation where an item sitting somewhere unused for a long time accumulates dust.

Therefore, “collecting dust” has come to describe items that haven’t been used for a long time or at all, just taking up space.

It can be used to describe objects, equipment, and even plans and projects.

My old guitar has been collecting dust in the closet. 

Those textbooks from college are just collecting dust on the shelf. 

The exercise equipment in the garage is collecting dust