270. Comparing apples to oranges
The idiom originates from the fact that apples and oranges, while both fruits, are fundamentally different in many ways, making them incomparable.
It is used to indicate that two things are being compared that are so different that the comparison is not valid.
Comparing the two jobs is like comparing apples to oranges; they require completely different skill sets.
You can’t say one is better without the context; that’s like comparing apples to oranges.
271. Computer crashed
This phrase describes the sudden stop of a computer or system functioning, typically due to software glitches, hardware issues, or some unexpected events
In modern life, computer crashes resulting from viruses, system bugs, or hardware failures are common, thereby the frequent use of this expression.
My computer crashed right before I could save my work.
I had to restart because my computer crashed unexpectedly.
If your computer crashes often, you should get it checked.
272. Cook someone’s goose
This phrase originated in the 16th century in Britain and on the continent.
Back then, if someone’s goose was killed and cooked, it symbolized that their good wishes or plans were ruined.
This expression has carried over to modern times, indicating spoiling someone’s plans or offending someone.
When he revealed their secret, he really cooked their goose.
Her chance at winning the competition was cooked when she missed her cue
The surprise party was all set until John accidentally cooked our goose by mentioning it to her.
273. Cook up
This phrase originates from the basic concept of cooking food.
Over time, the action of “cooking” something was metaphorically extended to mean creating something through clever means.
In modern English, “cook up” is commonly used to refer to fabricating stories, excuses, or plans.
He tried to cook up an excuse for being late to the meeting.
They cooked up a plan to surprise their friend on her birthday.
The kids cooked up a story to explain the broken vase.
274. Cooked the books
The phrase originates from the idea of a chef “cooking” or preparing food in the kitchen.
Similarly, to “cook the books” means to manipulate or alter information purposely to achieve a desired outcome.
In the context of business and finance, it refers to the fraudulent act of altering financial records to present a misleadingly favorable picture or to attain certain goals.
The finance manager was fired for cooking the books to cover up losses.
They couldn’t believe that the company had been cooking the books for years.
When the auditor discovered they had cooked the books, the scandal broke out immediately.
275. Cool as a cucumber
This phrase is said to originate from the fact that cucumbers can remain cool and moist even in hot weather.
Therefore, using a cucumber to describe someone who stays calm and composed under stress or pressure is an apt metaphor.
Even during the intense meeting, she remained as cool as a cucumber.
He handled the crisis cool as a cucumber.
Despite the chaos around him, he stayed cool as a cucumber.
276. Cool your jets
This phrase originates from the aerospace field, where it refers to cooling down engines to prevent overheating.
In modern contexts, this idiom is used to remind someone to calm down or slow down their actions and emotions, avoiding being overly excited or impatient.
Hey, cool your jets; we’ll get there in time.
You need to cool your jets and think this through.
He told her to cool her jets before making a decision.
277. Copycat
This phrase originates from a term used among children to describe someone who constantly imitates their actions.
“Copycat” derives from the combination of “copy” and “cat,” symbolizing a person who imitates like a cat. Eventually, this phrase came into widespread use, fitting anyone who lacks their own ideas and merely mimics others.
Stop being a copycat and come up with your own ideas.
The new app is just a copycat of an existing one.
Kids often call each other copycat when they mimic actions.
278. Cost me a mint
This phrase originates from ancient times when “mint” referred to a place where coins were made, symbolizing a considerable amount of money.
The expression “cost me a mint” is used to describe something that is very expensive, often beyond what a typical person can afford.
The new car cost me a mint, but it’s worth every penny.
Renovating the house cost me a mint, but it looks amazing now.
That designer handbag cost me a mint; I had to save for months.
279. Costs an arm and a leg
This phrase originates from the 18th century and may be associated with the experiences of soldiers during World War I or II.
Losing an arm and a leg signified a very heavy price.
Hence, the expression evolved to mean something extremely expensive or costly. In modern English, this phrase is commonly used to describe items or services that are prohibitively expensive.
That luxury car costs an arm and a leg
My college tuition costs an arm and a leg.
The new smartphone costs an arm and a leg, but it’s totally worth it.
还没有评论,快来发表第一个评论!