20240809生成俗语380~389

380. Every dog has his day

This phrase originates from 15th-century England, meaning that even the most ordinary or unnoticed person will have a day of success.

It signifies that everyone will have an opportunity or moment of glory at some point.

Don’t lose hope; after all, every dog has his day.

He finally got his breakthrough. I guess every dog has his day.

She might be struggling now, but every dog has his day.

381. Every now and then

This phrase originated in the 16th century and describes something that happens or is done occasionally and not regularly.

“Every now and then” captures the notion of irregular but repeated occurrences.

I like to take a walk every now and then to clear my mind. 

Every now and then, we go out for dinner instead of cooking at home. 

He calls his parents every now and then to check on them.

382. Everything but the kitchen sink

This phrase originated in the early 20th century.

When people wanted to describe taking everything but the kitchen sink which can’t be removed as it is affixed to the wall, they used this phrase.

Nowadays, it is used to describe a place or situation that has everything one could possibly need or imagine, being all-inclusive.

They packed everything but the kitchen sink for their camping trip. 

Her purse contained everything but the kitchen sink.

When they remodeled the house, they added everything but the kitchen sink in the new design.

383. Exact change

This phrase is commonly used to indicate that the exact amount of money needed for a transaction has been provided, so no change is required.

It frequently occurs in everyday shopping, especially when paying with cash.

Do you have exact change for the bus fare? 

I always keep some coins in my pocket for exact change.

The cashier asked if I had exact change for my purchase.

384. Excuse my French/Pardon my French

This phrase can be traced back to the 19th century when English speakers would sometimes insert French words or phrases to appear more educated.

However, the audience might not understand French, so the speaker would apologize by saying “Excuse my French” to excuse themselves for using a foreign language.

Over time, the phrase evolved to apologize for using profane language, indicating an excuse for the use of cuss words or vulgarity.

This project is a real pain in the… pardon my French.

That movie was so boring, it was a total waste of time. Excuse my French. 

He’s such a… pardon my French, jerk.

385. Face the music

This idiom’s origin is not entirely clear, but there are two main theories.

The first one relates to the military tradition where soldiers had to face their fate in a ceremony accompanied by music.

The second theory is linked to theatrical performances, where actors had to face the audience’s applause or boos.

Therefore, “face the music” means to bravely confront difficulties or take responsibility, regardless of the outcome.

After avoiding his responsibilities for months, John finally had to face the music and confess his mistakes. 

You can’t run away forever; sooner or later, you’ll have to face the music.

The company had to face the music after their product caused a safety issue.

386. Fair and square

This phrase originates from the 15th to 16th centuries when “square” was used to describe someone’s character as honest and unbiased.

Combined with the term “fair,” “fair and square” is used to emphasize that something or someone’s actions are just, upright, and transparent, without any dispute or partiality.

He won the competition fair and square.

Let’s settle this argument fair and square. 

She got the job fair and square, without any favoritism. 

387. Fair to middling

This phrase originates from 19th-century agriculture, where “fair” indicated crops of decent quality, and “middling” referred to a medium quality.

Combined, these words came to describe something that is average or moderate, neither particularly good nor bad.

How’s your day been? “Fair to middling,” I guess. 

The meal was fair to middling, nothing special. 

His performance was fair to middling; not his best work. 

388. Fair-weather friend

The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the 16th century.

At that time, “fair weather” referred to good weather, so a “fair-weather friend” was someone who was only around you during good times.

In modern English, this idiom vividly describes people who are enthusiastic about you when you’re in good times but distance themselves when you’re in trouble.

I realized he was just a fair-weather friend when he wasn’t there for me during hard times. 

She has too many fair-weather friends and not enough true friends. 

When people win the lottery, they often find out who their fair-weather friends are.

389. Fall by the wayside

This idiom originates from the parable of the sower in the Bible.

Seeds (symbolizing good intentions, efforts, etc.) that fall by the wayside typically do not grow and thrive.

Hence, “fall by the wayside” means that something fails in the process of being achieved or is neglected and abandoned.

Many good ideas fall by the wayside due to lack of funding.

He had big plans for his career, but they all fell by the wayside.

New year’s resolutions often fall by the wayside after a few weeks.