20240813生成俗语410~419

410. Find your feet

This phrase originally refers to the process when people first try to stand and gradually find their balance to move forward.

Over time, it has extended to mean the process of exploring and gradually adapting to a new environment or situation.

It is often used to describe the adjustment period when starting a new job, moving to a new place, or beginning a new phase of life.

It took her a few months to find her feet in the new company. 

He just moved to the city and is still trying to find his feet.

Starting a new school can be tough, but you’ll find your feet soon.

411. Finger lickin’ good

This idiom originates from a slogan used by KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) in the US, intending to convey that the fried chicken is so tasty that people would lick their fingers after eating.

Since then, this phrase has been widely used to describe food that is exceptionally delicious and unforgettable.

The barbecue at that new place is finger lickin’ good! It’s worth every penny. 

Grandma’s apple pie is finger lickin’ good! I can never have enough. 

If you haven’t tried their fried chicken, you’re missing out. It’s finger lickin’ good.

412. Fish out of water

This phrase originates from the helpless and unnatural state a fish finds itself in when out of water, unable to survive normally.

Hence, when it’s used to describe someone, it means that the person feels very uneasy or uncomfortable in an unfamiliar or unsuitable environment.

At her new job, she felt like a fish out of water, not knowing anyone or how things worked

John felt like a fish out of water at the elegant dinner party, dressed too casually. 

When moving to a new city, feeling like a fish out of water is completely normal.

413. Fishy

This phrase comes from the characteristics of “fish,” which can sometimes smell off, suggesting something is rotten or spoiled.

Similarly, the term “fishy” is used to describe something or someone that seems off, potentially with hidden intentions or dishonest behavior.

It is used to convey suspicion or distrust about something.

There’s something fishy about his story. 

The deal sounds fishy to me; I think we should investigate further.

Her sudden interest in our plans seems fishy.

414. Fit as a fiddle

This idiom originates from Middle English (14th century), where “fiddle” refers to the violin.

A violin needs to be finely tuned before playing, ensuring it is in perfect condition.

Hence, “fit as a fiddle” originally described a violin being in optimal condition.

The phrase later extended to signify that a person is in excellent health.

After his recovery from the flu, he is now fit as a fiddle.

Despite her age, my grandmother is fit as a fiddle.

He exercises regularly, so he’s always fit as a fiddle.

415. Fit to be tied

This phrase originates from 19th-century America, where it originally meant someone was so angry they needed to be tied up to prevent them from lashing out.

Today, the phrase is commonly used to describe someone who is extremely angry or enraged.

When she found out her flight was canceled, she was fit to be tied.

He was fit to be tied after discovering the mistake on his bill. 

My dad was fit to be tied when I came home late last night.

416. Fits and starts

This idiom stems from “fit,” which implies a sudden burst of activity, and “start,” which means to begin.

Together, they depict an activity that is not continuous but happens irregularly, starting and stopping intermittently.

It is commonly used to describe someone working in a non-continuous manner or the progress of something that proceeds unsteadily.

He worked on his novel in fits and starts. 

Their progress on the project was made in fits and starts. 

Learning a new language often happens in fits and starts. 

417. Five o’clock shadow

This phrase originates from around 5 PM when men, who shaved in the morning, show a faint regrowth of facial hair.

This phenomenon indicates that the beard has grown back during the day, and hence is called the “five o’clock shadow”.

In modern society, this expression is used metaphorically to describe a slightly unkempt or tired appearance, often related to the new growth of whiskers on a man’s face.

He had a five o’clock shadow by the time the meeting ended. 

Even with a five o’clock shadow, he still looked very professional.

She found his five o’clock shadow quite attractive.

418. Fix someone’s wagon

This phrase originates from the 19th century in the United States, when wagons were the primary means of transportation.

If someone wronged you, and you either sabotaged or fixed their wagon to hinder their progress, it would mean you were making them suffer or punishing them.

Over time, the phrase evolved to mean dealing with or exacting revenge on someone.

If he keeps being rude, someone will eventually fix his wagon.

The coach promised to fix the team’s wagon after their poor performance. 

Don’t worry, we’ll fix their wagon for trying to cheat us. 

419. Fixed in your ways

This phrase is used to describe someone who is set in their habits and beliefs and is resistant to change or new ideas.

It often carries a connotation of unwillingness to try new things.

My grandfather is quite fixed in his ways and refuses to use a smartphone. 

She’s so fixed in her ways that she won’t even try a new restaurant.

If you’re fixed in your ways, adapting to new technology can be challenging.