20240815生成俗语430~439

430. Follow the money

The phrase originated from the famous 1974 “Watergate” scandal in the United States, where journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein traced the flow of money to unearth illegal activities, which eventually led to President Nixon’s resignation.

The phrase is often used in the context of investigation and uncovering corruption or other illegal activities, suggesting that the truth can be found by tracking the flow of money.

If we want to understand who’s behind this scheme, we need to follow the money. 

The detective said they’d follow the money to catch the criminals. 

In many corruption cases, investigators usually follow the money to find evidence.

431. Food for thought

The phrase originates from a metaphor, likening valuable ideas or opinions to “food” that can be “consumed” to nourish our minds and broaden our perspectives.

It is often used in letters, speeches, or discussions to denote thought-provoking points or suggestions.

Her lecture provided a lot of food for thought about the future of technology.

The book offers plenty of food for thought on social issues. 

Your suggestions gave me some much-needed food for thought on how to proceed. 

432. Fool around

This phrase originates from casual descriptions of behavior, meaning to spend time in a relaxed, unresponsible manner, and may involve some foolish or irresponsible actions.

In different contexts, the phrase can be used to describe idly having fun or doing irresponsible, silly things in inappropriate situations.

Stop fooling around and focus on your homework. 

The kids were fooling around in the backyard all afternoon.

I’m tired of fooling around, let’s do something productive.

433. Fool’s Gold

This phrase originates from a mineral called pyrite, which looks similar to gold but is practically worthless.

During the gold rush, many prospectors were disappointed after mistaking this mineral for real gold.

Due to the deceiving appearance of pyrite, “Fool’s Gold” has metaphorically come to describe things that appear valuable but are actually useless or false.

The investment seemed promising, but it turned out to be fool’s gold.

Don’t be deceived by appearances; sometimes it’s just fool’s gold.

His grand promises were just fool’s gold — nothing ever came of them. 

434. Foot in the door

This phrase originates from sales tactics, where early salespeople might place their foot in the door to prevent a customer from closing it, thus allowing further engagement.

Nowadays, it is widely used to describe getting an initial opportunity or taking the first step into a certain field.

Getting an internship is a good way to get your foot in the door of the industry. 

He managed to get his foot in the door at the company by networking. 

Even a small role in the project can help you get your foot in the door. 

435. Footloose and fancy-free

The phrase originates from “footloose,” meaning “not tied or bound” or “free to go,” and “fancy-free,” meaning “carefree and untroubled,” combined to describe complete freedom with no ties or responsibilities.

In modern usage, the idiom is often used to describe people who have no binding commitments, often implying they are single.

After finishing college, he felt footloose and fancy-free for the first time in years. 

She’s been traveling the world, footloose and fancy-free, ever since she quit her job.

Living footloose and fancy-free sounds appealing, but it can also be lonely at times

436. For crying out loud

This phrase’s origins are not entirely clear, but it is used as an exclamation to draw attention or express the speaker’s anger, frustration, or excitement.

It is similar to saying “Oh my gosh” or “For goodness’ sake” in English.

For crying out loud, can you please turn down the music? 

For crying out loud, how many times do I have to tell you? 

For crying out loud, we’re going to be late! 

437. For goodness’ sake

This phrase originates from older expressions, with “goodness” serving as a euphemism for “God” to avoid directly mentioning God’s name, thereby showing more respect and politeness.

In everyday life, this idiom is typically used to express surprise, anger, annoyance, or to make a plea for understanding.

For goodness’ sake, turn the music down! 

For goodness’ sake, can’t you be a bit more careful? 

Oh, for goodness’ sake, don’t be so dramatic

438. For heaven’s sake

This phrase originates from people calling upon heaven or divine entities to draw attention or emphasize a point.

In everyday life, it is often used to express surprise, impatience, or to plead with someone to do something.

For heaven’s sake, clean up your room! 

Can you, for heaven’s sake, stop arguing and just listen? 

For heaven’s sake, be careful with that glass! 

439. For the birds

This phrase’s origin is somewhat unclear, but it is said to come from American railroad workers who used it to describe worthless things, as birds would peck at discarded grain and rubbish.

This idiom is used to describe something that is meaningless, trivial, or not worth paying attention to.

All this paperwork is for the birds. I prefer real, hands-on work

His opinion on this project is for the birds, he doesn’t have enough experience. 

Spending time arguing over minor details is for the birds.