The origin of the idiom "a face only a mother could love" is rooted in the concept of maternal love and the idea that a mother's affection for her child is unconditional. It is used to describe someone's appearance as unattractive or less appealing to most people. It conveys the idea that the person's looks are not universally considered attractive. The idiom is typically used in a lighthearted or teasing manner and is not meant to be offensive. However, it is important to consider the sensitivity and relationship with the person being referred to before using this idiom.

What is the origin of the idiom "face only a mother could love" and when to use it?

face only a mother could love

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The origin of the phrase "face would stop a clock" is unclear, but it is believed to have originated as playfully suggesting that the sight of the person's face is so visually striking or unpleasant that it could stop the movement of a clock. It is used to humorously describe someone's appearance as exceptionally unattractive or attention-grabbing. The idiom is not meant to be taken literally and is used for comedic effect. However, it's important to exercise caution when using this idiom, as it can be considered offensive or hurtful to the person being referred to. The idiom "a face that would stop a clock" can be considered somewhat old-fashioned. While it may still be used in certain contexts, it is not as commonly heard in modern everyday conversations.

What is the origin of the idiom "face would stop a clock" and when to use it?

face that (would|could) stop a clock

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The idiom "face like a bulldog chewing a wasp" originates from a vivid and humorous description that emphasizes a person's facial expression of anger, displeasure, or intense frustration. It draws upon the image of a bulldog, known for its strong jaws and determined nature, caught in the act of chewing a wasp, which is likely to cause discomfort or irritation. The idiom is typically used in a lighthearted or exaggerated manner to depict someone's visible and exaggerated display of anger or frustration. It used for comedic effect. However, it is important to be mindful of the context and the potential impact on the person being referred to, as it may be seen as offensive or insulting in certain situations.

What is the origin of the idiom "face like a bulldog chewing a wasp" and when to use it?

face like a bulldog chewing a wasp

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The idiom "look a sight" originated as a colloquial expression to describe something or someone that is visually unattractive, unusual, or comical in appearance. It emphasizes the idea of the subject being visually striking or attention-grabbing in a noticeable way. The idiom is often used to describe situations where the appearance of someone or something is notably different from what is considered typical or expected.

What is the origin of the idiom "look a sight" and when to use it?

to [look] a sight

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The idiom "Shanks' mare" or "Shanks' pony" is derived from a colloquial expression that originated in the 19th century. It refers to a person's legs or the act of traveling on foot. The term "Shanks" refers to the lower part of the leg, specifically the shankbone or shinbone, while "mare" or "pony" signifies the act of walking or traveling by foot. The phrase "Shank's mare" is an old-fashioned idiom that refers to traveling on foot or using one's legs as the primary mode of transportation. It suggests that when other means of transportation are not available, relying on one's own legs is the only option.

What is the origin of the idiom "shank's mare" and when to use it?

shanks' mare

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The idiom "red as a beetroot" is based on the visual resemblance between the deep red color of a ripe beetroot and the intense redness that can appear on a person's face. used to describe someone whose face has become highly flushed and red as a result of being exposed to heat or hot temperature. It emphasizes the intense redness of their complexion.

What is the origin of the idiom "red as a beetroot" and when to use it?

(as|) red as a beetroot

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The idiom "white as a ghost" originated from the association of the color white with a lack of color or pigmentation, similar to the pale appearance of a ghost. It is commonly used to emphasize a person's paleness due to fear, shock, illness, or a sudden loss of color.

What is the origin of the idiom "white as a ghost" and when to use it?

(as|) white as a (ghost|sheet)

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A mouse potato is a term used to describe someone who spends a large amount of time sitting at a computer, usually for activities like gaming, browsing the internet, or using social media. The term is a play on the phrase "couch potato," which refers to someone who spends a lot of time watching television. A mouse potato often spends long hours in front of a screen, which can lead to an inactive lifestyle. While the term is usually lighthearted, it can also hint at the negative effects of excessive screen time on physical health.

Who is a "mouse potato"?

mouse potato

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The origin of the idiom "face like thunder" is derived from the metaphorical association of a person's facial expression with the intensity and appearance of a thunderstorm. Thunderstorms are often characterized by dark clouds, a tense atmosphere, and the occasional presence of lightning, all of which convey a sense of anger, displeasure, or intense emotions. It suggests that the person's face mirrors the stormy and intense atmosphere of a thunderstorm, conveying their strong negative emotions. It is typically used to describe someone's temporary emotional state rather than a permanent characteristic.

What is the origin of the idiom "face like thunder" and when to use it?

face like thunder

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The idiom "have a good pair of lungs" originated from the association of lung capacity with the ability to produce loud and powerful vocalizations. It is an informal idiom used to describe someone who possesses strong vocal abilities or has a powerful singing voice. It can be used to praise a person's vocal abilities, indicating that they have a naturally loud or resonant voice that is well-suited for singing. The idiom can also be used figuratively to describe someone who is verbally expressive, articulate, or capable of delivering forceful or impactful speeches.

What is the origin of the idiom "have a good pair of lungs" and when to use it?

to [have] a (good|healthy) pair of lungs

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The idiom "ugly as a toad" derives from the common perception that toads have unattractive or unsightly appearances. It capitalizes on the widespread association of toads with ugliness in folklore, literature, and cultural references. It is an informal idiom that emphasizes the person's perceived lack of physical attractiveness. It is important to note that using this idiom to directly insult or demean someone based on their appearance is disrespectful.

What is the origin of the idiom "ugly as a toad" and when to use it?

(as|) ugly as a toad

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The idiom 'vertically challenged' originated as a light and playful way to refer to people who are shorter in height. It was created to replace more direct or potentially offensive terms for describing shorter stature. It is often used to keep a positive or neutral tone when talking about height differences, as it is considered a more sensitive or respectful way to address the topic. The idiom is commonly used in casual conversations or informal settings and is not intended to be offensive. However, it's important to be considerate of the preferences and feelings of individuals being described, as some may not appreciate euphemistic references to their height.

What is the origin of the idiom "vertically challenged" and when to use it?

vertically challenged

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Master English idioms regarding the description of people, like "look a sight" and "face like thunder".

Idiomes anglais pour "Donner une description des personnes"