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small dog, tall weeds
2-
for toffee
3-
one-trick pony
4-
out of practice
5-
wet behind the ears
6-
to lose one's touch
7-
to not (even) know the meaning of the word
8-
finger in the air
9-
jack of all trades, master of none
small dog, tall weeds
small dog, tall weeds
Zdanie
uk flag
/smˈɔːl dˈɑːɡ tˈɔːl wˈiːdz/
N/A

N/A

used to describe a person who seems to be incapable of doing something due to a lack of necessary resources or skills

example
Przykład
Click on words
It may be too difficult for the trainee - small dog, tall weeds!
Her journey to success in the male-dominated field of engineering was like a small dog, tall weeds, but she persevered and became a trailblazer for women in the industry.
What is the origin of the idiom "small dog, tall weeds" and when to use it?

The exact origin of the phrase "small dog, tall weeds" is unclear, but it likely developed over time to represent the concept of facing significant challenges or obstacles when in a disadvantaged or relatively weaker position.

for toffee
for toffee
Fraza
uk flag
/fɔːɹ tˈɑːfiː/
N/A

N/A

Informal

used to say that someone is extremely bad at doing something

one-trick pony
one-trick pony
Rzeczownik
uk flag
/wˈʌntɹˈɪk pˈoʊni/
(specjalista od jednego tematu)

(specjalista od jednego tematu)

jednourkowy koń

Humorous
Idiom
Informal

a person or thing that excels at doing only one thing

What is the origin of the idiom "one-trick pony" and when to use it?

The idiom "one-trick pony" likely originates from the world of entertainment, particularly circuses and shows featuring animals. A pony that can perform only one trick or has one skill may not be as valuable or versatile as one with multiple talents. This expression is used to describe a person or thing that is limited in their abilities or has only one skill, talent, or approach. It's often employed in a slightly negative or critical manner when someone or something is viewed as lacking versatility or depth.

Informacje Gramatyczne:

Rzeczownik Złożony
out of practice
out of practice
Fraza
uk flag
/ˌaʊɾəv pɹˈæktɪs/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

used to say that one did not have much experience with something and therefore is not very good at it

What is the origin of the idiom "out of practice" and when to use it?

The idiom "out of practice" likely originates from activities or skills that require regular practice to maintain proficiency. When someone stops practicing or engaging in an activity, they may become rusty or less skilled over time. This idiom is used to describe someone who used to be skilled or proficient in a particular activity or skill but has not been actively practicing or using it recently.

wet behind the ears
wet behind the ears
Fraza
uk flag
/wˈɛt bɪhˌaɪnd ðɪ ˈɪɹz/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

having little knowledge or experience of a particular situation or activity

What is the origin of the idiom "wet behind the ears" and when to use it?

The idiom "wet behind the ears" is believed to have originated from the fact that newborn animals, including humans, are born wet and slightly damp behind their ears. This area tends to dry quickly after birth. The phrase has been used metaphorically to describe someone who is inexperienced or naive, much like a newborn who is new to the world.This expression is used to refer to someone, often a young person, who lacks experience or sophistication in a particular area. It suggests that the individual is still learning and has not yet gained the wisdom or knowledge associated with more seasoned individuals.

to [lose] {one's} touch
to lose one's touch
Fraza
uk flag
/lˈuːz wˈʌnz tˈʌtʃ/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

to no longer be able to do a certain activity as well as one did in the past

What is the origin of the idiom "lose one's touch" and when to use it?

The idiom "lose one's touch" likely originated from the world of art or craftsmanship. Over time, the phrase has been applied to various fields, indicating a decline in skill or proficiency.This idiom is used when describing individuals who were once very skilled or successful in a particular area but have since declined in their abilities or performance. It implies that they no longer possess the same level of talent or effectiveness as they once did.

to {not} (even|) [know] the meaning of the word
to not (even) know the meaning of the word
Fraza
uk flag
/nˌɑːt ˈiːvən ɔːɹ nˈoʊ ðə mˈiːnɪŋ ʌvðə wˈɜːd/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

to lack knowledge or understanding of a particular concept or term

What is the origin of the idiom "not know the meaning of the word" and when to use it?

This idiom "not know the meaning of the word "likely stems from the idea that when someone is completely unfamiliar with a concept or word, it might as well be in a foreign language or dialect. This expression is used when people want to highlight that someone is so unfamiliar with a topic that they cannot even comprehend basic terms associated with it.

finger in the air
Fraza
uk flag
/fˈɪŋɡɚɹ ɪnðɪ ˈɛɹ/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

an unscientific or inaccurate estimate or method

What is the origin of the idiom "finger in the air" and when to use it?

The exact origin of the idiom "finger in the air" is uncertain, but it likely stems from the idea of testing the wind's direction by raising a finger and feeling the airflow. This action is often used metaphorically to represent making a rough estimate or guess based on instinct or intuition rather than precise measurement or calculation.

jack of all trades, master of none
Fraza
uk flag
/dʒˈæk ʌv ˈɔːl tɹˈeɪdz mˈæstɚɹ ʌv nˈʌn/
N/A

N/A

Idiom

a versatile and adaptable individual who can handle a variety of tasks effectively

What is the origin of the idiom "jack of all trades, master of none" and when to use it?

The idiom "jack of all trades, master of none" likely originated in the 17th century and is a shortened version of the longer phrase "a jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one." Initially, the expression was used to describe someone skilled in many different areas, though not highly specialized in any one of them. Over time, it has come to be used both positively, to highlight versatility, and negatively, to suggest a lack of deep expertise.

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