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Describing People /

Healthiness

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safe and sound
2-
(as) healthy as a horse
3-
(as) right as rain
4-
(as) strong as an ox
5-
in the pink of condition
6-
up and about
7-
in shape
8-
on one's feet
9-
(as) good as gold
10-
on the mend
11-
rosy about the gills
12-
to regain one's feet
13-
beauty sleep
safe and sound
safe and sound
phrase
uk flag
/sˈeɪf ænd sˈaʊnd/
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Idiom

not damaged or injured in any way

example
Example
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After a long journey, Sarah arrived at her destination safe and sound, much to the relief of her family.
The firefighters rescued the trapped hiker, bringing him back safe and sound to his worried friends.
What is the origin of the idiom "safe and sound" and when to use it?

The idiom "safe and sound" has its origin in Middle English. This phrase is often used to express relief or reassurance after a potentially risky or dangerous situation, such as returning home from a journey or finding something or someone thought to be lost. It can also be used metaphorically to convey emotional well-being or security.

(as|) healthy as a horse
(as) healthy as a horse
phrase
uk flag
/æz hˈɛlθi æz ɐ hˈɔːɹs/
Approving
Idiom
Informal

used to describe someone that is in a prime state of health or physical stability

What is the origin of the idiom "healthy as a horse" and when to use it?

The idiom "healthy as a horse" likely originated in the 19th century. Horses, known for their strength, vitality, and endurance, were used as symbols of good health, which led to the development of this expression. It is used to describe excellent physical health or condition, often in a positive and emphatic manner. It is commonly used in everyday speech and writing to emphasize good health.

(as|) right as rain
(as) right as rain
phrase
uk flag
/æz ɹˈaɪt æz ɹˈeɪn/
Idiom
Informal

used to suggest that someone or something has fully recovered or is in good working condition

What is the origin of the idiom "right as rain" and when to use it?

The idiom "right as rain" is thought to have originated in the 19th century and is used to describe something that is in perfect condition or working order. It likely draws on the idea of rain being a natural element that brings freshness and nourishment to the earth. It is used to convey that everything is well, satisfactory, or resolved. This idiom is commonly used in everyday conversation and writing to express a sense of correctness or completeness.

(as|) strong as an (ox|oak)
(as) strong as an ox
phrase
uk flag
/æz stɹˈɔŋ æz ɐn ˈɑːks ˈoʊk/
Approving
Idiom
Informal

used to refer to someone with an immense amount of strength

What is the origin of the idiom "strong as an ox" and when to use it?

The idiom "strong as an ox" is believed to have originated in the 17th century. The idiom is commonly used to describe someone or something that possesses exceptional physical strength or endurance. It can be used in a literal sense to describe a person who is physically strong or in a metaphorical sense to describe an object, situation, or concept that is resilient or powerful. It is often employed in a positive or complimentary manner.

in the pink (of condition|of health|)
in the pink of condition
phrase
uk flag
/ɪnðə pˈɪŋk ʌv kəndˈɪʃən ɔːɹ ʌv hˈɛlθ ɔːɹ/
Idiom
Old use

(of a person) in a very healthy physical state

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

This idiom originated in the 16th century and has its roots in the Old English word "pynk," which meant the highest pinnacle or peak. Over time, it evolved to connote a healthy, robust state. It is often used in a positive, upbeat manner to convey good health, vitality, and well-being.

up and (about|around)
up and about
phrase
uk flag
/ˌʌp ænd ɐbˌaʊt ɐɹˈaʊnd/
Idiom

used to refer to someone who has recovered from an illness or injury and is no longer in bed

What is the origin of the idiom "up and about" and when to use it?

The idiom "up and about" is believed to have originated in the 19th century and is commonly used to describe someone who is active, mobile, and engaged in their usual activities after a period of illness, rest, or recovery.

in shape
in shape
phrase
uk flag
/ɪn ʃˈeɪp/
Idiom

(of a person) having a healthy or fit body

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

The idiom "in shape" is believed to have originated in the mid-20th century. It is often used to describe someone who is physically fit or has a good level of physical condition. It is a common idiomatic expression used in casual conversation, fitness discussions, and health-related contexts.

on {one's} feet
on one's feet
phrase
uk flag
/ˌɑːn wˈʌnz fˈiːt/
Idiom

in good health after a period of illness or injury

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

The idiom "on one's feet" is thought to have originated in the 16th century, and it is often used in the context of recovery. For example, you might say that someone is "on their feet" after a long illness or injury. It is a positive and hopeful expression that reminds us that recovery is possible.

(as) good as gold
phrase
uk flag
/æz ɡˈʊd æz ɡˈoʊld/
Idiom
Informal

(of a person) having good health or positive outlook on life

What is the origin of the idiom "good as gold" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "good as gold" is unclear. However, it likely stems from the association of gold with value, purity, and positivity. Gold is often used metaphorically to represent something valuable or precious, and in this case, it represents good health and a positive attitude. It is used to suggest that the person is in excellent physical condition or possesses a cheerful and optimistic attitude.

on the mend
on the mend
phrase
uk flag
/ɑːnðə mˈɛnd/
Idiom
Informal

used to refer to someone who is starting to get or feel better after a period of illness or injury

What is the origin of the idiom "on the mend" and when to use it?

The idiom "on the mend" originated from the Middle English verb "menden," which means "to repair" or "to heal." It is often used to describe a person who is recovering or improving after an illness, injury, or setback.

(rosy|pink) (about|around) the gills
rosy about the gills
phrase
uk flag
/ɹˈoʊzi ɔːɹ pˈɪŋk ɐbˌaʊt ɔːɹ ɐɹˈaʊnd ðə ɡˈɪlz/
Idiom

healthy or cheerful in appearance

What is the origin of the idiom "rosy about the gills" and when to use it?

The idiom "rosy about the gills" likely originates from the idea that gills in fish are a vital part of their respiratory system, and when fish are healthy, their gills are often a rosy or pink color. Over time, this imagery has been extended to describe the healthy and glowing appearance of people, creating the idiomatic expression we use today to signify someone looking well or in good spirits.

to [regain] {one's} feet
to regain one's feet
phrase
uk flag
/ɹɪɡˈeɪn wˈʌnz fˈiːt/
Idiom

to manage to stand upright after taking a fall or being knocked down

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

The origin of the idiom "regain one's feet" is unclear, but it is commonly used to refer to someone becoming upright again after being in a sitting, kneeling, or prone position.

beauty sleep
beauty sleep
noun
uk flag
/bjˈuːɾi slˈiːp/
Humorous
Idiom

the sleep that is believed to be necessary for maintaining one's physical appearance and overall health

What is the origin of the idiom "beauty sleep" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "beauty sleep" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the early 19th century. It is often used to refer to sleep that is perceived to contribute to one's physical appearance and overall attractiveness. It is commonly used in a light-hearted or humorous manner when discussing the importance of sleep in relation to beauty and health.

Grammatical Information:

compound noun

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