The exact origin of the phrase "dumb as a coal bucket" is unclear. It is likely a variation or adaptation of the more commonly known phrase "dumb as a box of rocks," which has been in use since at least the mid-20th century. Both phrases share the same meaning, implying a lack of intelligence or mental acuity. This phrase is primarily used in informal or colloquial contexts and is not considered a widely recognized idiom.

What is the origin of the idiom "dumb as a coal bucket" and when to use it?

(as|) dumb as a coal bucket

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The origin of the phrase "bull in a china shop" can be traced back to the early 19th century. The exact origin is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated from a literal scenario where an actual bull accidentally enters a shop filled with delicate china or glassware, causing destruction and chaos. The phrase gained popularity as a metaphorical expression to describe someone's clumsy or destructive behavior, emphasizing the stark contrast between the strength and size of a bull and the fragility of china. Over time, "bull in a china shop" became a commonly used idiom to convey a lack of grace or finesse and the potential for unintended consequences when someone is not careful or considerate in their actions.

What is the origin of the idiom "bull in a china shop" and when to use it?

bull in a china shop

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The origin of the phrase "soft touch" is not definitively known, but it likely emerged from the imagery of touch as a metaphor for vulnerability or susceptibility. The word "soft" in this context implies a lack of resistance or firmness, suggesting that the person is easily influenced or taken advantage of. The phrase has been in use for many years and has become a common expression in the English language. It effectively captures the idea of someone who is kind-hearted or easily persuaded, often to the point of being easily exploited or manipulated. While the precise origin remains unclear, the phrase has become a widely recognized idiom for describing someone's susceptibility or vulnerability in certain situations.

What is the origin of the idiom "soft touch" and when to use it?

soft touch

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The idiom "nose of wax" originates from a metaphorical comparison to a malleable substance, wax, which can be easily shaped or manipulated. It is often used to describe someone who is easily influenced or swayed by others, lacking firm principles or convictions. When using this idiom, it implies that the person's opinions or actions can be easily changed or molded by external forces, suggesting a lack of strength or firmness in character.

What is the origin of the idiom "nose of wax" and when to use it?

nose of wax

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The origin of the idiom "be born yesterday" is not definitively known, but it likely stems from the literal sense of being recently born and therefore lacking knowledge or experience. The phrase itself has been in use since at least the early 20th century, appearing in written works and popular culture. It is a figurative expression that draws upon the notion of a newborn infant having no previous exposure to the world and being easily fooled or misled due to their lack of understanding. Over time, the idiom has become a common way to express skepticism or doubt about someone's naivety or gullibility.

to [be] born yesterday

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The origin of the idiom "weak as water" can be traced back to ancient times. Water, being a fundamental element, has long been associated with qualities such as fluidity, lack of resistance, and weakness. The idiom likely originated from the observation that water is easily influenced or overpowered, lacking the strength or solidity of other substances. Over time, this concept was figuratively applied to describe things or individuals that exhibit similar characteristics of weakness or lack of resilience. The idiom has been in use for centuries and has become a common expression in the English language.

What is the origin of the idiom "weak as water" and when to use it?

(as|) weak as water

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The exact origin of the idiom "the lights are on, but nobody is home" is unclear. It has been in use for quite some time, and its origins are likely rooted in the concept of a house or building with illuminated lights but no signs of activity or inhabitants. The phrase is a figurative expression, drawing a comparison between physical presence and mental absence. It has become a common idiomatic expression in the English language to express the notion of someone being mentally absent or disconnected despite physically being present. It conveys a sense of someone being inattentive or unresponsive, as if their mind is elsewhere or not actively engaged.

What is the origin of the idiom "the lights are on, but nobody is home" and when to use it?

the lights are on, but nobody is (at|) home

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to [know] enough to come (in|) out of the rain

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The idiom "have rocks in one's head" likely originated from the concept that having rocks or stones in one's head would obstruct clear thinking and intelligence. Over time, it evolved into a metaphorical expression to describe someone who is perceived as foolish or lacking mental acuity. It is typically used in a lighthearted or humorous manner to convey a playful criticism of someone's mental acuity or decision-making abilities.

What is the origin of the idiom "have rocks in one's head" and when to use it?

to [have] rocks in {one's} head

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The exact origin of the idiom "dumb bunny" is unclear and not definitively documented. However, it likely emerged from a combination of two elements: the term "dumb" meaning lacking intelligence, and the word "bunny" as a colloquial term for a rabbit, which is often associated with innocence or naivety. The idiom may have originated as a playful way to describe someone who is perceived as foolish or gullible, similar to the image of a bunny being seen as cute but not particularly smart. Over time, it has become a commonly used phrase in informal language to gently mock or tease someone's intelligence in a lighthearted manner.

What is the origin of the idiom "dumb bunny" and when to use it?

dumb bunny

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The idiom "thick as two short planks" is believed to have originated in British English and gained popularity in the 20th century. The phrase suggests that the person's cognitive abilities are so limited or dense that they can be compared to two short planks, which are inherently thick and inflexible. It is a figurative way of emphasizing someone's perceived lack of intelligence or understanding. However, it's important to use idioms like this with caution, as they can be considered offensive or derogatory when used to insult or belittle someone.

What is the origin of the idiom "thick as two short planks" and when to use it?

(as|) thick as two short planks

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The idiom "daft as a brush" is believed to have originated in British English and gained popularity in the 20th century. The phrase likely emerged as a colorful and playful way to describe someone's eccentricity or lack of common sense. This phrase is often used in a lighthearted or affectionate manner to playfully tease or jest about someone's unconventional behavior or lack of practicality. However, it's important to use idioms like this with care, as they can be considered derogatory or offensive if used to insult or demean someone.

What is the origin of the idiom "daft as a brush" and when to use it?

(as|) daft as a brush

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The idiom "all brawn and no brain" has been in use for quite some time, and it likely emerged as a figurative expression that contrasts physical strength with intellectual capacity. The combination of "brawn," referring to physical strength or muscularity, and "brain," representing intelligence or mental abilities, creates a contrast between the two aspects.

What is the origin of the idiom "make a go of something" and when to use it?

all brawn and no brain

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The origin of the idiom "be slow on the uptake" can be traced back to the late 19th century. This phrase originated from the verb "uptake," which means to comprehend or understand. The adjective "slow" in this context indicates a lack of quickness or speed in grasping something. Over time, the phrase "slow on the uptake" became a commonly used idiom to describe someone who takes a longer time to understand or comprehend information. It has since become a widely recognized expression in English language usage.

What is the origin of the idiom "be slow on the uptake" and when to use it?

to [be] slow on the uptake

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The idiom "not play with a full deck" likely originates from the world of card games, where a complete deck is necessary for fair and functional play. In this context, someone "not playing with a full deck" suggests a lack of mental completeness or sharpness, akin to a deck of cards missing some cards. The expression is used figuratively to describe individuals perceived as mentally challenged, irrational, or lacking common sense.

What is the origin of the idiom "not play with a full deck" and when to use it?

to {not} [play] with a full deck

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Dive into English idioms that relate to being unintelligent, like "be slow on the uptake" and "nose of wax".

English Idioms for "Unintelligent"