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Describing People /

Giving a Description of People

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face only a mother could love
2-
face that would stop a clock
3-
face like a bulldog chewing a wasp
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to look a sight
5-
shanks' mare
6-
(as) red as a beetroot
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(as) white as a ghost
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mouse potato
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face like thunder
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to have a good pair of lungs
11-
(as) ugly as a toad
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vertically challenged
face only a mother could love
phrase
uk flag
/fˈeɪs ˈoʊnli ɐ mˈʌðɚ kʊd lˈʌv/
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Humorous
Idiom

an extremely hideous and unpleasant face

example
Example
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Sarah's newborn baby had a unique set of features that made him adorable in his own special way, with a face only a mother could love.
The stray dog had a scruffy and unkempt appearance, with a face only a mother could love, but that didn't stop him from finding a loving home with a compassionate family.
What is the origin of the idiom "face only a mother could love" and when to use it?

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.

face that would stop a clock
phrase
uk flag
/fˈeɪs ðæt wʊd ɔːɹ kʊd stˈɑːp ɐ klˈɑːk/
Humorous
Idiom
Offensive
Old use

an extremely ugly and unlikable face

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

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.

face like a bulldog chewing a wasp
phrase
uk flag
/fˈeɪs lˈaɪk ɐ bˈʊldɑːɡ tʃjˈuːɪŋ ɐ wˈɑːsp/
Humorous
Idiom

a person's facial expression that reflects a combination of anger and annoyance

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

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.

to [look] a sight
to look a sight
phrase
uk flag
/lˈʊk ɐ sˈaɪt/
Idiom
Informal

to have a very awful and untidy appearance

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

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.

shanks' mare
shanks' mare
phrase
uk flag
/ʃˈæŋks mˈɛɹ/
Idiom
Informal
Old use

the use of one's own legs as the mode of travel

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

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.

(as|) red as a beetroot
(as) red as a beetroot
phrase
uk flag
/æz ɹˈɛd æz ɐ bˈiːtɹuːt/
Idiom
Informal

becoming extremely red in the face because of hot temperature

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

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.

(as|) white as a (ghost|sheet)
(as) white as a ghost
phrase
uk flag
/æz wˈaɪt æz ɐ ɡˈoʊst ʃˈiːt/
Idiom
Informal

used to refer to someone who looks unnaturally pale, often as a result of fear or illness

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

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.

mouse potato
mouse potato
noun
uk flag
/mˈaʊs pətˈeɪɾoʊ/
Humorous
Idiom

a person who spends excessive amounts of time using a computer, particularly for activities such as browsing the internet, playing video games, or engaging in social media

Who is a "mouse potato"?

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.

Grammatical Information:

compound noun
face like thunder
face like thunder
phrase
uk flag
/fˈeɪs lˈaɪk θˈʌndɚ/
Idiom
Informal

a person's face when it shows clear signs of anger or hostility

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

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.

to [have] a (good|healthy) pair of lungs
to have a good pair of lungs
phrase
uk flag
/hæv ɐ ɡˈʊd hˈɛlθi pˈɛɹ ʌv lˈʌŋz/
Idiom
Informal

to have a strong and powerful voice, typically indicating one's ability to speak loudly, assertively, or with great enthusiasm or one's talent for singing with clarity

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

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.

(as) ugly as a toad
phrase
uk flag
/æz ˈʌɡli æz ɐ tˈoʊd/
Humorous
Idiom
Offensive

having an unattractive or unpleasant appearance

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

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.

vertically challenged
vertically challenged
noun
uk flag
/vˈɜːɾɪkli tʃˈælɪndʒd/
Idiom

a person of short stature

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

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.

Grammatical Information:

compound noun

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