choose → In addition to the idiom beginning with CHOOSE, also see BEGGARS CAN’T BE CHOOSERS; PICK AND CHOOSE. Also see under CHOICE.
choose up Select players and form sides for a game or team, as in Jean was always afraid she’d be last when it was time to choose up. [First half of 1900s]
chops → See BREAK ONE’S ASS (CHOPS); LICK ONE’S CHOPS.
chord → See STRIKE A CHORD.
chorus → See IN CHORUS.
chow down Eat, as in He’s always ready to chow down at dinner time. Originally military slang, this term is now more widely used. The noun chow in the sense of food, originating from either Chinese or pidgin English in the 18th century, also appears in such terms as chow line, a line of people waiting for food, and chow time, mealtime. [Slang; mid-1900s].
chump change A trivial sum of money, a trivial matter. For example, Dave was sick of working for chump change; he wanted a decent salary, or Don’t put that on the agenda; it’s chump change. This expression uses chump in the sense of “a fool or sucker who should be ignored.” [Slang; 1960s] Also see CHICKEN FEED.
church → See POOR AS A CHURCHMOUSE.
churn out Produce in an abundant and automatic manner, as in He churned out a novel every six months. This idiom transfers the turning of milk into butter to other kinds of production. [Early 1900s]
cinder → See BURN TO A CINDER.
circle → See FULL CIRCLE; GO AROUND (IN CIRCLES); RUN AROUND IN CIRCLES; RUN RINGS (CIRCLES) AROUND; VICIOUS CIRCLE.
circulation → See IN CIRCULATION; OUT OF CIRCULATION.
circumstance → See EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES; UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
circus → See THREE-RING CIRCUS.
civil tongue → See KEEP A CIVIL TONGUE IN ONE’S HEAD.
claim → In addition to the idioms beginning with CLAIM, also see LAY CLAIM TO; STAKE A CLAIM.
claim to fame, one’s Something for which a person or group is particularly noted. For example, Nancy’s claim to fame is that she never fails to win the title, or The team’s claim to fame is that they’ve never missed the playoffs. [1900s]
claim check A receipt for property that has been left or deposited, as in Give me your claim check and I’ll pick up your laundry for you. This term most often refers to a receipt for such items as laundry (left for washing), clothes (for dry cleaning), a car (for servicing), or baggage (for short-term storage). [First half of 1900s]
clam → In addition to the idiom beginning with CLAM, also see HAPPY AS THE DAY IS LONG (AS A CLAM).
clamp down on Also, put the clamps on. Become stricter or more repressive; put a stop to. For example, The company was clamping down on expenses like business lunches, or It’s time we put the clamps on polluters. [Mid-1900s]
clam up Refuse to talk or respond, as in Whenever she asks her teenager about his activities, he claims up. This term alludes to the tightly closed valves of a live clam. [Slang; early 1900s]
clap eyes on → See under LAY EYES ON.
class → In addition to the idiom beginning with CLASS, also see CUT CLASS.
class act Elegant, refined behavior. In the second half of the 1800s, “class” was used to describe an athlete with such qualities. In the second half of the 1900s “act” was added and the term was used to describe both entertainers and behavior in general, as in The new soprano is a class act, never hogging the stage, or Bill and Melinda Gates have donated much of their fortune to worthy causes, a real class act.
clay → In addition to the idiom beginning with CLAY, also see FEET OF CLAY.
clay pigeon A person easily duped or taken advantage of, as in You’re a clay pigeon for all of those telephone fund-raisers. The term alludes to the clay pigeon of trapshooting, which replaced the use of live birds in this sport in the 1860s. Its transfer to figurative use in the first half of the 1900s probably is explained by the much older slang use of pigeon for “dupe.” Also see FALL GUY.
clean → In addition to the idioms beginning with CLEAN, also see COME CLEAN; HAVE A CLEAR (CLEAN) CONSCIENCE; KEEP ONE’S NOSE CLEAN; MAKE A CLEAN BREAST OF; MAKE A CLEAN SWEEP; NEW BROOM SWEEPS CLEAN; TAKE TO THE CLEANERS; WIPE THE SLATE CLEAN.
clean as a whistle Completely, entirely, thoroughly, as in He chopped off the branch, clean as a whistle. The allusion in this simile is unclear. It may have been a replacement for the 18th-century clear as a whistle, which alluded to the pure, clean sound of a whistle (it has few overtones). However, it was adopted to describe something thoroughly done. [Early 1800s]
clean bill of health A report confirming the absence of fault or guilt in a person or thing, as in Jeff checked every component and gave the computer a clean bill of health, or He had a foolproof alibi so the police had to give him a clean bill of health. This term comes from a 17th-century practice of requiring ships to produce a medical document (bill) attesting to the absence of infectious disease on board before landing.
clean breast → See MAKE A CLEAN BREAST OF.
clean hands, have Be innocent or guiltless, as in John’s got clean hands; he had nothing to do with it. It is sometimes worded as one’s hands are clean, meaning “one has done nothing wrong,” as in Don’t look at me—my hands are clean. This metaphor for freedom from wrongdoing dates back to at least 1600.
clean house 1. Wipe out corruption or inefficiency, as in It’s time the Republican Party cleaned house. This usage is most often applied to an organization. [Slang; c. 1900] 2. Punish, give a beating, as in Whenever he was drunk he threatened to clean house on one and all. [Slang; c. 1900]
cleanliness is next to godliness Being clean is a sign of spiritual purity or goodness, as in Don’t forget to wash your ears—cleanliness is next to godliness. This phrase was first recorded in a sermon by John Wesley in 1778, but the idea is ancient, found in Babylonian and Hebrew religious tracts. It is still invoked, often as an admonition to wash or clean up.
clean out 1. See CLEAN UP, def. 1. 2. Empty something of its contents, leave bare. For example, The crows cleaned out the whole field of corn, or At the shop’s first sale the customers cleaned out the entire stock of shoes. [Mid-1800s] 3. Deprive of money or other material resources. This usage originated in gambling, where it signified losing one’s last stake. Charles Dickens had it in Oliver Twist (1838): “He has cleaned me out, but I can go and earn some more.” [Early 1800s] 4. Drive out by force, as in The new CEO tried to get away with cleaning out all employees over the age of 60. [Mid-1800s]
clean slate A fresh start; another chance after wiping out old offenses or debts. This idiom often appears as wipe the slate clean. For example, Henry’s boss assured him that the matter was finished and he could start with a clean slate, or He wished he could wipe the slate clean, but it was too late to salvage the relationship. This expression alludes to the slate boards on which school work or tavern bills were recorded in easily wiped-off chalk. Since 1850 or so the term has been used figuratively, and it has long outlived the practice of writing on slate.
clean someone’s clock Beat, thrash, or defeat someone decisively, as in He’s much bigger than you and could easily clean your clock. This term originated in the military. The use of clock is unclear but possibly alludes to hitting someone in the face (for “clockface”). [Slang; mid-1900s]
clean sweep → See MAKE A CLEAN SWEEP.
clean up 1. Also, clean out. Make clean or orderly, as in She cleaned up the cellar after the flood, or Dad said he cleaned out the garage. [First half of 1800s] 2. Also, wash up. Wash or tidy oneself, as in Do I have time to clean up before dinner? 3. Settle or dispose of, as in He cleaned up all the bills that had arrived during his vacation. 4. Bring to a certain standard of order or morality, as in This script won’t do; we’ll have to clean up the language. Applied to personal behavior, it also is put as clean up one’s act, as in He’ll have to clean up his act and obey the rules. [c. 1900] 5. Succeed, especially financially, as in We had fantastic luck at the races and really cleaned up. [Slang; first half of 1800s] 6. Also, clean up on.
Defeat or vanquish, kill, as in We’re cleaning up all the other teams, or With enough ammunition we could clean up on this pocket of snipers. [Slang; mid-1800s]
clear → In addition to the idioms beginning with CLEAR, also see COAST IS CLEAR; CRYSTAL CLEAR; FREE AND CLEAR; HAVE A CLEAR CONSCIENCE; IN THE CLEAR; LOUD AND CLEAR; OUT OF A CLEAR BLUE SKY; SEE ONE’S WAY (CLEAR) TO; STEER CLEAR OF.
clear as a bell Pure as the sound of a bell; also, readily understood. For example, Did you understand the message I left you?—Yes, clear as a bell. This simile, which alludes to the bell’s clarity owing to lack of overtones, was already a proverb in John Ray’s English Proverbs (1670).
clear as crystal → See CRYSTAL CLEAR.
clear as mud Murky, obscure, totally unclear, as in The translation of these directions is clear as mud. This ironic phrase always indicates that something is far from clear. [Early 1800s]
clear away → See CLEAR OUT, def. 1.
clear off 1. See CLEAR OUT, def. 1. 2. Become clear after cloudiness, fog, etc., as in I hope this fog clears off before morning. This phrase, first recorded in 1816, is heard less often today, clear alone often sufficing (I hope the fog clears). Also see CLEAR UP.
clear one’s name Also, clear oneself. Prove someone (or oneself) innocent. For example, She not only wanted to be acquitted, she wanted to clear her name entirely. This locution employs the verb clear in the sense of “purify” or “wash away a stain.” [Late 1400s]
clear out 1. Also, clear away or off. Remove the contents, take something or someone away, as in I’ll clear out this closet so you can use it, or Let me clear away these things, or Please clear off the table. The first phrase dates from the mid-1600s, the second from the mid-1700s, and the third from the early 1700s. Sometimes away and out are omitted, as in Let me clear these things, or Please clear the table. Also see CLEAN UP, def. 1. 2. Depart suddenly or run away, as in We cleared out before our landlord could stop us. [Early 1800s] 3. Drive or force out the occupants of, as in The police cleared out the restaurant in no time. [Mid-1800s]
clear the air Eliminate confusion, dispel controversy or emotional tension, as in His letter has cleared the air; we now know where he stands. This idiom alludes to an atmosphere cleared of sultriness by a storm. [Late 1800s]
clear the decks Prepare for action, as in I’ve finished all these memos and cleared the decks for your project, or Clear the decks—here comes the coach. This expression originated in naval warfare, when it described preparing for battle by removing or fastening down all loose objects on the ship’s decks. [Second half of 1800s]
clear the table → See CLEAR OUT, def. 1.
clear up 1. Clarify, explain, solve, as in Let’s try to clear up this misunderstanding. [Late 1600s] 2. Become clear, as in After the storm, it cleared up very quickly. [Early 1600s] 3. Return something to a normal condition, cure, as in This new salve will clear up your rash.
clear with Obtain approval or permission. For example, Before you proceed, you’ll have to clear it with the main office. [Mid-1900s]
climb the walls Show extreme frustration, impatience, or anxiety, as in That long, boring banquet made me want to climb the walls, or If he says that one more time I’ll be ready to climb the walls. Although describing a military maneuver dating from ancient times, this slangy phrase has been used figuratively to express strong negative feeling only since about 1970. Also see DRIVE SOMEONE CRAZY.
clinging vine An overly dependent person, as in A clinging vine since her marriage, she’s never made a decision on her own. Nearly always applied to a woman (or wife), this metaphor for a climbing plant today criticizes dependency rather than, as in former times, praising the vine’s fruitfulness.
clip someone’s wings Restrain or reduce someone’s freedom, as in Hiding his car keys—you’re really clipping his wings. This metaphor for clipping a bird’s wings to prevent its flying away dates from ancient Roman times. Christopher Marlowe used it in The Massacre at Paris (1590): “Away to prison with him, I’ll clip his wings.”
cloak and dagger Describing a covert enterprise. The term originated in 17th-century Spain, where the popular plays of Lope de Vega and others, featuring intrigues and betrayals, were called comedias de capa y espada. In the 1800s the term, translated into English, was applied to romantic intrigues and later to espionage. It is often used adjectivally, as in I just love those cloak-and-dagger stories about agents in the Cold War.
clock → In addition to the idioms beginning with CLOCK, also see AGAINST THE CLOCK; BEAT THE CLOCK; CLEAN SOMEONE’S CLOCK; LIKE CLOCKWORK; SET BACK (THE CLOCK); STOP SOMEONE’S CLOCK; STOP THE CLOCK.
clock in Begin work, as in She clocked in late again. Also, clock out, end work, as in Please wait for me; I forgot to clock out. The allusion here is to punching a time clock, a device that punches the time on a card to record when an employee arrives and departs. [Late 1800s]
clock is ticking, the The time (for something to be done) is passing quickly; hurry up. For example, The clock is ticking on that project. This allusion to a stopwatch is often used as an admonition to speed something up. It also is used in more specific form—one’s biological clock is ticking—meaning that a woman may soon be too old to bear a child, as in Her biological clock is ticking—she just turned forty.
clock up Record accumulated hours, miles, or points. For example, It won’t be easy to clock up 1,000 flying hours, or Brian clocked up a record number of baskets this year. [Mid-1900s]
close → In addition to the idioms beginning with CLOSE, also see AT CLOSE QUARTERS; AT CLOSE RANGE; BEHIND CLOSED DOORS; KEEP (A CLOSE) WATCH; NEAR (CLOSE) TO ONE’S HEART; PLAY IT CLOSE TO ONE’S CHEST; SAIL CLOSE TO THE WIND; TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT; TOO CLOSE TO CALL.
close at hand → See AT HAND.
close but no cigar A narrowly missed success, as in That ball was definitely out—close but no cigar. This interjection alludes to awarding a cigar to the winner of some competition, such as hitting a target. [Slang; early 1900s]
close call Also, close shave. Narrow escape, near miss. For example, That skier just missed the tree—what a close call, or That was a close shave, nearly leaving your passport behind. The first phrase dates from the late 1800s and comes from sports, alluding to an official’s decision (call) that could have gone either way. The second, from the early 1800s, alludes to the narrow margin between closely shaved skin and a razor cut. (This latter usage replaced the much earlier equation of a close shave with miserliness, based on the idea that a close shave by a barber meant one would not have to spend money on another shave quite so soon.) Also see TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT.
closed book, a A secret, mystery, or puzzle, as in I can’t figure her out; she’s a closed book to me. This term alludes to information one can’t obtain or comprehend (because the book is closed). [Early 1900s]
closed door 1. An obstacle or restriction, as in There are no closed doors in the new field of gene therapy. [First half of 1900s] 2. close one’s doors. See CLOSE DOWN. Also see BEHIND CLOSED DOORS; CLOSE THE DOOR ON.
close down 1. Also, close one’s doors; shut down. Go out of business, end operations. For example, If the rent goes up we’ll have to close down, or After fifty years in business the store finally closed its doors, or The warehouse had a clearance sale the month before it shut down for good. Also see CLOSE UP, def. 2. 2. Force someone to go out of business, as in The police raided the porn shop and closed it down. Both usages date from the early 1900s, but shut down was first recorded in 1877.
close in 1. Surround, enclose, envelop, as in The fog closed in and we couldn’t see two yards in front of us, or She felt the room was closing in. [c. 1400] 2. Also, close in on or upon. Draw in, approach, as in The police closed in on the suspect. [Early 1800s]
close one’s eyes to Also, shut one eyes to. Deliberately ignore, refuse to notice. For example, Jill closed her eyes to the danger and pushed off downhill, or The professor shut her eyes to students who read a book during her lecture. [Early 1700s] For a synonym
see TURN A BLIND EYE TO.
close out 1. Also, close something out. Dispose of a stock of goods; end a business. For example, We are closing out all our china, or They’ve decided to close out their downtown branch. This expression is most often used in business and commerce but occasionally refers to other matters. [Late 1800s] 2. close someone out. Prevent someone’s entry or inclusion, as in No one will tell us about the merger—we’ve been closed out. [Second half of 1900s]
close ranks Unite, work together, as in The members decided to close ranks and confront the president. This expression, dating from the late 1700s, comes from the military, where it denotes bringing troops into close order so there are no gaps in the fighting line. (A slightly earlier form was close lines.) It has been used figuratively since the mid-1800s.
close shave → See CLOSE CALL.
closet → See COME OUT OF THE CLOSET; SKELETON IN THE CLOSET.
close the books Stop financial transactions; end a matter. For example, The entire estate went at the auction, so we can close the books on it, or He was glad to close the books on this case.
close the door on Also, shut the door on. End or exclude from consideration, discussion, or action. For example, His lack of qualifications closed the door on further promotions, or Last quarter’s poor sales figures have shut the door on any expansion plans.
close the sale Also, close the deal; close on a sale or deal. Complete a transaction, as in Jack was delighted to close the sale. This term applies to such transactions as the sale of a house, also put as closing on a house, as well as negotiations leading up to a sale. The latter was also put as to close a bargain, a phrase used by Charles Dickens and other 19th-century writers: “He closed the bargain directly it reached his ears,” Nicholas Nickleby, 1838.
The American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms Page 23
