The American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms
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fire away Start to talk or ask questions. For example, You’ve got more questions? Well, fire away. This expression originated in the 1600s as a military command to discharge firearms and was being transferred to other actions by the late 1700s. Also see FIRE OFF.
fire off Say or write and send away rapidly, as in He fired off three more questions, or She fired off a letter of complaint to the president. This expression originally (from about 1700) was, and still is, used in the sense of “discharge a weapon or ammunition,” as in The police were instructed to fire off canisters of tear gas. The figurative use dates from the late 1800s.
fire on all cylinders Also, hit or click on all cylinders. Function very well, as in Once we figured out how to use the new software, the department was firing on all cylinders, or “So the best infielder takes time to fit into the infield of a Big League club and have it hit on all four cylinders again” (Christy Mathewson, Pitching in a Pinch, 1912). This term transfers the functioning of an internal combustion engine, which works best when all its cylinders ignite, to broader use. [Early 1900s]
fire up 1. Inflame with enthusiasm, anger, or another strong emotion, as in Her speech fired up the crowd in favor of her proposals. This expression dates from the early 1800s, when it referred literally to starting a fire in a furnace or boiler; its figurative use dates from the late 1800s. 2. Light a pipe, cigar, or cigarette, as in Do you mind if I fire up? [Late 1800s] A more common term, however, is LIGHT UP, def. 2. 3. Start the ignition of an engine, as in Whenever he tried to fire up the motor, it stalled. [Mid-1900s]
firing line, on the In the forefront of any activity or pursuit, especially a controversy. For example, At the sales conference they asked so many questions that Anne felt she was on the firing line. This expression originally meant the line of positions from which gunfire is directed at a target and is still so used in a military context. Today it is also used more loosely. [Late 1800s]
first → In addition to the idioms beginning with FIRST, also see AT FIRST; AT FIRST BLUSH; AT FIRST HAND; CAST THE FIRST STONE; GET TO FIRST BASE; IF AT FIRST YOU DON’T SUCCEED, TRY, TRY AGAIN; IN THE FIRST PLACE; IN THE (FIRST) FLUSH OF; LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT; NOT KNOW BEANS (THE FIRST THING); OF THE FIRST WATER; ON A FIRST-NAME BASIS.
first and foremost Also, first of all. Most important, primarily; also, to begin with. For example, First and foremost, I want to thank our sponsors, or What we need, first and foremost, is a new secretary, or We have to deal, first of all, with the early history. The first term, dating from the late 1300s, is redundant, since first and foremost mean virtually the same thing. Both it and the variant, which dates from the mid-1500s, are used to give emphasis to the initial item in a list of several. Also see FIRST OFF; FIRST THING.
first and last Under all circumstances, always, as in She was an artist first and last. (For a synonym, see ABOVE ALL.) This expression, first recorded in 1589, should not be confused with the similar-sounding from first to last, which means “from start to finish” or “throughout,” as in We cheered them on from first to last.
first blush → See AT FIRST BLUSH.
first come, first served Those who precede others will have their needs attended to earliest, as in So many people showed up that we may not have enough food to go around, so let it be “first come, first served.” The idea is very old, but the first recorded use of this precise phrase was in 1545. Also see EARLY BIRD CATCHES THE WORM.
first cousin A close relation or resemblance to someone or something, as in This new machine is a first cousin to the previous model. The figurative use of cousin, which literally means “the child of one’s aunt or uncle,” dates from the 1300s.
first hand → See AT FIRST HAND.
first of all → See FIRST AND FOREMOST.
first off From the start, immediately. For example, He said to wash the car first off, or Why wasn’t she told first off? [Colloquial; late 1800s] Also see under FIRST AND FOREMOST; FIRST THING.
first thing Before anything else; without delay. For example, Tom was supposed to call him first thing in the morning. [Late 1500s] Also see under FIRST AND FOREMOST; FIRST OFF.
first things first The most important task gets priority, as in I very much wanted to see that movie, but first things first—the paper’s due tomorrow. This adage was first recorded in 1545.
fish → In addition to the idioms beginning with FISH, also see BIG FISH IN A SMALL POND; COLD FISH; DRINK LIKE A FISH; GOLDFISH BOWL; KETTLE OF FISH; LIKE SHOOTING FISH IN A BARREL; NEITHER FISH NOR FOWL; NOT THE ONLY FISH IN THE SEA; OTHER FISH TO FRY; SMELL FISHY.
fish for 1. Try to obtain something through artifice or indirectly. For example, He was always fishing for compliments, or, as William Makepeace Thackeray put it in Vanity Fair (1848): “The first woman who fishes for him, hooks him.” [Mid-1500s] 2. Search for something, as in I’ve fished for it in all the drawers. [First half of 1700s]
fishing expedition An attempt to find useful information by asking questions at random. For example, The sales force was told to go on a fishing expedition to find out what they could about the company’s competitors. This expression was taken up by lawyers to describe interrogating an adversary in hopes of finding relevant evidence and is now used more broadly still. [c. 1930]
fish in troubled waters Try to take advantage of a confused situation. For example, He often buys up stock in companies declaring bankruptcy; fishing in troubled waters generally pays off. This term, first recorded in 1568, expresses the even older notion that fish bite more readily when seas are rough.
fish or cut bait Either proceed with an activity or abandon it completely. For example, You’ve been putting off calling him for hours; either fish or cut bait. This expression, often uttered as an imperative, alludes to a fisherman who should either be actively trying to catch fish or cutting up bait for others to use. It was first recorded in the Congressional Record (1876), when Congressman Joseph P. Cannon called for a vote on a bill legalizing the silver dollar: “I want you gentlemen on the other side of the House to ‘fish or cut bait.’” A vulgar synonym from the 1940s is shit or get off the pot.
fish out 1. Also, fish up. Discover and retrieve something from a pile or store. For example, She finally fished out the right letter from the files, or He fished up a scandal for the paper to run in the early edition. This usage likens pulling fish from the sea to finding something. [Mid-1600s] 2. Deplete the fish in a body of water by fishing, as in This stream is completely fished out.
fish out of water, a A person away from his or her usual environment or activities. For example, Using a computer for the first time, Carl felt like a fish out of water, or On a hiking trail, Nell was a fish out of water. This expression alludes to the fact that fish cannot survive for long on dry land. [Late 1300s]
fish story An improbable, boastful tale, as in He came up with some fish story about his winnings at the track. This expression alludes to the tendency of fishermen to exaggerate the size of their catch. [Early 1800s]
fist → See HAND OVER FIST.
fit → In addition to the idioms beginning with FIT, also see GIVE SOMEONE FITS; HAVE A FIT; IF THE SHOE FITS; SEE FIT; SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST.
fit as a fiddle In excellent form or health. For example, He’s not just recovered, he’s fit as a fiddle. The original allusion of this simile has been lost. Its survival is probably due to the pleasant sound of its alliteration. [Early 1600s]
fit in 1. Also, fit into. Provide a place or time for. For example, We can’t fit in another appointment—there’s no time, or That tree won’t fit into the hole you’ve dug. [Late 1600s] 2. fit in with. Be suited to, belong. For example, I just don’t fit in with this group, or Her mood fitted in with the sad occasion.
fit like a glove Be the right size and well suited; also, be in conformity with. For example, That position fits him like a glove. Tobias Smollett used this simile, rather incongruously, in Humphry Clinker (1771): “The boots... fitted me like a glove.” [Second half of 1700s] Also see TO
A T.
fit out Also, fit up. Equip or supply what is needed, as in They promised to fit out the expedition free of charge. This expression, dating from the late 1600s, originally was confined to furnishing a ship or other vessel with supplies, repairs, and the like. By the 1720s it was being used more broadly, as it still is.
fits and starts, by Also, in fits and starts. With irregular intervals of action and inaction, spasmodically, as in The campaign is proceeding by fits and starts. This expression began in the late 1500s as by fits, the noun fit meaning a “paroxysm” or “seizure”; starts was added about a century later.
fit to be tied Furious, enraged, as in I’ve been waiting for two hours and am fit to be tied. This expression implies anger so extreme that it requires physical restraint. [Late 1800s]
fit to kill Excessively, immoderately, as in She was dressed up fit to kill. [Colloquial; mid-1800s] Also see DRESSED TO KILL.
five → See HIGH FIVE; TAKE FIVE.
fix → In addition to the idioms beginning with FIX, also see GET A FIX; GET A FIX ON; IF IT AIN’T BROKE DON’T FIX IT; IN A FIX.
fix someone’s wagon Get even with someone, get revenge on someone, spoil someone’s chance of success. For example, He may think he can win the election, but these ads will fix his wagon, or After what he did to her, her family’s out to fix his wagon. This term uses fix in the sense of “punish someone” or “put someone in an awkward position,” a usage dating from about 1800. The wagon was added in the 1900s, presumably making the phrase refer to putting sand in a wagon axle or similar sabotage.
fix up 1. Repair, refurbish, or renew. For example, They’re busy fixing up their house, or We fixed ourselves up before we ventured outside. [Late 1700s] 2. fix someone up. Provide or furnish someone with something, as in He can fix you up with a new car, or Can you fix up my friend with a date for the dance? [Colloquial; c. 1930] 3. Smooth over or settle, as in You’d think they could fix up these small differences. [Late 1800s]
fizzle out Fail, end weakly, especially after a hopeful beginning. For example, The enthusiasm for reform has fizzled out in this state. The word fizzle dates from the early 1500s and meant “to break wind without making noise.” Later it was applied to hissing noises, such as those made by wet fireworks, and then to any endeavor that ends in disappointment. [Colloquial; mid-1800s]
flabbergasted → See under FLOORED.
flag down Signal to stop, as in The police were flagging down all cars. This expression uses the verb flag in the sense of “catch the attention of, as by waving a flag,” a usage dating from the mid-1800s; down was added in the first half of the 1900s.
flagpole → See under RUN UP, def. 4.
flake out 1. Drop from exhaustion, faint. For example, After running the marathon, he simply flaked out on the ground. This expression possibly is derived from a now obsolete meaning of flake, “to become flabby or fall in folds.” [Slang; c. 1940] 2. Lie down, go to sleep, as in Homeless persons flaked out in doorways. [Slang; early 1940s] 3. Lose one’s nerve, as in Please don’t flake out now. [Slang; 1950s] 4. Go crazy; also, cause someone to go crazy. For example, She just flaked out and we had to call an ambulance, or This project is flaking us out. The usages in def. 3 and 4 probably are derived from the adjective flaky, meaning “eccentric.” [c. 1970] 5. Die, as in He flaked out last night. [1960s] 6. Surprise, astonish, as in She said she’d just been made a partner, and that flaked me out. This usage appears to be a variant of FREAK OUT. [c. 1970]
flame → See ADD FUEL TO THE FIRE (FLAMES); BURST INTO (FLAMES); FAN THE FLAMES; GO UP IN FLAMES; OLD FLAME; SHOOT DOWN (IN FLAMES).
flare up Suddenly become angry, as in She flared up at the slightest provocation. This metaphoric expression, dating from the mid-1800s, transfers a sudden burst of flame to sudden rage.
flash → In addition to the idiom beginning with FLASH, also see IN A FLASH; QUICK AS A WINK (FLASH).
flash in the pan An effort or person that promises great success but fails. For example, His second novel proved to be a flash in the pan, or We had high hopes for the new director, but she was a flash in the pan. This metaphoric term alludes to the 17th-century flintlock musket, which could be fired only when the flash of the priming powder in the lockpan ignited the charge in the bore. When it failed to ignite, there was only a flash in the pan and the gun did not shoot.
flat → In addition to the idioms beginning with FLAT, also see CAUGHT FLAT-FOOTED; FALL FLAT; IN NO TIME (NOTHING FLAT); LEAVE FLAT.
flat as a pancake Extremely level, especially too much so. For example, There are no hills; this terrain is flat as a pancake. This simile dates from the 1500s and has survived its contemporary, flat as a flounder. It is sometimes used, either disparagingly or ruefully, to describe a small-breasted woman.
flat broke Also, stone or stony broke. Completely penniless. For example, I can’t help you—I’m flat broke, or He’s stone broke again. The first term dates from the mid-1800s and uses flat in the sense of “completely” or “downright.” The variant dates from the late 1800s.
flat-footed → See CAUGHT FLAT-FOOTED.
flat on one’s back 1. Sick in bed. For example, The flu has put her flat on her back. 2. Helpless, without recourse, defeated, as in I wish I could help but the recession has put me flat on my back.
flat out 1. In a direct manner, bluntly. For example, He told the true story flat out. [Colloquial; mid-1900s] 2. At top speed, as in She was running flat out to catch the train. [Slang; c. 1930]
flatter oneself Be gratified vainly by one’s own achievement; exaggerate one’s good points. For example, He flattered himself that his presentation at the sales conference was a success, or She flattered herself that she was by far the best skater at the rink. This usage is often put negatively, as in Don’t flatter yourself—we haven’t won the contract yet. [Late 1500s]
flea → In addition to the idioms beginning with FLEA, also see NOT HURT A FLY (FLEA).
flea in one’s ear, a An annoying hint or a stinging rebuke, as in He has a flea in his ear about their relationship, or If he doesn’t bring the right equipment, I’ll put a flea in his ear. This expression originated in French and has been used in English since the 1400s.
flea market A market, usually held outdoors, where used goods and antiques are sold. For example, We picked up half of our furniture at flea markets. The term is a direct translation of the French marché aux puces and presumably implies that some of the used clothes and furniture might be flea-infested. [1920s]
flesh → In addition to the idioms beginning with FLESH, also see GO THE WAY OF ALL FLESH; IN PERSON (THE FLESH); MAKE ONE’S FLESH CREEP; NEITHER FISH NOR FOWL (FLESH); POUND OF FLESH; PRESS THE FLESH; SPIRIT IS WILLING BUT THE FLESH IS WEAK; THORN IN ONE’S FLESH.
flesh and blood 1. Human beings, especially with respect to their failings or weaknesses. For example, I can’t do everything—I’m only flesh and blood. [c. 1600] 2. one’s own flesh and blood. One’s blood relatives, kin, as in She can’t cut her own flesh and blood out of her will. [c. 1300]
flesh out Also, put flesh on the bones of. Give substance to, provide with details, amplify. For example, The editor told her to flesh out the story, or You need to put flesh on the bones of these characters. This metaphoric expression, alluding to clothing a nude body or adding flesh to a skeleton, was in the mid-1600s put simply as to flesh, the adverb out being added about two centuries later.
flex one’s muscles Show off one’s strength or power, as in The boys love flexing their muscles, or The new department head has decided to flex her muscles. [Early 1900s]
flies → See AS THE CROW FLIES; DROP LIKE FLIES; NO FLIES ON ONE; TIME FLIES. Also see under FLY.
flight → In addition to the idioms beginning with FLIGHT, also see PUT TO FLIGHT; TAKE FLIGHT.
flight of fancy An unrealistic idea or fantastic notion, a pipe dream. For example, She engaged in flights of fancy, such as owning a million-dollar house. This idiom uses flight in the sense of “a soaring of the
imagination,” a usage dating from the mid-1600s.
fling → In addition to the idiom beginning with FLING, also see LAST FLING.
fling oneself at someone Also, fling or throw oneself at someone’s head. Try openly to make someone love one. For example, She was constantly phoning him and inviting him over, really flinging herself at him, or Mom said she should stop throwing herself at his head.
flip one’s lid Also, flip one’s wig; flip out. React very strongly or wildly, as with anger, surprise, or excitement; also, go crazy. For example, I’m going to flip my lid if he doesn’t show up, or She really-flipped out when she realized that she had won first prize, or I think Rob has flipped his wig. These slangy expressions, with their allusion to losing the top of one’s head, date from the 1930s and 1940s.
flip through Browse through, as in She flipped through the magazine while she waited. This expression uses flip in the sense of “turn over pages.”
flog → See BEAT A DEAD HORSE.
floor → See GROUND FLOOR; MOP UP THE FLOOR WITH; SINK THROUGH THE FLOOR; TAKE THE FLOOR; WALK THE FLOOR.
floored, to be Astounded or amazed, as in When I heard of Emily’s engagement I was floored; I’d never expected it. [Mid-1800s] A slightly older synonym is flabbergasted, as in When he returned the loan with interest, I was flabbergasted. [First half of 1800s]
flotsam and jetsam 1. Discarded odds and ends, as in Most of our things have been moved to the new house, but there’s still some flotsam and jetsam to sort. [Mid-1800s] 2. Destitute, homeless individuals, as in The mayor was concerned about the flotsam and jetsam of the inner city. [Second half of 1900s] Both words originated in 17th-century sailing terminology. Flotsam literally meant “wreckage or cargo that remains afloat after a ship has sunk.” Jetsam meant “goods thrown overboard from a ship in danger of sinking in order to give it more buoyancy.” Both literal meanings remain current, although the distinction between them is often forgotten.
flow → See EBB AND FLOW; GO WITH THE FLOW.