The American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms

by Christine Ammer

  somewhere → In addition to the idiom beginning with SOMEWHERE, also see GET SOMEWHERE; (SOMEWHERE) OR OTHER.

  somewhere along the line At some point in time, as in Somewhere along the line I’m sure I climbed that mountain. [Mid-1900s]

  so much An unspecified amount or cost, as in They price the fabric at so much per yard. [Late 1300s] Also see AS MUCH AS; SO MUCH FOR; SO MUCH THE.

  so much as → See AS MUCH AS, def. 3.

  so much for We have sufficiently treated or are finished with something, as in So much for this year’s sales figures; now let’s estimate next year’s. [Late 1500s]

  so much the To that extent or degree, as in You decided to stay home? So much the better, for now we won’t need a second car. This usage is always followed by a comparative adjective, such as better in the example. The negative version, so much the worse, is also frequently used, as in So they outbid you again; so much the worse for you. This usage often implies that the speaker does not feel sorry for the person in question. [Early 1200s]

  son → In addition to the idiom beginning with SON, also see FAVORITE SON; LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON.

  song → In addition to the idiom beginning with SONG, also see FOR A SONG; SWAN SONG.

  song and dance An elaborate story or effort to ­explain and justify something, or to deceive and mislead someone. For example, Do you really believe his song and dance about the alarm not going off, being stopped for speeding, and then the car breaking down? or At every annual meeting the chairman goes through the same song and dance about the company’s great future plans. This term originally referred to a vaudeville act featuring song and dance. [Late 1800s]

  son of a bitch Also, SOB; son of a gun. A mean, disagreeable individual, as in He was regarded as the worst son of a bitch in the industry, or He ran out on her? What an SOB, or He’s a real son of a gun when it comes to owing you money. The first of these terms, calling a man the son of a female dog, dates from the early 1300s and is considered vulgar enough to have given rise to the two variants, both euphemisms. The first variant, an abbreviation, dates from World War I. The second, first recorded in 1708, gave rise to the theory that it originally applied to baby boys born at sea (in the days when women accompanied their husbands on long voyages). The explanation seems unlikely, especially since presumably some of the ­babies were girls. It also once meant the illegitimate son of a soldier (or “gun”). More probably, however, son of a gun evolved simply as a euphemism for the first term and appealed because of its rhyme. Both it and son of a bitch are also put as interjections expressing surprise, amazement, disgust, or disappointment, as in Son of a bitch! I lost my ticket, or I’ll be a son of a gun! That must be the governor.

  soon → See AS SOON AS; FOOL AND HIS MONEY ARE SOON PARTED; HAD RATHER (SOONER); JUST AS SOON; NO SOONER SAID THAN DONE; SPEAK TOO SOON.

  sooner or later Eventually, at some unspecified future time, as in Sooner or later we’ll have to answer that letter, or It’s bound to stop raining sooner or later. This term, which generally implies that some future event is certain to happen, was first recorded in 1577.

  sooner the better, the As quickly or early as possible, as in As for stopping that check, the sooner the better. This idiom was first recorded in 1477.

  sore → In addition to the idiom beginning with SORE, also see SIGHT FOR SORE EYES; STICK OUT (LIKE A SORE THUMB).

  sore point, a A sensitive or annoying issue, as in Don’t mention diets to Elsie; it’s a sore point with her. This idiom was first recorded as a sore place in 1690.

  sorrow → See DROWN ONE’S SORROWS; MORE IN SORROW THAN IN ANGER.

  sorry → See BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY.

  sort → See AFTER A FASHION (SORT); ALL KINDS (SORTS) OF; BAD SORT; IT TAKES ALL SORTS; KIND (SORT) OF; NOTHING OF THE KIND (SORT); OF SORTS; OUT OF SORTS.

  so that 1. In order that, as in I stopped so that you could catch up. 2. With the result or consequence that, as in Mail the package now so that it will arrive on time. 3. so... that. In such a way or to such an extent that, as in The line was so long that I could scarcely find the end of it. All three usages date from A.D. 1000 or earlier, and the first two are sometimes put simply as so, as in I stopped so you could catch up, or Mail it now so it will arrive on time.

  so to speak Phrased like this, in a manner of speaking, as in He was, so to speak, the head of the family, although he was only related by marriage to most of the family members. This term originally meant “in the vernacular” or “lower-class language” and was used as an aristocrat’s apology for stooping to such use. [Early 1800s] Also see AS IT WERE.

  sought after Also, much sought after. Very popular, in demand, as in He was much sought after as a throat specialist, particularly by singers. This expression uses the past participle of seek in the sense of “desired” or “searched for.” [Late 1800s]

  soul → In addition to the idiom beginning with SOUL, also see BARE ONE’S SOUL; HEART AND SOUL; KEEP BODY AND SOUL TOGETHER; KINDRED SPIRIT (SOUL); LIVING SOUL.

  soul of, the The essence of some quality, as in You can trust her; she’s the soul of discretion, or He’s the very soul of generosity but he can be cranky at times. This idiom was first recorded in 1605.

  sound → In addition to the idioms beginning with SOUND, also see SAFE AND SOUND.

  sound as a bell In excellent condition, as in Now that the brakes have been relined, the car is sound as a bell, or The surgery went well and now he’s sound as a bell. This simile rests on the assumption that the bell in question is not cracked (which would make it useless). First recorded in 1565, it has survived numerous other similes (sound as a top or roach or dollar), probably ­owing to its pun on “sound.”

  sound bite A short, striking, quotable statement well suited to a television news program. For ­example, He’s extremely good at sound bites, but a really substantive speech is beyond him. This slangy expression, first recorded in 1980, originated in political campaigns in which candidates tried to get across a particular message or get publicity by having it picked up in newscasts.

  sound off Express one’s views vigorously and loudly, as in Dad’s always sounding off about higher taxes. This expression probably comes from the original meaning, that is, “strike up a military band.” [Early 1900s]

  sound out Seek the views or intentions of, as in We’d better sound out Mom about who’s using the station wagon, or Let’s sound out the staff before we decide which week we should close for vacation. This expression derives from sound meaning “to measure the depth of water by lowering a line or lead.” It was transferred to other kinds of inquiry in the late 1500s, but out was not added for several centuries.

  soup → In addition to the idiom beginning with SOUP, also see DUCK SOUP; FROM SOUP TO NUTS; IN THE SOUP.

  soup up Make something more powerful; especially, add speed to an engine. For example, He was riding around in that car he’d souped up, or They had to soup up the sound system for the outdoor concert. [Slang; c. 1930]

  sour grapes Disparaging what one cannot obtain, as in The losers’ scorn for the award is pure sour grapes. This expression alludes to the Greek writer Aesop’s famous fable about a fox that cannot reach some grapes on a high vine and announces that they are sour. In English the fable was first recorded in William Caxton’s 1484 translation, “The fox said these raisins be sour.”

  sour on Become disenchanted with, take a dislike to, as in At first they liked the new supervisor, but now they’ve soured on her. [c. 1860]

  south → See GO SOUTH.

  sow → In addition to the idiom beginning with sow, also see CAN’T MAKE A SILK PURSE OUT OF A SOW’S EAR.

  so what Who cares? What does it matter? For example, You’re not going to the beach today? Well, so what, you can go tomorrow, or So what if she left without saying goodbye—she’ll call you, I’m sure. [First half of 1900s] Also see WHAT OF IT.

  sow one’s wild oats Behave foolishly, immoderately, or promiscuously when young, as in Brad has spent th
e last couple of years sowing his wild oats, but now he seems ready to settle down. This expression alludes to sowing inferior wild oats instead of good cultivated grain, the verb sowing —that is, “planting seed”—in particular suggesting sexual promiscuity. [Mid-1500s]

  space → In addition to the idiom beginning with SPACE, also see BREATHING SPACE; TAKE UP SPACE.

  space out Stupefy or disorient, as if or from a drug. For example, This medication spaces me out so I can’t think clearly, or I wonder what those kids are on—they look totally spaced out. [1960s] Also see ZONE OUT.

  spade → See CALL A SPADE A SPADE; DO THE SPADEWORK; IN SPADES.

  Spain → See CASTLES IN THE AIR (SPAIN).

  span → See SPICK AND SPAN.

  spare → In addition to the idioms beginning with SPARE, also see TO SPARE.

  spare the rod and spoil the child Discipline is necessary for good upbringing, as in She lets Richard get away with anything—spare the rod, you know. This adage appears in the Bible (Proverbs 13:24) and made its way into practically every proverb collection. It originally referred to corporal pu­nishment. It is still quoted, often in shortened form, and today does not necessarily mean physical discipline.

  spare tire Fat around one’s middle, as in He’s determined to lose ten pounds and that spare tire he’s acquired. This expression transfers the term for an extra tire carried in cars in case of a flat tire to excess fat around the waist. [Colloquial; mid-1900s]

  spark → See MAKE THE SPARKS FLY.

  sparring partner An individual with whom one enjoys arguing, as in Jim’s my best sparring partner. This expression alludes to boxing, where since about 1900 it has denoted the person one practices or trains with. [Mid-1900s] Also see SPAR WITH.

  spar with Argue or debate with, as in You’d never know they were happily married, because they’re constantly sparring with each other. [Early 1600s]

  speak → In addition to the idioms beginning with SPEAK, also see ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS; IN A MANNER OF SPEAKING; NOTHING TO SPEAK OF; NOT TO MENTION (SPEAK OF); ON SPEAKING TERMS; SO TO SPEAK; TO SPEAK OF.

  speak down to → See TALK DOWN TO.

  speak for 1. Intercede for, recommend, as in He spoke for the young applicant, commending her honesty. [c. 1300] 2. Express the views of, as in I can’t speak for my husband but I’d love to accept, or I don’t care what Harry thinks—Speak for yourself, Joe. [c. 1300] 3. speak for itself. Be significant or self-evident, as in They haven’t called us in months, and that speaks for itself. [Second half of 1700s] 4. spoken for. Ordered, engaged, or reserved, as in This lot of rugs is already spoken for, or Is this dance spoken for? This usage comes from the older verb, bespeak, meaning “to order.” [Late 1600s]

  speak of the devil The person just mentioned has appeared, as in Why, speak of the devil—there’s Jeannie. This expression is a shortening of the older Speak of the devil and he’s sure to appear, based on the superstition that pronouncing the devil’s name will cause his arrival on the scene. The figurative use was already explained in James Kelly’s Scottish Proverbs (1721).

  speak one’s mind Also, speak out. Say what one really thinks, talk freely and fearlessly, as in Will you give me a chance to speak my mind or am I supposed to agree with everything you say? or Jan welcomed the chance to speak out about abortion. The first term dates from about 1600, the variant from the late 1600s. Also see SPEAK ONE’S PIECE.

  speak one’s piece Also, say one’s piece. Say what one thinks, or what one usually says or is expected to say. For example, All right, you’ve spoken your piece; now let someone else have a turn. The piece in this expression alludes to a memorized poem or speech of the kind recited in a classroom. [Mid-1900s]

  speak out → See SPEAK ONE’S MIND; SPEAK UP, def. 1.

  speak out of turn → See OUT OF TURN, def. 2.

  speak the same language Understand one another very well, agree with each other, as in Negotiations went on for days, but finally both sides realized they weren’t speaking the same language. This term, alluding to literal understanding of spoken words, dates from the late 1800s.

  speak too soon Assume something prematurely, as in I guess I spoke too soon about moving to Boston; I didn’t get the job after all.

  speak up 1. Also, speak out. Talk loudly, so as to be heard, as in Speak up, child, I can’t hear you, or He should speak out so that those in back can hear him. The first term dates from the early 1700s, the variant from the early 1500s. 2. Also, speak up for. Express one’s opinion or one’s support for someone or something. For example, When it comes to speaking up about the town’s needs, you can rely on Mary, or I’m glad you spoke up for me in that meeting. [c. 1700]

  speak volumes Be significant, indicate a great deal, as in That house of theirs speaks volumes about their income. This idiom uses volumes in the sense of “the information contained in volumes of books.” [c. 1800]

  spec → See ON SPEC.

  species → See ENDANGERED SPECIES.

  speed → In addition to the idiom beginning with SPEED, also see FULL SPEED AHEAD; UP TO PAR (SPEED).

  speed up Accelerate, expedite, increase the rate, as in The car speeded up as it went downhill, or It’s difficult to speed up production without new equipment. [Late 1800s]

  spell → In addition to the idiom beginning with SPELL, also see COLD SNAP (SPELL); UNDER SOMEONE’S SPELL.

  spell out 1. Make plain, clarify, as in We asked her to spell out her objectives. [c. 1940] 2. Read slowly and laboriously, as in He was only six but he managed to spell out the instructions. [Early 1800s] 3. Puzzle out, manage to understand with some effort, as in It took years before anyone could spell out the inscriptions on the Rosetta Stone. [Late 1600s] All three usages transfer spell in the sense of “proceed letter by letter.”

  spend → See POCKET (SPENDING) MONEY.

  spice → See VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE.

  spick and span Neat and clean, as in When Ruth has finished cleaning, the whole house is spick and span. This term combines two nouns that are now obsolete, spick, “a nail” or “spike,” and span, “a wooden chip.” In the 1500s a sailing ship was considered spick and span when every spike and chip was brand-new. The transfer to the current sense took place in the mid-1800s.

  spill → In addition to the idiom beginning with SPILL, also see SHED (SPILL) BLOOD; TAKE A SPILL.

  spill the beans Disclose a secret or reveal something prematurely, as in You can count on little Carol to spill the beans about the surprise. In this colloquial expression, first recorded in 1919, spill means “divulge,” a usage dating from the 1500s.

  spin → In addition to the idioms beginning with SPIN, also see GO INTO A TAILSPIN; MAKE ONE’S HEAD SPIN; PUT A SPIN ON.

  spin a yarn Tell a story, especially a long drawn-out or totally fanciful one, as in This author really knows how to spin a yarn, or Whenever he’s late he spins some yarn about a crisis. Originally a nautical term dating from about 1800, this expression probably owes its life to the fact that it embodies a double meaning, yarn signifying both “spun fiber” and “a tale.”

  spin control Manipulation of news, especially political news, as in The White House press secretary is a master of spin control. This idiom uses spin in the sense of “interpretation,” that is, how something will be interpreted by the public (also see PUT A SPIN ON). [c. 1980] Also see SPIN DOCTOR.

  spin doctor An individual charged with getting others to interpret a statement or event from a particular viewpoint, as in Charlie is the governor’s spin doctor. This term, born about 1980 along with SPIN CONTROL, uses doctor in the colloquial sense of “one who repairs something.”

  spin off Derive or produce from something else, especially a small part from a larger whole. For example, The corporation decided to spin off the automobile parts division, or Her column was spun off from her book on this subject. The expression transfers the throwing off by centrifugal force, as in spinning, to other enterprises. [Mid-1900s]

  spin one’s whe
els Expend effort with no result, as in We’re just spinning our wheels here while management tries to make up its mind. This idiom, with its image of a vehicle in snow or sand that spins its wheels but cannot move, dates from the mid-1900s.

  spin out 1. Protract or prolong, as in They spun out the negotiations over a period of months. This idiom alludes to drawing out a thread by spinning. [c. 1600] 2. Rotate out of control, as in The car spun out and crashed into the store window. [Mid-1900s]

  spirit → In addition to the idioms beginning with SPIRIT, also see KINDRED SPIRIT.

  spirit away Carry off mysteriously or secretly, as in The police found that the documents had been spirited away from the office. This term derives from the noun spirit, in the sense of “a supernatural being such as a ghost.” [Second half of 1600s]

  spirit is willing but the flesh is weak, the One would like to undertake something but hasn’t the energy or strength to do so. For example, Another set of tennis? The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. Today often used as a rueful admission of weariness or other physical weakness, this idiom was first recorded in the New Testament (Matthew 26:41), where Jesus tells his disciples: “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” A modern equivalent is I would if I could but I can’t.

  spit and polish Close attention to appearance and order, as in With a little spit and polish this house will sell very quickly. This expression originated in the military, presumably alluding to literally shining up something with the aid of a little saliva. There it also came to mean “too much attention to appearance, and not enough to more important concerns,” as in The commander is so concerned with spit and polish that he overlooks the crew’s morale. [Late 1800s]

  spite → See IN SPITE OF.

  spitting distance A very short distance, as in We were in spitting distance of winning the pennant but then we lost three games in a row. Alluding to the relatively short distance over which one’s spit will carry, this idiom was first recorded in 1895 as within spitting range.