think nothing of 1. Give little consideration to, regard as routine, as in He thinks nothing of driving 100 miles to see a new movie. [c. 1800] 2. think nothing of it. It’s not important, as in Thanks for the lift.—Think nothing of it. This way of saying YOU’RE WELCOME dates from the late 1800s.
think on one’s feet React quickly, be mentally agile, as in Reporters bombarded him with difficult questions, but Bill was very good at thinking on his feet. This expression uses on one’s feet in the sense of “wide awake, alertly.” [First half of 1900s]
think out → See THINK THROUGH.
think outside the box Have original or innovative ideas. This expression alludes to a puzzle in which the dots in a square grid must be connected without the pen leaving the paper. It can only be accomplished if some of the lines extend beyond the grid, or box. Around 1970 this was transferred to thinking beyond a “box” of conventional ideas. It is often used in the context of research, as in The head of the laboratory knew that they would solve the genetic question only by thinking outside the box.
think over Ponder, reflect about, especially with a view to making a decision. For example, I’ll have to think it over carefully before I can say yes or no. [Mid-1800s]
think piece An article that presents news analysis, background material, and the author’s opinions, as in Her goal was to write think pieces but the editor kept assigning crime stories. [c. 1940]
think positive Be optimistic, concentrate on the good rather than the bad, as in It’s true you were fired but think positive—now you can look for a job you really like. This expression comes from the psychological doctrine of positive thinking, which gained currency with Norman Vincent Peale’s popular book, The Power of Positive Thinking (1953). [Second half of 1900s]
think tank A group or organization dedicated to problem-solving and research, especially in such areas as technology, social or political strategy, and the military. For example, The congressional leaders rely too heavily on that conservative think tank. This term originated about 1900 as a facetious colloquialism for brain and was given its new meaning about 1950.
think the world of → See under THINK A LOT OF.
think through Also, think out. Arrive at a thorough understanding of; devise or contrive thoroughly. For example, That answer doesn’t work; I don’t believe you’ve thought the problem through, or He thought out a far more efficient method. The first term dates from the early 1900s, the variant from the mid-1800s. Also see THINK UP.
think twice 1. Reconsider something, weigh something carefully, as in I’ve got to think twice before spending that much on a car. [Late 1800s] 2. not think twice. Take no notice, not worry about, as in She didn’t think twice about flying off to Europe with a day’s notice. [Mid-1900s]
think up Devise, contrive by thinking, as in She’s an expert at thinking up interesting programs. [Mid-1800s]
thin on top Becoming bald, as in I notice that he’s getting a little thin on top. The top in this euphemism refers to the top of the head. [Second half of 1800s]
third degree Intensive questioning or rough treatment used to obtain information or a confession, as in The detectives gave her the third degree, or Jim gave her the third degree when she came home so late. This term comes from freemasonry, where a candidate receives the third or highest degree, that of master mason, upon passing an intensive test. Dating from the 1770s, the phrase was transferred to other kinds of interrogation in the late 1800s.
third rail Something that is dangerous to tamper with, as in Anything concerning veterans is a political third rail. This term alludes to the rail that supplies the high voltage powering an electric train, so called since 1918. On the other hand, grab hold of the third rail means “become energized.” Both shifts from the original meaning date from the late 1900s.
third world Underdeveloped or developing countries, as in The conditions in our poorest rural areas resemble those in the third world. This expression originated in the mid-1900s, at first denoting those countries in Asia and Africa that were not aligned with either the Communist bloc nations or the non-Communist Western nations. Because they were for the most part poor and underdeveloped, the term was transferred to all countries with those characteristics, and later still to poorer groups within a larger prevailing culture.
this → In addition to the idioms beginning with THIS, also see AT THIS POINT; AT THIS RATE; AT THIS STAGE; FROM THIS DAY FORWARD; IN THIS DAY AND AGE; OUT OF THIS WORLD; SHUFFLE OFF (THIS MORTAL COIL).
this and that Also, this, that, and the other. Various miscellaneous items, one thing and another, as in He said this and that about the budget, but nothing new or of great substance, or We spent all evening chatting about this, that, and the other. The first idiom was first recorded in 1581; the variant dates from the early 1900s.
this is where I came in This is where I began, my knowledge dates from this point. For example, Do you have anything more to add, because if not, this is where I came in. This idiom, dating from the 1920s, originally alluded to the continuous showing of a motion picture, with customers entering the theater at any stage while the film was running and leaving when it reached the point where they had started.
this side of Short of, before, as in I think she’s still this side of forty, or I doubt they’ll arrive this side of noon. [First half of 1400s]
thither → See HITHER AND THITHER.
Thomas → See DOUBTING THOMAS.
thorn in one’s flesh Also, thorn in one’s side. A constant source of irritation, as in Paul’s complaining and whining are a thorn in my flesh, or Mother’s always comparing us children—it’s a thorn in our sides. This metaphoric expression appears twice in the Bible. In Judges 2:3 it is enemies that “shall be as thorns in your sides”; in II Corinthians 12:7 Paul says his infirmities are “given to me a thorn in the flesh.”
those → See JUST ONE OF THOSE THINGS; ONE OF THOSE DAYS.
though → See AS IF (THOUGH).
thought → See FOOD FOR THOUGHT; LOST IN THOUGHT; ON SECOND THOUGHT; PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS; PERISH THE THOUGHT; TRAIN OF THOUGHT. Also see under THINK.
thousand → See BAT ONE THOUSAND; BY THE DOZEN (THOUSAND); ONE IN A MILLION (THOUSAND); PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS.
thrash about Also, thrash around. Move wildly or violently, as in He thrashed about all night, unable to sleep, or The fish thrashed around on the dock, so Meg threw it back in the water. [Mid-1800s]
thrash out Discuss fully, especially to resolve a problem, as in We’ll just have to thrash out our ideas about where to go on vacation. [Late 1800s]
thread → See HANG BY A THREAD; LOSE THE THREAD.
threat → See TRIPLE THREAT.
three cheers for Good for, hurrah for, congratulations to, as in Three cheers for our mayor! Hip, hip, hooray! Why one should shout one’s encouragement or approbation three times rather than two or four is unclear. A shouted cheer presumably originated as a nautical practice, if we are to believe Daniel Defoe in Captain Singleton (1720): “We gave them a cheer, as the seamen call it.” Three cheers was first recorded in 1751. The term is also used sarcastically, when one is not really offering congratulations, as in So you finally passed; well, three cheers for you.
three-ring circus A situation of complete confusion, as in It was a three-ring circus, with the baby crying, the dog barking, both telephones ringing, and someone at the front door. This term alludes to a circus where three rings or arenas are featuring performances simultaneously. Perhaps invented by show business impresario P.T. Barnum, the term was extended to other confused situations by about 1900.
three R’s The fundamentals of education, as in It’s a terrible school; the children are not even taught the three R’s. It is widely believed that Sir William Curtis, an alderman who became Lord Mayor of London, once presented a toast to the three R’s—reading, riting, and rithmetic—thereby betraying his illiteracy. In any event, the term was picked up by others and so used from the early 1800s on.
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p; three’s a crowd Also, two’s company, three’s a crowd. A third person spoils the ideal combination of a couple, as in No, I won’t join you—three’s a crowd. This expression, alluding to a third person spoiling the privacy of a pair of lovers, was already a proverb in 1546. For a synonym, see FIFTH WHEEL.
three sheets to the wind Also, three sheets in the wind. Drunk, inebriated, as in After six beers he’s three sheets to the wind. This expression is generally thought to refer to the sheet—that is, a rope or chain—that holds one or both lower corners of a sail. If the sheet is allowed to go slack in the wind, the sail flaps about and the boat is tossed about much as a drunk staggers. Having three sheets loose would presumably make the situation all the worse. Another explanation holds that with two or four sheets to the wind the boat is balanced, whereas with three it is not. [Mid-1800s]
thrill to pieces Also, thrill to death. Give great pleasure, delight, as in I was just thrilled to pieces with our new grandson, or He was thrilled to death when he first saw the Himalayas. Both of these hyperbolic terms use thrill in the sense of “affect with sudden emotion,” a usage dating from the late 1500s. Also see TICKLED PINK.
throat → See AT EACH OTHER’S THROATS; CUT SOMEONE’S THROAT; FROG IN ONE’S THROAT; JUMP DOWN SOMEONE’S THROAT; LUMP IN ONE’S THROAT; RAM (SHOVE) DOWN SOMEONE’S THROAT; STICK IN ONE’S CRAW (THROAT).
throe → See IN THE THROES OF.
throne → See POWER BEHIND THE THRONE.
through → In addition to the idioms beginning with THROUGH, see BREAK THROUGH; CARRY THROUGH; COME THROUGH; COME UP (THROUGH); CROSS (PASS THROUGH) ONE’S MIND; FALL BETWEEN (THROUGH) THE CRACKS; FALL THROUGH; FOLLOW THROUGH; GET THROUGH; GET THROUGH ONE’S HEAD; GO THROUGH; GO THROUGH CHANNELS; GO THROUGH ONE; GO THROUGH THE MOTIONS; GO THROUGH THE ROOF; JUMP THROUGH HOOPS; LEAF THROUGH; LET DAYLIGHT THROUGH; LET SLIP (THROUGH ONE’S FINGERS); LIE THROUGH ONE’S TEETH; LIVE THROUGH; MUDDLE THROUGH; PAY THROUGH THE NOSE; PULL THROUGH; PUT SOMEONE THROUGH HIS OR HER PACES; PUT THROUGH; RISE THROUGH THE RANKS; RUN THROUGH; SAIL THROUGH; SEE THROUGH; SEE THROUGH ROSE-COLORED GLASSES; SINK THROUGH THE FLOOR; SIT OUT (THROUGH); SLEEP THROUGH; SQUEAK BY (THROUGH); SQUEEZE THROUGH; TALK THROUGH ONE’S HAT; THINK THROUGH; WIN THROUGH; WORK ONE’S WAY INTO (THROUGH).
through and through In every part or aspect, throughout. For example, I was wet through and through, or He was a success through and through. This idiom originally was used to indicate literal penetration, as by a sword. The figurative usage was first recorded in 1410.
through one’s hat → See TALK THROUGH ONE’S HAT.
through one’s head → See GET THROUGH ONE’S HEAD.
through one’s mind → See CROSS ONE’S MIND.
through rose-colored glasses → See SEE THROUGH ROSE-COLORED GLASSES.
through the mill Hardship or rough treatment, as in They put him through the mill, making him work at every one of the machines, or Jane was exhausted; she felt she’d been through the mill. This term alludes to being ground down like grain in a mill. [Late 1800s]
through the motions → See GO THROUGH THE MOTIONS.
through thick and thin Despite all obstacles or adversities, as in She promised to stand by him through thick and thin. This term alludes to penetrating a forest with both thick and sparse undergrowth. Today it is nearly always used with the idea of supporting something or someone in all circumstances, as in the example. [Late 1300s]
throw → In addition to the idioms beginning with THROW, also see CAST (THROW IN) ONE’S LOT WITH; CAST (THROW) THE FIRST STONE; HAVE (THROW) A FIT; KNOCK (THROW) FOR A LOOP; POUR (THROW) COLD WATER ON; SHED (THROW) LIGHT ON; STONE’S THROW.
throw a curve Surprise or outwit someone, as in They threw me a curve when they said that our department would be combined with yours. This colloquial term comes from baseball, where a pitcher tries to fool the batter by using a curve ball, which is thrown with sufficient spin to make it veer from its expected path. The term was transferred to other kinds of surprise, not necessarily unpleasant, in the mid-1900s.
throw a fit → See HAVE A FIT.
throw a monkey wrench into Sabotage or frustrate a project or plans, as in The boss threw a monkey wrench into our plans when he said we’d have to work Saturday. This transfer of industrial sabotage—that is, throwing a tool inside machinery—to other subjects dates from the early 1900s.
throw a party Put on or hold a social gathering, as in They’re throwing a party to introduce their nephew to the neighbors, or She threw a party every Saturday night. [Colloquial; first half of 1900s]
throw a punch Deliver a blow with the fist, as in He was furious enough to throw a punch at the other driver. This term originated in boxing but has been extended to less formal fisticuffs as well. [First half of 1900s]
throw away 1. Also, throw or toss out. Dispose of, discard, as in This coat is too good to throw away, or Did you throw out the rest of the milk? or She tossed out all his old letters. [First half of 1500s] 2. Waste, fail to use, as in She’s thrown away her inheritance on all kinds of foolish enterprises, or He’s thrown away his chances for an engineering job. [Mid-1600s] 3. Also, throw out. Utter or perform in an offhand, seemingly careless way, as in He threw away the news that their summer cottage had been broken into, or She threw out some suggestions for changing the bylaws. [First half of 1900s]
throw back 1. Hinder the progress of, check, as in His illness threw his schooling back a year, or The troops were thrown back by a barrage of fire. [First half of 1800s] 2. Revert to an earlier type or stage, as in That dog throws back to his wolf ancestors. This usage gave rise to the noun throwback, a reversion to a former stage or type. [Second half of 1800s] 3. throw back on. Cause to depend on, make reliant on, as in When the violinist didn’t show up, they were thrown back on the pianist. [Mid-1800s]
throw caution to the winds Also, throw discretion to the winds. Behave or speak very rashly, as in Throwing caution to the winds, he ran after the truck, or I’m afraid she’s thrown discretion to the winds and told everyone about the divorce. This expression uses to the winds in the sense of “utterly vanishing” or “out of existence,” a usage dating from the mid-1600s. The first recorded use of throw to the winds was in 1885.
throw cold water on → See POUR COLD WATER ON.
throw down the gauntlet Declare or issue a challenge, as in The senator threw down the gauntlet on the abortion issue. This expression alludes to the medieval practice of a knight throwing down his gauntlet, or metal glove, as a challenge to combat. Its figurative use dates from the second half of the 1700s, as does the less frequently heard take up the gauntlet, for accepting a challenge.
throw dust in someone’s eyes Mislead someone, as in The governor’s press aide threw dust in their eyes, talking about a flight at the airport when he was heading for the highway. This metaphoric expression alludes to throwing dust or sand in the air to confuse a pursuing enemy. [Mid-1700s]
throw for a loop → See KNOCK FOR A LOOP.
throw good money after bad Waste more money in hopes of recouping previous losses, as in Hiring him to improve that software is throwing good money after bad; it’s based on an older operating system and will soon be obsolete. [Late 1800s]
throw in 1. Insert or introduce into the course of something, interject, as in He always threw in a few jokes to lighten the atmosphere. [c. 1700] 2. Add something with no additional charge, as in The salesman said he’d throw in the carpet padding. [Second half of 1600s] 3. throw in with. Enter into association with, as in His friends warned him against throwing in with the notorious street gang. [Second half of 1800s] Also see CAST ONE’S LOT and the subsequent idioms beginning with THROW IN.
throw in one’s hand Give up, abandon, as in I’m through trying to assemble it; I’m throwing in my hand. This expression comes from card games such as poker, where it is used to retire from the game. Its figurative use dates from the 1920s.
throw in one’s lot with → See CAST ONE’S LOT WITH.
throw i
n someone’s face Confront or upbraid someone with something, as in Dean keeps throwing her poor driving record in her face. [c. 1600]
throw in the sponge Also, throw in the towel. Give up, acknowledge defeat, as in I can’t move this rock; I’m throwing in the sponge, or Bill decided to throw in the towel and resign from his job. This idiom comes from boxing, where formerly a fighter (or his second) conceded defeat by throwing the sponge or towel used to wipe his face into the ring. [c. 1900]
throw light on → See SHED LIGHT ON.
throw off 1. Cast out, rid oneself of, as in He threw off all unpleasant memories and went to the reunion. [Early 1600s] 2. Give off, emit, as in The garbage was throwing off an awful smell. [First half of 1700s] Also see THROW OUT, def. 1. 3. Also, throw or put off the scent. Distract, divert, or mislead, as in A mistaken estimate threw off her calculations, or These clues were designed to throw the detective off the scent. The variant comes from hunting, where the quarry may try to put pursuing hounds off the scent. Its figurative use dates from the mid-1800s. Also see OFF THE TRACK. 4. Perform in a quick, spontaneous, or casual manner, as in He threw off one sketch after another. [Mid-1700s]
throw off balance → See OFF BALANCE.
throw off the track → See OFF THE TRACK.
throw oneself at Also, throw oneself at someone’s head. Try to attract someone’s interest, attention, or love, as in He always had women throwing themselves at his head. [Late 1700s]
throw oneself into Enter or engage in a project with enthusiasm, as in Nora threw herself into making the invitations. This idiom uses throw in the sense of “fling impetuously,” a usage dating from about 1200.
throw one’s hat in the ring Also, toss one’s hat in the ring. Announce one’s candidacy or enter a contest, as in The governor was slow to throw his hat in the ring in the senatorial race. This term comes from boxing, where throwing a hat in the ring formerly indicated a challenge; today the idiom nearly always refers to political candidacy. [c. 1900]
The American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms Page 121
