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What is the origin of the phrase pin your ears back?
The phrase “pin your ears back” was used by an adult to a child. As small children were used to make the tiny needles and pins as their fingers were smaller for the delicate work. If they messed up a batch the ‘boss’ would pin them by their ears to the wall as a punishment for not working properly.
What does pin your ears mean?
UK informal (also pin your ears back) to listen carefully. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases. Using the ears.
What is the meaning of the idiom a paper tiger?
Definition of paper tiger : one that is outwardly powerful or dangerous but inwardly weak or ineffectual.
What does ears pinned back on a dog mean?
Ears that are up and relaxed often indicate a calm, relaxed and friendly pup. When the ears are tilted back, the dog is usually stressed or fearful and may be in a submissive state. But – caution here – a dog holding its ears back could also become fear aggressive.
What does the idiom Dog Days mean?
Definition of dog days 1 : the period between early July and early September when the hot sultry weather of summer usually occurs in the northern hemisphere. 2 : a period of stagnation or inactivity.
What does the idiom red tape mean?
Definition of red tape : official routine or procedure marked by excessive complexity which results in delay or inaction bureaucratic red tape … enterprisers that show how people across the Nation are coping (or not coping) with such problems as unemployment, the budget deficit and Government red tape.—
Where does the idiom have one’s ears pinned back come from?
The idiom have one’s ears pinned back is an American phrase that came into use in the mid-1800s. Its origin is uncertain. Some say it is derived from the sport of wrestling and some say it is somehow linked to the emotional state of an animal with its ears pinned back,…
Is it possible to pin a child by the ears?
The ears go back, look out. Common sense suggests that you would not be able to pin a child to a wall by the ears. The pins would need to be very long and normal pins, at least, wouldn’t be strong enough. And the wall would need to be soft.
What is the origin of the phrase turn a blind eye?
Origin: While many proposed origins of this phrase are disputed, it is commonly accepted that turning a blind eye comes from a comment made by British Admiral Horatio Nelson. In 1801 he led the attack alongside Admiral Sir Hyde Parker in the Battle of Copenhagen.
What is the origin of the idiom under the bow?
Origin: This idiom is believed to be nautical in nature. When a sailor was feeling ill, he would go beneath the bow, which is the front part of the boat. This would hopefully protect him from adverse conditions, as he was literally under the bad weather that could further sicken him.