If someone is said to be like a bull in a china shop, then he is described as being very clumsy and careless. It could also describe a tactless manner in dealing with a delicate situation. The first written record of this phrase is believed to be Frederick Marryat's novel, "Jacob Faithful" that was published in 1834 - "Whatever it is that smashes, Mrs. T. always swears it was the most valuable thing in the room. I'm like a bull in a china shop."
2. Fly
Answer: Ointment
A fly in the ointment means a small flaw or defect that prevents an event from being successful. Usually, in the idiomatic sense, this is a shortcoming that is not evident at first glance. This phrase has its origins in the Bible. The Book of Ecclesiastes in the King James Version contains the verse - "Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour."
3. Deer
Answer: Headlights
To be like a deer in the headlights is to be too startled to react. Usually when a deer is suddenly caught in the headlights of an approaching vehicle, it gets so scared that it is unable to move and save itself from being hurt. The sudden bright lights cause it to 'freeze'.
This imagery is used to describe a person in a state of panic or fear such that he is unable to think and properly react. In Australia, instead of deer, the phrase used is 'rabbit in the headlights'. This phrase can also be used to describe the reaction (or rather non-reaction) of a person who suddenly finds themselves as the centre of attraction, like a student called to answer a question in class.
The first use of this phrase cannot be ascertained. It became popular during the 1988 US presidential elections when Dan Quayle, George HW Bush's running mate, was described as thus during a debate.
4. Pig
Answer: Poke
The term a pig in a poke serves as a warning similar to the Latin phrase "Caveat Emptor" ("let the buyer beware"). It cautions that no deal should be entered into without a careful examination of all aspects. The phrase is believed to have originated in the Middle Ages.
The poke in this term refers to a sack or bag. The practice was for pigs to be sold while they were bundled in a poke, with the buyer unable to see the animal. This led to buyers being tricked into buying dogs or cats instead of pigs.
5. Butterflies
Answer: Stomach
To have butterflies in one's stomach is to be nervous or excited while doing something. For instance, an actor can be said to have butterflies in her stomach before going on stage. This nervous anticipation or excitement can cause a fluttery feeling in the stomach which led to this phrase. Scientifically, this is caused by reduced blood flow to the stomach due to an increase in adrenaline.
The "Oxford English Dictionary" states that the term was first used in the early 20th century, but in the singular form. The earliest written example is believed to be from the February 1943 edition of the "Boy's Life" where Bill Gardner described his first jump experience - "I landed all right and although I'll always have butterflies in my stomach every time I go up, I'll never experience the fear of that jump."
6. Bee
Answer: Bonnet
To have a bee in one's bonnet means to be obsessed about a particular idea or topic and keep talking about it. The original phrase is believed to have been "to have bees in one's head" which meant the same thing. It is considered to have originated in Scotland. An early work citing this phrase is Reverend Philip Doddridge's "Letters" which was published in 1790.
7. Canary
Answer: Coal mine
The term canary in a coal mine indicates an early warning signal of impending danger. This phrase originated through practical use. In early days, miners would take canaries down with them into the coal mines. Dangerous gases like carbon monoxide do not have any distinctive odour and hence cannot be easily identified. If the canary died, this served as an advance warning to the miners of the presence of toxic gases, giving them sufficient time to escape.
This practice was introduced by Scottish physiologist John Scott Haldane in the late 19th century. Haldane had studied various gases and also investigated various mining disasters before coming up with this method. Finally, in 1986 an electric lamp was invented to detect these gases and the use of canaries was discontinued.
8. Elephant
Answer: Room
The phrase "elephant in the room" refers to an important but awkward subject which everyone is aware of but no one wants to raise. The term was coined by Russian author, Ivan Krylov in 1814 in his tale, "The Inquisitive Man". In it, a man went to a museum and while he observed all the small details, he did not notice the elephant in the room.
It was later used by other well known authors like Mark Twain and Fyodor Dostoevsky.
9. Snake
Answer: Grass
The term 'snake in the grass' is used to describe a seemingly harmless person who turns out to be treacherous. This phrase has been in use since ancient times and is attributed to the Roman poet, Virgil in circa 37 BC. He penned the line "latet anguis in herba", which translates to "a snake lurks in the grass".
10. Dog
Answer: Manger
The phrase 'dog in the manger' is used negatively. It describes a selfish person who will hold on to something that is useless to them, just to prevent someone else from using it. The phrase originated in the Greek author Aesop's fables. In the story, the dog hogs the hay or grain even though it is of no use to him, only so that the ox and horse are not able to eat it.
This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor ponycargirl before going online.
Any errors found in FunTrivia content are routinely corrected through our feedback system.
