American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms

hand. see AT ONE'S FINGERTIPS.

finish

hand. see FROM SOUP TO NUTS (START TO FINISH); IN AT THE DEATH (FINISH).

finishing touch

A small change or addition that serves to complete something. For example, The room still needed a few finishing touches, such as a flower arrangement. This expression is sometimes put as a finishing stroke. [c. 1700]

fire

hand. In addition to the idioms beginning with FIRE, also see ADD FUEL TO THE FIRE;

BALL OF FIRE; BAPTISM OF FIRE; CATCH FIRE; CAUGHT IN THE CROSS-FIRE; DRAW FIRE; FAT IS IN THE FIRE; FIGHT FIRE WITH FIRE; GET ON (LIKE A HOUSE AFIRE); HANG FIRE; HOLD ONE'S FIRE; HOLD SOMEONE'S FEET TO THE FIRE; IRONS IN THE FIRE; KEEP THE HOME FIRES BURNING; LIGHT A FIRE UNDER; LINE OF FIRE; MISS FIRE; NO SMOKE WITHOUT FIRE; ON FIRE; OPEN FIRE; OUT OF THE FRYING PAN INTO THE FIRE; PLAY WITH FIRE; SET ON FIRE; SET THE WORLD ON FIRE; SPREAD LIKE WILDFIRE; TRIAL BY FIRE; UNDER FIRE; WHERE'S THE FIRE. Also see under FIRING.

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

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

hand. see AT FIRST HAND.

first of all

hand. 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

hand. 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

hand. see HAND OVER FIST.

fit

hand. In addition to the idioms beginning with FIT, also see GIVE SOMEONE FITS;

HAVE A FIT; IF THE SHOE FITS; SEE FIT TO; 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

hand. see HIGH FIVE; NINE TO FIVE; TAKE FIVE.

fix

hand. 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]

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.

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

hand. see ADD FUEL TO THE FIRE (FLAMES); BURST INTO (FLAMES); FAN THE FLAMES; GO UP IN FLAMES; 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

hand. 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

hand. 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

hand. 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

hand. In addition to the idioms beginning with FLEA, also see 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

hand. 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); PEDDLE 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 mid1600s 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

hand. see AS THE CROW FLIES; DROP LIKE FLIES; NO FLIES ON SOMEONE; TIME FLIES. Also see under FLY.

flight

hand. 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

hand. 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

hand. see BEAT A DEAD HORSE.

floor

hand. see GROUND FLOOR; MOP UP THE FLOOR WITH; SINK THROUGH THE FLOOR; TAKE THE FLOOR; WALK THE FLOOR.

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

hand. see EBB AND FLOW; GO WITH THE FLOW.

flunk out

1. Expel or be expelled from a school because one's work does not meet the required standard. For example, He flunked out of Harvard after just one year. [Slang; early 1800s.] 2. Fail at anything, as in The camera ran out of film so we flunked out as photographers. [Slang; late 1800s]

fly, flying

hand. In addition to the idioms beginning with FLY or FLYING, also see GET OFF THE

GROUND (TO A FLYING START); GO FLY A KITE; HIGH FLYER; LET FLY; MAKE THE DUST FLY; NOT HURT A FLY; ON THE FLY; SEND FLYING; WHEN PIGS FLY; WITH FLYING COLORS. Also see UNDER FLIES; FLIGHT.

fly at

Attack fiercely, assault. For example, The dogs flew at each other's throats. [Late 1500s]

fly blind

Feel one's way, proceed by guesswork, as in There are no directions for assembling this furniture, so I'm flying blind. This hyperbolic expression dates from World War II, when it was used by pilots who could not see the horizon and therefore had to rely on instruments. It was transferred to broader use soon afterward.

fly high

Be elated, as in They were flying high after the birth of their first baby. This expression alludes to a high pitch of feeling. [Mid-1600s]

flying start

hand. see under GET OFF THE GROUND.

fly in the face of Also, fly in the teeth of. Act in direct opposition to or defiance of. For example, This decision flies in the face of all precedent, or They went out without permission, flying in the teeth of house rules. This metaphoric expression alludes to a physical attack. [Mid-1500s]

fly in the ointment

A drawback or detrimental factor. For example, The new library is wonderful but there's a fly in the ointment: their catalog isn't complete yet. This term probably alludes to a biblical proverb (Ecclesiastes 10:1): "Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour." [c. 1600]

fly off the handle

Lose one's temper, as in Tom flies off the handle at the slightest set-back. This metaphoric expression alludes to the loosened head of a hammer flying off after a blow. [Early 1800s]

fly on the wall

An unseen observer or listener, as in I wish I could be a fly on the wall when she tells him she's pregnant. [Mid-1900s]

fly the coop

Escape, run away, as in After years of fighting with my mother, my father finally flew the coop.

This term originally meant "escape from jail," known as the coop in underworld slang since the late