What does the term ship shape mean?

: clean, neat, and tidy : organized and in good condition. See the full definition for shipshape in the English Language Learners Dictionary. shipshape. adjective. ship·​shape | \ ˈship-ˈshāp \

Where did the expression ship shape and Bristol fashion come from?

‘Ship-shape and Bristol fashion’ is actually two phrases merged into one. Ship-shape came first and has been used since the 17th century. It is recorded in Sir Henry Manwayring’s The sea-mans dictionary, 1644: “It [the rake] being of no use for the Ship, but only for to make her Ship shapen, as they call it.”

What does ship shape in Bristol fashion mean?

in good order
shipshape and Bristol fashion in British English

in good order; efficiently arranged.

What is Bristol condition?

“Excellent (Bristol) Condition” is a vessel that is maintained in mint or Bristol fashion – usually better that factory new – loaded with extras – a rarity. “Above Average Condition” has had above average care and is equipped with extra electrical and electronic gear.

What does went by the board mean?

Fallen out of use, discarded. This expression usually is put as go by the board, as in With all the crime around here, the practice of leaving the house unlocked has gone by the board.

What is tip top shape?

: excellent, first-rate I’m in tiptop shape.

What was Bristol famous for?

Bristol is famous for its harbor, its blend of architecture, and its contribution to the arts and sciences. It’s known for its Clifton Suspension Bridge, the Bristol Balloon Fiesta, and its rich history involving swashbuckling pirates and North American expeditions.

What does cut to the bone mean?

Definition of cut to the bone

: reduced to the lowest possible amount The company’s expenses had been cut to the bone.

What does it mean bouncing off the walls?

Definition of bounce off the walls

: to be too excited and have a lot of energy The kids are bouncing off the walls.

What is the meaning of knee jerk reaction?

Definition of knee-jerk

(Entry 1 of 2) : readily predictable : automatic knee-jerk reactions also, disapproving : reacting in a readily predictable way The man was such a bleeding-heart knee-jerk liberal that you could predict the rest of the column after reading the first sentence. —

What does Cat got your tongue?

Definition of cat got your tongue

—used to ask someone why he or she is not saying anything “You’ve been unusually quiet tonight,” she said. … Cat got your tongue?”

What does the idiom a slap on the wrist mean?

“When you do something wrong, and you get a slap on the wrist, it means that the punishment that you were given was rather mild or light.” … “When an actor in our country does something wrong, he’s merely given a slap on the wrist.

What does to live from hand to mouth mean?

Definition of hand-to-mouth

: having or providing nothing to spare beyond basic necessities a hand-to-mouth existence.

Where does kick the bucket come from?

The term is known to date from at least the 16th century. The more interesting (and probably apochryphal) origin relates to suicides who would stand on a large bucket with noose around the neck and, at the moment of their choosing, would kick away the bucket.

What does leaving someone high and dry mean?

Definition of high and dry

1 : being out of reach of the current or tide or out of the water. 2 : being in a helpless or abandoned position.

What is the meaning of the idiom back to the wall?

: in a bad position in which one is forced to do something in order to avoid failure We knew that with so little time and money left to finish the project we had our backs to the wall.

Why is it called getting the sack?

What’s the origin of the phrase ‘Get the sack’?

The probable derivation of this phrase is an allusion to tradesmen, who owned their own tools and took them with them in a bag or sack when they were dismissed from employment. It has been known in France since the 17th century, as ‘On luy a donné son sac’.

Where does the saying 40 winks come from?

The phrase to catch forty winks means to take a short nap. It is not normally used when talking about sleeping through the night. This idiom first became popular during the 19th century and originated in Britain. A slight variation of this phrase, to take forty winks, still carries the same meaning.

Where does the phrase beat a deceased horse come from?

The origin of the expression ‘beat a deceased horse’ comes from the mid-19th century, when the practice of beating horses to make them go faster was often viewed as acceptable. To beat a deceased horse would be pointless, as it wouldn’t be able to go anywhere.

What does get down to brass tacks mean?

: to start to discuss or consider the most important details or facts about something We finally got down to brass tacks and decided to work out a schedule for the project.

What does of no avail mean?

: without success They tried to discuss the issue calmly, but to no avail.

What is the meaning of went red?

1. To redden in the face (blush), due to embarrassment, anger, or romantic stimulation. She went red when her crush came up and talked to her.

Can’t cut the mustard meaning?

What does “cut the mustard” mean? … Most often, the phrase is used in negative constructions for when something doesn’t live up to expectations or can’t do the job, e.g., The quarterback couldn’t cut the mustard in the playoffs.