Category: Idiom of the Day

To have a childish overreaction or angry outburst to a negative situation or outcome; to act in a bad-tempered manner, likened to a temper tantrum of a child. “Dummy” here refers to a plastic teat used to soothe teething infants (also called a “pacifier” in the U.S. or a “soother” elsewhere), which they may spit when in the middle of a tantrum. Primarily heard in Australia. Watch the video

A person or group with whom one discusses an idea, plan, or suggestion in order to evaluate its strengths, acceptability, feasibility, practicality, etc. Watch the video

Extremely or completely wet, especially through one’s clothing. Watch the video

Silver, grey, or white hair on one’s head, as due to aging. Watch the video

To be broken apart or otherwise destroyed into tiny, fragmentary pieces. “Smithereens,” first appearing in English in 1829 as “smiddereens,” is likely derived from the Irish word “smidirín” or “smidiríní,” meaning “fragment.” Watch the video

To experience a very deep and restful sleep; to sleep soundly. Watch the video

To not get any sleep. Watch the video

A bitter argument or dispute in which each side hurls numerous insults, accusations, or verbal abuse at one another. Primarily heard in UK. Watch the video

An elderly person who is a proficient user of the internet. Watch the video

Thoroughly displeased, disappointed, or dejected (about something). Primarily heard in UK. Watch the video