to stop talking immediately.
Definition of zip one’s lip US, informal. : to stop talking immediately Tell your sister to zip her lip!
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Where did the idiom zip your lip come from?
Earlier this idiom was used in 1868 as ‘button your lips’ because during that period of time buttons were used to close things. After Zippers started being used this idiom was modified to ‘zip your lip’ by the people. The use of this idiom can be traced back to 1943.
Is Zip your lips a metaphor?
The meaning of Zip your Lip / Zip your Mouth
This idiomatic expression can mean any of the following: Keep your mouth shut. Don’t say anything (usually because it is a secret).
Can I zip my mouth?
The phrase ‘zip your lip’ is used to say that one should remain silent or keep a secret. Example in use: “I zipped my lip at yesterday’s meeting, as there was no point in saying anything.”
What does the idiom zip it mean?
to stop talking immediately
Definition of zip it
US, informal. : to stop talking immediately She angrily told him to zip it.
What does it mean when someone says when pigs fly?
that something will never happen
Definition of when pigs fly
—used to say that one thinks that something will never happen The train station will be renovated when pigs fly.
What does the idiom hot potato mean?
Definition of hot potato
: a controversial question or issue that involves unpleasant or dangerous consequences for anyone dealing with it.
What is the idiom of to work very hard?
work your fingers to the bone = work very hard: “I work my fingers to the bone for you.” go the extra mile = do more than is expected of you: “She’s a hard worker and always goes the extra mile.”
What is the meaning of simile metaphor personification hyperbole?
A simile is a comparison between two unlike things using words ‘like’ or ‘as’ while metaphor is a comparison between two words but without using ‘like’ or ‘as’. Personification involves giving human qualities to non-living things, while hyperbole is an exaggeration.
What is the appropriate idiomatic expression for the two opposite angles?
ii) in our corner: In a boxing match, the corners are the two opposite angles of a boxing ring where the boxers rest between rounds. iii) on the ropes: Boxing rings are typically enclosed by four ropes. As a boxer when your opponent has forced you against the ropes with his/her attack, you are in trouble.
What does the idiom give me a hand mean?
Help a
Help a person, as in Let me give you a hand with those chairs, or Jane is always willing to lend a hand with refreshments. [ Mid-1800s] 2.
Is saying zip it rude?
a rude and angry way of telling someone to stop talking: Just zip it – I’m tired of listening to you complain.
What does looking up to someone mean?
to respect and admire
Definition of look up to
: to respect and admire (someone) I’ve always looked up to my older brother. The kids really look up to their coach.
What is the meaning of put a sock in it?
tell someone to stop talking
Definition of put a sock in it
informal. —used to tell someone to stop talking I wish someone would tell him to put a sock in it.
What does get off your high horse mean?
to stop talking as if you were better or smarter than other people: It’s time you came down off your high horse and admitted you were wrong. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases. Showing arrogance and conceit.
What’s the meaning hold your horses?
idiom old-fashioned informal. used to tell someone to stop and consider carefully their decision or opinion about something: Just hold your horses, Bill!
Is the cat out of the bag meaning?
To disclose a secret: “The mayor’s visit was to be kept strictly confidential, but someone must have let the cat out of the bag, because the airport was swarming with reporters.”
What does one in a blue moon mean?
very rarely
“Once in a blue moon” is a common expression that has been used for a long time, and which means ‘not very often,’ or ‘very rarely. ‘ It often refers to an extra full moon; however, it has been used to describe the way the moon actually looked, when for different reasons it had turned a blueish color.
What does it mean by at the drop of a hat?
Immediately, without delay
Immediately, without delay, as in We were ready to pack our bags and go on vacation at the drop of a hat. This phrase probably alludes to signaling the start of a race or other contest by dropping a hat. [
What does dont beat around the bush mean?
to avoid giving a definite answer or position. Please stop beating around the bush and tell me the full story.
What does blood sweat and tears mean?
a lot of very hard work
When we talk about blood, sweat and tears, we mean a lot of very hard work. Similarly, a very emphatic way of saying that someone works extremely hard to achieve something is that they sweat blood: We built our own house, but it took blood, sweat and tears.