Where does the saying all the bells and whistles come from?
The term bells and whistles may have come from the various bells and whistles used as signals on locomotives, especially describing model trains and whether or not they came with “all the bells and whistles.” However, some believe that the idiom is derived from ornate organs at circuses or fairs.
What does the phrase all the bells and whistles mean?
Definition of bells and whistles : items or features that are useful or decorative but not essential : frills.
What is another way to say bells and whistles?
What is another word for bells and whistles?
| frill | embellishment |
|---|---|
| frippery | flashiness |
| gewgaw | fandangle |
| gimcrack | foppery |
| fanciness | folderol |
Where did the term slick as a whistle come from?
The allusion in this simile, first recorded in 1830, is not totally clear, but presumably it refers either to the ease of producing a whistle or to its clear tone.
What does fish out of water mean?
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]
How do you use bells and whistles in a sentence?
His new car has all the bells and whistles, but it doesn’t move through traffic jams any faster. The bells and whistles do not impress me. I need a new phone, but I don’t want all those fancy bells and whistles on it!
What does the term hands free mean?
Definition of hands-free : designed to be used without being held in the hands a hands-free cell phone.
What does wrong end of the stick mean?
chiefly British, informal. : an incorrect understanding of something You’ve got (hold of) the wrong end of the stick.
Where did the expression cute as a button come from?
the button quail is a very small gray super, super fluffy squishy looking (or ‘cute’ if you will) bird. people used to say “cute as a button”, meaning “cute as a button quail” b/c the bird was considered so adorable.
What does the idiom go green mean?
“Going green” means to pursue knowledge and practices that can lead to more environmentally friendly and ecologically responsible decisions and lifestyles, which can help protect the environment and sustain its natural resources for current and future generations.