-
The more the merrier
Phrase: The more, the merrier Today we have an expression that is especially common around the Holidays, but its use is not limited to December. I suppose it’s more commonly used around this time of year because the word merry is so closely associated with Christmas. We say Merry Christmas to everyone we meet as…
-
Snow job
Word of the Day: Snow job A snow job has nothing to do with what happened on the Kanetsu Expressway in Niigata recently. Heavy snow on a highway causing 1000 cars to be stranded for two days, is an act of God. A snow job is an intense effort to deceive someone or hide something…
-
Wild goose chase
Idiom: Wild goose chase Off the bat, you may be wondering what going on a wild goose chase has to do with Christmas. Well, there’s no direct connection, really, except the fact that traditionally, the British ate goose, peacock, or a pig’s head at Christmas – not turkey. Turkey is native to North America, so…
-
Christmas comes but once a year
Proverb: Christmas comes but once a year Oh, we are getting so close to Christmas. Can you believe it’s only eight days until the big guy arrives? Christmas comes but once a year, so it’s a great excuse to eat, drink and be merry. This time of year does things to people. If they are…
-
Snug as a bug in a rug
Phrase: As snug as a bug in a rug The weather lady forecasts cold weather for this week. She said it might even snow at higher elevations in the Kansai area. If we do have a cold snap, I have no worries because I’ll be as snug as a bug in a rug beneath my…
-
Winter rat
Word of the Day: Winter rat The time to put away your lovely Corvette convertible and switch to driving your winter rat has come and gone. Christmas is fast approaching, and New Year’s is not far behind. Then we will enter the depth of winter, and everyone knows Corvettes and convertibles, even more so, are…
-
Run hot and cold
Phrase: Run hot and cold Have you ever thought about how the economy and emotions are similar? Give me a second, and hear me out. Just like the emotions of some people, the economy tends to run hot and cold. When times are good, they are good, and when times are bad, boy, are they…
-
Pure as the driven snow
Phrase: Pure as the driven snow Living in the southern Kansai area, I can very happily say that I rarely see snow. Originally I came from the Great White North, otherwise known as Canada to you Southerners. I have had many opportunities to see, shovel and curse snow. That is the main reason why I…
-
Pour cold water on
Idiom: Pour cold water on (something) There are people in your life who are incredibly supportive of everything you do. They believe in your ability and determination. Then there are the others. You know who they are. They are the ones who pour cold water on every novel or original idea you have. It’s their…
-
When hell freezes over
Idiom: When hell freezes over This one is for those of you who have a little bit of a stubborn streak in you. It’s not in keeping with the Christmas spirit, but if someone crosses you, you always take it personally and only forgive them when hell freezes over. In other words, it’ll never, ever,…
Got any book recommendations?