Weather Idioms
This never strikes twice.
What is lightning? Tell that to the Empire State Building, which gets struck around 25 times a year.
These large, spooky birds typically hoot.
What are owls? Some owls make other sounds, such as bloodcurdling shrieks, cackles, hoots, caws, and gurgles
This comedy duo gave us “Who’s on First?”
Who are Abbott and Costello? They began working together in New York’s Eltinge Theater, and they were one of radio’s most popular acts.
This vegetable’s name sounds like it would be a hen’s contribution to the meal.
What is eggplant? Small eggplants look like large, egg-shaped produce. Botanically, the eggplant is a fruit.
This is the number of petals on a shamrock.
What is three? It’s the national flower of Ireland, and you’ll see it everywhere on St. Patrick’s Day because everyone is Irish on March 17.
To go after a seemingly impossible dream is to chase one of these.
What is a rainbow? The chance of catching a literal rainbow on any given day approaches zero. Successful entrepreneurs, such as Fred Smith of FedEx fame, often chase metaphorical rainbows. His company is the result of a paper at Yale University, which earned him a C. He later gambled the last $5,000 in the company coffers to buy fuel for the company’s airplanes.
Mayors sometimes honor dignitaries with this symbolic gift.
What is the key to the city? During ancient times, the key to the city opened a gate in the wall surrounding the city. Today, it’s symbolic.
His Christmas specials and USO tours brought comic relief to the U.S. military in war zones
Who is Bob Hope? He also performed on radio’s The Pepsodent Show as well as on TV and film.
These French pastries are oblong and filled with a cream or custard filling.
What are éclairs? Sometimes they’re topped with chocolate fondant.
The element CO2 , known by this name, is blamed for causing climate change.
What is carbon dioxide? Plants don’t “breathe” the same way we do, but they do exchange the gases carbon dioxide and oxygen with the atmosphere.
When feeling sick, we might say we’re under this
What is the weather? This idiom’s origins may be traced to sailors who felt seasick. They were sent below deck, out of the way of—or under—the weather.
This extends beneath the ear
What is the earlobe? The earlobe helps maintain balance and provides warmth to the ear.
This jazz musician was also known as “Satchmo” and “Pops.”
Who is Louis Armstrong? His greatest hits include “What a Wonderful World” and “Hello, Dolly!”
This is the name for pottery made of clay.
What is earthenware? The clay is hardened by firing it in a kiln between 900–1,110°F. Stoneware and porcelain are fired at higher temperatures.
This is the main ingredient in household dust.
What are dead skin cells? Researchers have found that people shed around 200 million dead skin cells every hour.
When people go through an unsuccessful period, they go through this kind of spell.
What is dry? A dry spell might be caused by a drought of ideas.
He was Mary Todd’s famous husband.
Who is President Abraham Lincoln? Mary Todd Lincoln was a tragic figure. Her mother passed away when she was a young child. Her husband was assassinated, and she lost three of her four children.
The Adventures of [this detective] series was based on a real-life detective, and the character was first created for The Maltese Falcon.
Who is Sam Spade? The show was The Adventures of Sam Spade, and it aired from 1946–1951.
When a person flees his country to live in another country, he is said to live in this state.
What is exile? It’s a common occurrence among heads of state who are considered enemies by their political opponents and fear for their lives.
The Rubik’s Cube has this number of sides.
What is six? The world record for solving the Rubik’s Cube is 3.13 seconds.
When people are extremely angry, they can have a face like this.
What is thunder? The phrase “a face like thunder” is thought to date to the late 18th century.
This airline booked reservations for the first flight to the moon.
What is Pan Am? They booked 90,000 reservations, but the flight never happened. Today, SpaceX and others are pioneering space tourism travel.
This president’s fireside chats were a series of nighttime radio speeches.
Who is President Franklin D. Roosevelt? Roosevelt was the first president to use radio instead of newspaper for mass communication with the American people. FDR was a brilliant communicator who used the fireside chats to persuade his audience.
This title of British nobility is the equivalent of a French count.
What is earl? It’s the oldest British title of nobility
Before Alaska joined the Union, the United States had this number of states.
What is 48? Alaska gained statehood on January 3, 1959. Hawaii was the 50th state, admitted to the Union seven months later, on August 21, 1959.