UP OR DOWN PHRASES
To end a relationship...or to suddenly start laughing.
What is break up?
“Break up” has several meanings in English, including ending a romantic relationship and interrupting or dissolving something into separate parts.
This name belongs both to a state in northern Mexico and to a small breed of dog.
What is Chihuahua?
The Chihuahua dog is named after the Mexican state where the breed originated or was first recognized. It is one of the smallest recognized dog breeds.
Potatoes are the traditional “crust” for this type of savoury pie.
What is shepherd’s pie?
Traditional shepherd’s pie is made with lamb, while the version made with ground beef is properly called cottage pie.
This is the typical response to “See you later, alligator.”
What is “After a while, crocodile”?
The playful rhyme became popular in North America in the 1950s, being famously associated with Bill Haley and His Comets’ 1956 hit song.
This Canadian city is home to the CN Tower, one of the world's tallest freestanding structures.
What is Toronto?
The CN Tower opened in 1976 and remained the world's tallest freestanding structure until 2007.
To euthanize a sick animal...or, to criticize someone harshly.
What is put down?
This is both a country in western Asia and a traditional holiday main course.
What is Turkey?
Turkey the bird became associated with holiday meals in North America partly because it was plentiful and large enough to feed a crowd.
This popular toy gained a “wife” in 1953, followed soon after by two children named Spud and Yam.
What is Mr. Potato Head?
It was first marketed in 1952 as a set of plastic parts that children pushed into a real potato. In 1964, a plastic potato body was introduced, partly because of safety concerns and complaints about rotting potatoes.
To look guilty but smug is to look like the cat that did this.
What is “ate the canary”?
The expression describes someone who looks especially pleased with themselves, often because they’ve gotten away with something.
This planet is the fourth planet from the Sun.
What is Mars?
Mars appears reddish because iron minerals in its soil and rocks have oxidized, essentially forming rust.
To apply cosmetics...or to reconcile after an argument.
What is make up?
The two meanings have different histories but came together in modern English usage.
This is both a city in Germany and a type of light, fragrant perfume.
What is Cologne?
Eau de Cologne originated in the German city of Cologne in the early 18th century. The term is now used more generally for a light fragrance.
The potato originated in these South American mountains.
What are the Andes?
Potatoes were domesticated thousands of years ago in the Andes, particularly around the border of present-day Peru and Bolivia.
If you reveal a secret, you’re said to “let the ___ out of the bag.”
What is a cat?
The expression dates back at least to the 18th century. One theory is that dishonest sellers once substituted a cat for a piglet in a bag, with the secret being revealed when the cat escaped.
This famous fictional detective lived at 221B Baker Street in London.
Who is Sherlock Holmes?
Sherlock Holmes was created by Scottish author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and first appeared in print in 1887.
To drive in reverse...or to make a copy of the files on your computer.
What is back up?
In computing, backing up files creates a separate copy that can be restored if the originals are lost or damaged.
This is both Canada’s easternmost province and the name of two large dog breeds.
What is Newfoundland and Labrador?
The Newfoundland dog is famous for its strength, swimming ability and gentle temperament. The breed was developed on the island of Newfoundland and was historically used by fishermen for water rescue and hauling.
The dough for these small Italian dumplings is often made with potatoes.
What are gnocchi?
Classic potato gnocchi are typically made with cooked potatoes, flour and sometimes egg.
Someone who is extremely nervous may have “___ in their stomach.”
What are butterflies?
The expression refers to the fluttering sensation caused by the body's physical response to stress or excitement.
This composer wrote the famous Ninth Symphony, despite becoming almost completely deaf.
Who is Ludwig van Beethoven?
Beethoven's Ninth Symphony premiered in 1824. By then, he had extreme hearing loss and reportedly had to be turned around to see the audience applauding
To wear informal or old, tattered clothing...or to reprimand someone.
What is dress down?
This is both a city in Peru and a type of bean.
What is Lima?
Lima beans get their English name from Lima, Peru. Evidence indicates that the beans were cultivated in the Americas long before Europeans arrived.
This popular snack was reportedly created when a chef sliced potatoes extremely thin, fried them until crisp, and added salt after a customer complained about his fries being too thick.
What are potato chips?
The famous story credits chef George Crum with creating the potato chip in New York, in 1853, although food historians have questioned whether this story is entirely accurate.
Someone who is extremely happy may be described as being “as happy as a ___.”
What is a clam?
The phrase “happy as a clam” is actually shortened from the older expression “happy as a clam at high water,” when clams were less vulnerable to being dug up.
This element has the chemical symbol Ag and takes its name from the Latin word argentum.
What is silver?
Silver is the most electrically conductive metal, which is why it has important uses in electronics as well as jewellery and tableware.