Groundhog Day – An event that seems to recur over and over again, or which seems depressingly familiar and predictable.
nuke the fridge – The point at which something demonstrates itself to be of inferior quality to previous installments.
phone a friend – An indication that someone requires help or advice addressing the issue in question.
the usual suspects – The set of people or things that are usually associated with an event.
does exactly what it says on the tin – Something that performs in precisely the way it claims to.
phoned in – To do something in a half-hearted or uncommitted way.
The computer said “no”. – A situation where decisions are made based on computer-stored information rather than common sense, or where inflexibility prevents a seemingly straightforward resolution.
jumped the shark – To go beyond the realms of credibility; the point at which something stretches plausibility to breaking point.
the $64,000 question – A particularly important or important question or issue.
all-singing, all-dancing – Something that features an array of impressive features.
bucket list – A list of things to do before dying.
Walter Mitty – A daydreamer; someone who indulges in imagined flights of fancy regarding personal triumph.
collateral knowledge – Information learned as a by-product of researching or reading up on something else.
difficult, difficult, lemon difficult – An indication that a problem is not straightforward (the opposite of easy peasy, lemon squeezy).
need a bigger boat – An indication that a situation has been underestimated, or that the task in hand is going to require a different approach.
first world problems – Problems or annoyances that are sarcastically acknowledged to be comparatively minor compared to issues elsewhere in the world.
squeaky-bum time – A time of extreme nervousness or high tension.
turned up to eleven – Something increased beyond its normal limits.
hairdryer treatment – To shout fiercely and directly at someone whilst telling them off.
going postal – To become extremely, uncontrollably angry, often reacting in a violent way.
sliding door moment – A pivotal moment where a different decision could lead to an entirely different course of events.
Godwin’s Law – The maxim that the longer an argument goes on, the more likely it is that one of the people involved will compare the opposing side to the Nazis.
wardrobe malfunction – An unfortunate failure of clothing causing the wearer to be unintentionally exposed.
turning it off and on again – A piece of advice offered in any situation where a device is not functioning as expected.
“OK, boomer.” – A phrase used to dismiss or mock someone of the baby-boomer generation for expressing ideas that seem out-of-touch or condescending.
take the red pill – To choose to become more aware about a situation, learning the potentially unpleasant truth rather than remaining blissfully ignorant.
corridor of uncertainty – A situation where the right course of action is unclear.
park the bus – To set oneself up to defend a position at all costs.
Sophie’s choice – An impossible or extremely difficult decision with negative outcomes whatever choice is made.
mic-drop – An expression of triumph at the end of a speech or performance; an impressive action that has a show-stopping effect.
jumping the couch – To display frenetic or erratic behaviour.
no shit, Sherlock – A sarcastic exclamation to indicate that someone has stated something obvious.
It’s not rocket science – Used to suggest that something is relatively straightforward and uncomplicated.
mental safari – A period of brief insanity; a series of rash or stupid actions.
… is my middle name – An indication that X is a particular forte or interest of the person speaking.
all is quiet on the Western Front – An indication that nothing is happening, often with the implication of stagnation or boredom.
break the internet – to cause massive interest or reaction online.
Trigger’s Broom – Something that is claimed to be the same despite extensive modifications.
Stories of teaching and travelling. Mark Twain -Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness. Henry Miller – One's destination is never a place, but always a new way of seeing things.
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