PhrasesHub

Scott (Sir Walter - phrases coined by)

    Definitions

      • discourage someone
        Advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit

      • deceive or mislead
        Describe a situation where someone is being dishonest or misleading

      • be overly optimistic
        Describe someone who is overly optimistic or idealistic about a situation

    Examples of Scott (Sir Walter - phrases coined by)

    • The new coach surprised everyone by turning the team around with his gutsy tactics.

      Scott coined the phrase "gutsy tactics" to describe bold and daring strategies that take courage and determination in difficult situations.

    • The politician was accused of playing fast and loose with the facts.

      Scott introduced the expression "playing fast and loose" to refer to recklessly disregarding the truth or the rules without any sense of responsibility.

    • The artist's latest work was a real tour de force.

      Scott coined the idiom "tour de force" to describe a work of art or a creative endeavor that showcases remarkable skill, technique, and artistic vision.

    • The athlete ran the race with all guns blazing.

      Scott invented the metaphor "all guns blazing" to depict someone who charges ahead with intense energy and focus, much like a ship's guns firing at full speed.

    • Kept my words in my pocket till the right time came to speak them.

      This is an example of using the Scott idiom "keeping one's counsel" which means to keep one's thoughts, opinions, or advice to oneself until the right time to share them comes along.

    • He has a heart of gold, but don't let that fool you - he's all barks and no bite.

      This is an example of using the Scott idiom "all bark and no bite" which means to be loudly threatening or aggressive, without any real intention or ability to follow through.

    • The storm came up out of the blue.

      This is an example of using the Scott idiom "out of the blue" which means suddenly and unexpectedly.

    • She's chasing after the wind.

      This is an example of using the Scott idiom "chasing after the wind" which means to pursue a fruitless or unattainable goal. It comes from the story of King Ahasuerus, who chased after his wife Esther's lover Mordecai, only to find that he couldn't catch him.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "Scott (Sir Walter - phrases coined by)" can be used to discourage someone from a particular activity, to describe a situation where someone is being dishonest or misleading, or to characterize someone who is overly optimistic.

    Origin of "Scott (Sir Walter - phrases coined by)"

    The idiom "Scott (Sir Walter - phrases coined by)" originates from Sir Walter Scott, a Scottish historical novelist, poet, and playwright who lived in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Known for his literary works and contributions to Scottish culture, Scott has been credited with coining a number of phrases and idioms that are still used today. His influence on the English language is significant, and his name is often invoked to reference various idiomatic expressions.

    Examples of phrases coined by Sir Walter Scott include "blood is thicker than water," "lay of the land," and "a leopard cannot change its spots." These phrases have become widely recognized and are often used in everyday conversation. The idiom "Scott (Sir Walter - phrases coined by)" acknowledges Scott's impact on the English language and serves as a tribute to his literary legacy.