Meaning: To say things intended to harass by the forcible exertion of one's authority.
Example: I'm tired of busting my chops for my boss all day and not getting no appreciation.
Origin: At the turn of the century, wearing very long sideburns-- called mutton chops or lamb chops -- was en vogue. "Chops" in this case probably harks back to its original 16th century slang meaning of "mouth" or "lips," a "bust in the chops" being the equivalent of a punch in the mouth. Lamb chop side burns also made a comeback in the late 1960s. A bust in the chops was to get hit in the face. Since Mutton Chops are no longer considered high fashion, the term has come to be figurative rather than literal.
Meaning: A compliment that also insults or puts down at the same time.
Example: They gave me a backhanded compliment when they said I was smart for a girl.
Origin: Back-handed is synonymous with left-handed. For example in tennis, a backhand stroke is a strike by a right-handed player from the left side of the body. The left side of the body has always been deemed sinister. The Latin word for left is sinestra. Hence, back-handed means round-about, indirect, or devious.
Example: Handle that straight razor carefully. If you cut yourself, you will bleed like a stuck pig.
Origin: The throat of a pig set for slaughter is cut or opened with a sharp spike or knife. Because the cut severs the jugular vein, the pig bleeds rapidly. See the related phrase "kick the bucket".
Meaning: To enjoy oneself by relaxing normal formalities.
Example: He is a true workaholic who has misguided priorities, when he wants to blow off some steam he comes to work on Saturday wearing blue jeans.
Origin: Boilers are commonly used in steam heating systems and steam engines such as those used in a steam locomotive. The boilers contain water that is heated by burning some fuel such as oil. The heated water turns to steam, which is then sent through a system of radiators (in the case of heating systems) or harnessed by a steam engine.
The steam creates considerable pressure in the boiler. If the pressure becomes too great, there is a danger of the boiler exploding. Hence boilers are equipped with safety valves called blow off valves that open if the pressure becomes to great.
"Blowing off steam" prevents explosions by relieving the pressure in a boiler by venting excess steam and pressure.
Meaning: To be boasting without being able to back it up, talking about action without intent to follow through.
Example: Do you really want to buy this car or are you just blowing smoke?
Origin: Magicians often use smoke in their performance to obscure your view and conceal a bit of trickery. A person who is "blowing smoke" is tricking you and attempting to cover it up.
