
IdiomDaily Life
English
a pen-pusher
Meaning: A clerk or bureaucrat doing dull paperwork.
Example: “Some pen-pusher lost our application.”
Origin: A dismissive term for office workers who do nothing but push a pen. It is found from the early 20th century; the American equivalent is "paper pusher."
Equivalents in other languages
French: Un rond-de-cuir Literally: A leather ring
More English idioms
- at a snail's pace Very slowly.
- no picnic Not easy or pleasant.
- the lean years A period of hardship and scarcity.
- worship the golden calf To value money and wealth above everything.
- a poisoned chalice Something that seems attractive but brings trouble to whoever accepts it.
- at the top of one's lungs As loudly as possible.
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