Augean stables
Meaning: An extremely filthy, corrupt, or morally decayed place or situation that seems impossible to clean up.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Category: Daily Life
Origin: From classical mythology: King Augeas owned filthy stables housing thousands of cattle, uncleaned for thirty years; Heracles was tasked with cleaning them as a labor.
More idioms — Daily Life
- play with house money — To take risks when one has nothing personal to lose, or to act recklessly because the sta…
- ace up one's sleeve — A hidden advantage or secret resource kept in reserve to use when needed.
- old fogey — An elderly person with old-fashioned or reactionary views.
- were you born in a tent — An admonishment to someone who has carelessly left a door open.
- anything goes — There are no rules, restrictions, or moral limits.
- bash into shape — To shape, repair, or train something or someone by vigorous, rough, or direct methods.
More English idioms
- on eternal patrol — Lost or missing at sea, presumed dead.
- all mouth and trousers — Full of loud boasting and empty talk, lacking substance or follow-through.
- turn on one's heel — To suddenly depart or walk away, often in a dramatic or dismissive manner.
- sugarcoat the pill — To make something unpleasant more palatable or easier to accept.
- what's eating you — What is bothering or irritating you?
- old flame — A former romantic partner, especially one whose memory still stirs affection.
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