IdiomThe Absurd
English
Englishcome down on someone like a ton of bricks
Meaning: To criticize or punish someone very severely.
Example: “If you're late again, the manager will come down on you like a ton of bricks.”
Origin: A crushing weight falling on someone. An American version, "like a thousand of brick," is recorded in the 1830s; "ton of bricks" became the usual form later.
Equivalents in other languages
French: Tirer à boulets rouges Literally: To fire with red cannonballs- French: Comme la vérole sur le bas clergé Literally: Like the pox on the lower clergy
More English idioms
- shoot down in flames To reject or destroy an idea or argument completely.
- set tongues wagging To cause people to gossip.
- rough around the edges Lacking polish or refinement, though basically good.
- smoke the peace pipe To make peace after a quarrel.
- seize the day Make the most of the present moment.
- bow and scrape To behave in an overly humble or flattering way toward someone powerful.
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Words that look familiar in another language but mean something else entirely.
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