count on the fingers of one hand

Meaning: To be very few in number, five or fewer.

Language: English

Literally: (Already vivid in English)

Example: “The times my father has missed a match can be counted on the fingers of one hand.”

Category: Body & Senses

Origin: A straightforward image: so few that one hand is enough to count them. No first use has been traced.

Equivalents in other languages

French: compter sur les doigts d’une main — literally: to count on the fingers of one hand
Polish: policzyć na palcach jednej ręki — literally: to count on the fingers of one hand

give someone an earful — To scold someone at length, or tell them angrily what one thinks.
one's eyes pop out of one's head — To be astonished, often at something striking or desirable.
turn one's stomach — To make someone feel sick, physically or with disgust.
have eyes in the back of one's head — To notice everything, even what happens behind one's back.
not believe one's ears — To be so surprised by what one hears that it seems impossible.
dead on one's feet — To be utterly exhausted.

chase skirts — To pursue women constantly and flirtatiously.
not know which way to turn — To be so overwhelmed or confused that one does not know what to do.
watch one's step — To be careful how one behaves, to avoid trouble.
have a lot on one's plate — To have many tasks or problems to deal with.
mend fences — To repair a damaged relationship after a disagreement.
play one's last card — To make a final attempt, using the last resource one has.

Es un/una pesado/a — A dreadful bore — their company feels like carrying extra weight.
Más terco/a que una mula — Hopelessly obstinate — no argument, fact, or force of nature will shift their position.
Pareces un pulpo en un garaje — You're completely out of place — flailing around uselessly in an environment that makes n…