IdiomAnimals
English
Englishin two shakes of a lamb's tail
Meaning: Very quickly.
Example: “Wait here; I'll be back in two shakes of a lamb's tail.”
Origin: Lambs wag their tails very fast. The phrase is found in the 19th century; "in two shakes" alone is a little older.
Equivalents in other languages
French: En cinq sec Literally: In five dry- French: En deux coups de cuillère à pot Literally: In two strokes of the pot ladle
More English idioms
- have a few tricks up one's sleeve To have secret plans or resources in reserve.
- a Procrustean bed A rigid standard forced on everything, whatever the damage.
- a Sisyphean task An endless, futile task.
- so near and yet so far Close to something one wants but unable to reach it.
- jam tomorrow A promise of good things in the future that never arrive.
- have one foot in the grave To be close to death.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- 目に入れても痛くない (Me ni irete mo itakunai) Said of someone you adore completely, often a child or grandchild.
- Bête comme ses pieds Really not very bright.
- Avoir un poil dans la main To be incurably lazy.
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