IdiomDaily Life
Filipino
FilipinoNagbibilang ng poste
Meaning: Jobless and idle, with nothing to do.
Literally: Counting the posts
Example: “Mula nang matanggal sa trabaho, nagbibilang na lang siya ng poste.” — Since he lost his job, he just twiddles his thumbs.
English equivalent: To twiddle one's thumbs
Origin: "Counting the posts": someone with no job walks the streets with nothing to do but count the lamp posts. The phrase is common Filipino slang for being unemployed. No first use is documented.
Equivalents in other languages
Japanese: 油を売る (Abura ouru) Literally: To sell oil
Romanian: A freca menta Literally: To rub the mint
Italian: Stare con le mani in mano Literally: To stand with your hands in your hand
Russian: Бить баклуши (Bit' baklushi) Literally: To beat the baklushi
French: Bayer aux corneilles Literally: To gape at the crows
English: twiddle one's thumbs
More Filipino idioms
- Itaga mo sa bato You can count on it absolutely.
- Namumuti ang mata To wait in vain for a very long time.
- Hulog ng langit A godsend; a great blessing.
- Balat-sibuyas Overly sensitive and easily hurt.
- Makati ang paa Restless and always wanting to go out.
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