Englishnot know if one is coming or going
Meaning: To be confused and disoriented.
Example: “With twins and a new job, he doesn't know if he's coming or going.”
Origin: First clearly recorded in 1924, though the underlying idea of confusion expressed through opposite directions appears in English writing as far back as the 1800s. The logic requires no elaborate backstory: "coming" and "going" describe the two most basic, opposite directions a person can move, and being unable to tell which one applies to you at a given moment is about as fundamental a form of disorientation as language can express — someone overwhelmed enough to lose track of even that has lost track of nearly everything.
More English idioms
- not know someone from Adam To be unable to recognize someone because the person is a stranger.
- know the ins and outs To be familiar with the details and hidden meanings of an activity or situation.
- know the ropes To be familiar with a task or situation.
- knuckle down To do one's work seriously; to apply oneself fully; to get busy.
- knuckle under To submit or give in to pressure.
- labor of love Something done out of affection or great interest.
Explore another collection: Proverbs
Short sayings of timeless wisdom from more than 50 cultures, each with its meaning and origin.
- C'est au pied du mur qu'on voit le maçon You only know what someone can do when they are put to the test.
- Les grands esprits se rencontrent Clever people tend to have the same ideas; usually said with a smile when two people thin…
- Qui se sent morveux, qu'il se mouche If a criticism applies to you, take it to heart.
Keep exploring