
IdiomDaily Life
English
play hooky
Meaning: To skip school or work without permission.
Example: “We played hooky and spent the day at the beach.”
Origin: American English from the mid-19th century. "Hooky" may come from "hook it" (to run away), or from a Dutch word for hide-and-seek, but the origin is uncertain.
Equivalents in other languages
French: Faire l'école buissonnière Literally: To do the bush school
More English idioms
- fall into someone's lap To come to someone without any effort.
- throw money down the drain To waste money.
- fire in the belly Strong ambition and drive.
- all fired up Very excited or enthusiastic.
- the oldest trick in the book A very familiar trick that should not fool anyone.
- a slippery slope A small step that leads to worse and worse consequences.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
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- Peau de vache A mean, difficult, and unpleasant person — tough and unyielding like tanned hide.
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- ¡Qué cara más dura! You've got incredible nerve and cheek — the audacity is almost impressive.
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