IdiomDaily Life
English
Englishswing the lead
Meaning: To avoid work, especially by pretending to be ill.
Example: “He's not really sick; he's just swinging the lead.”
Origin: British slang from around the First World War, often explained by sailors who dawdled while taking depth soundings with a lead weight on a line, though that story is not confirmed.
Equivalents in other languages
French: Tirer au flanc Literally: To pull toward the flank / toward the backside
More English idioms
- get on someone's nerves To annoy someone.
- a fat lot of good that does me That is of no use to me at all.
- knock someone's socks off To impress or amaze someone greatly.
- what have you been smoking? Said to someone whose idea sounds crazy.
- throw one's weight around To use one's power or importance in an overbearing way.
- don't push your luck Don't risk ruining a good situation by asking for more.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- 눈치가 없다 (nunchi ga eopda) Hopelessly socially oblivious — can't pick up on emotional cues, awkward silences, or uns…
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- Je bent een kanjer You're a star — a champ and a wonderful person.
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