IdiomBody & Senses
English
Englishtwiddle one's thumbs
Meaning: To do nothing while waiting or out of boredom.
Example: “The flight was delayed, so we sat in the lounge twiddling our thumbs.”
Origin: "Twiddle" means to twirl idly, the image being hands clasped with thumbs circling each other. The phrase is found from the mid-19th century.
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
Filipino: Nagbibilang ng poste Literally: Counting the posts
French: Bayer aux corneilles Literally: To gape at the crows
More English idioms
- a nest of vipers A group of people who scheme against or betray each other.
- I could eat a horse I am extremely hungry.
- give someone a leg up To help someone make progress or get started.
- earn one's spurs To prove one's ability and gain recognition.
- born with a silver spoon in one's mouth Born into a wealthy, privileged family.
- meet someone halfway To make a compromise with someone.
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