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Phrases that hit the nail on the head

287 replies

Arlanymor · 14/11/2025 15:52

Having looked at the thread about phrases/words/terms that people hate - what about the ones that just feel spot on?

I heard this earlier today in relation to the modern obsession with celebrities doing crazy things for clout to keep themselves 'relevant' and in the spotlight...

"The attention economy".

Yes! Spot on! Great term for those who monetise meaningless content for maximum exposure on social media - behaviour that pays dividends in the attention economy.

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MrTumblesSpottyBoxers · 20/11/2025 21:14

Sorry if these have been mentioned

"This too shall pass". When I'm having a difficult time,.I always say this to myself and it calms me down

"A drunk mind speaks a sober heart". Never a truer word said

CombatBarbie · 20/11/2025 20:50

One ive said a lot over the last couple of years!!!

Focus on what you can control and leave what you can't.

Mumofmarauders · 20/11/2025 20:46

I love “when all you’ve got is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.” So true.

also, as my granny said of a cousin of mine once, “he could start a fight in an empty room.” Such a great description of someone who just creates conflict out of nothing!

CoffeeCantata · 20/11/2025 13:43

"All the gear and no idea".

I love walking in the countryside. I have good walking boots, a waterproof coat if it's going to be wet (not otherwise...) and a small day-rucksack, which again, I only take if I'm going a good distance.

I can't explain it - it's completely illogical - but I get irritated by troupes of people kitted out for a gentle walk in head-to-toe Goretex, boots, puttees, special trousers, 5 star anoraks, special hats, big rucksacks, map holders strung round their necks, Alpine poles - you name it.

Yes, of course safety is important and I realise that Alpine poles make walking more of an aerobic exercise, but even so...when you see them in all their gear just out for a 4 mile toddle....

RunningNananananananananana · 20/11/2025 12:12

Kingsleadhat · 20/11/2025 10:09

I'm not sure this one works. If there are only two candles and yours is the only one left burning because you blew the other one out, then yours is shining brighter

Well obviously it will be brighter than the extinguished candle, but your flame will still have the same brightness as it had before 🤷🏻‍♀️

I.e. putting down someone else's achievements wont improve your own achievements.

Kingsleadhat · 20/11/2025 10:09

RunningNananananananananana · 15/11/2025 20:06

Blowing out someone else's candle won't make yours shine any brighter.

I'm not sure this one works. If there are only two candles and yours is the only one left burning because you blew the other one out, then yours is shining brighter

PrincessHoneysuckle · 20/11/2025 06:50

Fool me one shame on you.Fool me twice shame on me.

landlordhell · 20/11/2025 06:47

Crushed23 · 20/11/2025 04:48

“Your memory is not what it used to be.”

”Don’t talk shit twice.”

Is the first phrase not just a statement?

XWKD · 20/11/2025 05:16

Enough cheek for two arses.

Crushed23 · 20/11/2025 04:48

“Your memory is not what it used to be.”

”Don’t talk shit twice.”

ColdTimeOfYear · 19/11/2025 21:15

I love, its like plaiting fog. I think that was from Terry Pratchett.

Dramrole · 19/11/2025 21:13

They can because they think they can

Dramrole · 19/11/2025 20:50

There's wiser eating grass

Every pan has a lid

Growling at the badger

Therewerelions · 19/11/2025 18:09

Just because you can doesn't mean you should.
Do whatever you want but it's your responsibility.
A face like stingies.
As popular as a fart in a spacesuit.

Deadringer · 18/11/2025 21:27

He has a face only a mother could love.
Its often a person's mouth that breaks his nose.
Measure twice cut once.
Hunger is good sauce.
Better to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool, that open it and remove all doubt.
If brains were dynamite he wouldn't have enough to blow his nose/part his hair.

NeverDropYourMooncup · 18/11/2025 21:19

You could confuse an idiot, you know.

Don't just stand there like a stunned Mullet.

I could try explaining it to him, but I have neither the patience nor the crayons with which to do it.

Have you tried switching yourself off and back on again?

RunningNananananananananana · 18/11/2025 21:05

"If you had an elephant, they'd have a box to keep it in"

Similar to the Elevenarife saying.

BlessedAreThePureOfHeart · 18/11/2025 21:01

The squeaky wheel gets the oil

In the kingdom of the blind the one eyed man is king

Newname71 · 18/11/2025 20:02

Spypigeon · 18/11/2025 19:33

🤣 It was always 'up and down like a bride's nightie' in our house.

Up and down like a whores drawers in ours

Electricsausages · 18/11/2025 19:45

A fool and his money are soon parted

Spypigeon · 18/11/2025 19:33

WinterNightStars · 18/11/2025 19:24

I’m as dry as Ghandis flip flops or as dry as a Nuns crotch🙈
cold enough to freeze the balls of a brass monkey or just its brass monkey weather
built like a brick shithouse
up & down like a tarts knickers

🤣 It was always 'up and down like a bride's nightie' in our house.

WinterNightStars · 18/11/2025 19:24

I’m as dry as Ghandis flip flops or as dry as a Nuns crotch🙈
cold enough to freeze the balls of a brass monkey or just its brass monkey weather
built like a brick shithouse
up & down like a tarts knickers

Cabinqueen · 18/11/2025 19:09

DiscontentedPig · 18/11/2025 11:21

I haven't laughed this hard since granny got her tit stuck in the mangle.

🤣

Mumofmarauders · 18/11/2025 18:00

DiscontentedPig · 14/11/2025 17:52

"I wouldn't cross the road to piss on him if he was on fire."

Optionally followed up with "well maybe, but not quite enough to put the fire out".

😂😂😂 at this and at elevenerife!

im another fan of virtue signalling (the expression, not the practice!) and I also think the expression “luxury beliefs” is a very good one at efficiently conveying the idea, and the problem with it.

deeahgwitch · 18/11/2025 17:52

Blood is thicker than water
but Love is thicker than blood.

I love this.
It’s from a Country and Westwrn somg.

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