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Original poster

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.

OP posts:
BadgernTheGarden · 14/11/2025 17:17

DeepfriedPizza · 14/11/2025 17:08

You can only piss with the cock you've got

Which reminds me off not having a pot to piss in.

wantam · 14/11/2025 17:16

Love many, trust few and always paddle your own canoe.

Great face for radio.

Can't make an omelette without breaking some eggs.

Didshejustsaythatoutloud · 14/11/2025 17:16

TenWeeCaramelJoeys · 14/11/2025 16:23

I know it’s an overused expression these days but virtue signalling. When it’s employed properly it really does sum up that performative moral smugness that makes you want to give someone a good slap (oh God, lighthearted before anybody starts🤣)

Oh, gawd, Owen Jones springs to mind when i hear that 😂

BadgernTheGarden · 14/11/2025 17:16

TheCountessofFitzdotterel · 14/11/2025 17:03

The chocolate teapot is one of my favourites.

Show quote history

Or a chocolate fireguard.

BadgernTheGarden · 14/11/2025 17:13

Be careful what you wish for.

which goes nicely with:

The grass is greener on the other side of the fence.

BadgernTheGarden · 14/11/2025 17:11

The pot calling the kettle black, from the time when people cooked on the fire hob.

DeepfriedPizza · 14/11/2025 17:08

You can only piss with the cock you've got

BadgernTheGarden · 14/11/2025 17:07

BlueEyedBogWitch · 14/11/2025 15:55

Every pan’s got a lid - when two ‘unusual’ people get together.

Main character syndrome.

My GMs equivalent was every twos a pair.

Myoldbear · 14/11/2025 17:06

The past is another country.

TheCountessofFitzdotterel · 14/11/2025 17:03

Justnotsureaboutit2021 · 14/11/2025 16:58

Full as a Doctor's wallet
Up down, up down, like a fiddler's elbow
As useful as a chocolate teapot

The chocolate teapot is one of my favourites.

Original poster
Arlanymor · 14/11/2025 17:01

Saralyn · 14/11/2025 16:52

I love «she doesn’t suffer fools gladly».

in my language we have en expression which means something like «stand in a position were you are easily stabbed».

You've reminded me about sayings in different languages. In Welsh we say: Gall pechod mawr ddyfod trwy ddrws bychan. Which means 'a great sin can come through a small door'. So true! A massive problem can be the result of a minor issue.

OP posts:
Tabitha005 · 14/11/2025 16:59

BlueEyedBogWitch · 14/11/2025 16:34

If she was chocolate she’d eat herself (used most when I see Hannah Waddingham).

Protect your peace.

I think the same re: Hannah Waddingham - SO pleased with herself, constantly.

One of my fave phrases is: chat shit, get banged. Aptly sums up what'll happen on social media when someone waffles on without an ounce of experience or knowledge on a topic they're making out they're an expert in.

Justnotsureaboutit2021 · 14/11/2025 16:58

Full as a Doctor's wallet
Up down, up down, like a fiddler's elbow
As useful as a chocolate teapot

Chiefangel · 14/11/2025 16:53

It is what it is

Saralyn · 14/11/2025 16:52

I love «she doesn’t suffer fools gladly».

in my language we have en expression which means something like «stand in a position were you are easily stabbed».

GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER · 14/11/2025 16:51

One I heard just the other day - ‘Built like a brick shithouse.’ And he was!

Original poster
Arlanymor · 14/11/2025 16:47

DancinOnTheCeiling · 14/11/2025 16:45

If it’s hysterical it’s historical.

Hurt people hurt people.

You can’t pour from an empty cup.

It’s always darkest before dawn.

You cannot be a lifeboat to someone who keeps jumping out.

Don’t praise a fish for swimming.

You cannot light yourself on fire to keep someone else warm.

Heard almost all of them on MN for the first time..

It’s always darkest before dawn.

This one is brilliant too - in fact my dad used it today when we were talking about a difficult situation.

OP posts:
Original poster
Arlanymor · 14/11/2025 16:46

I also love it when one of my friends says "I'm not blowing bubbles up his arse" - she's from Dublin.

OP posts:
DancinOnTheCeiling · 14/11/2025 16:45

If it’s hysterical it’s historical.

Hurt people hurt people.

You can’t pour from an empty cup.

It’s always darkest before dawn.

You cannot be a lifeboat to someone who keeps jumping out.

Don’t praise a fish for swimming.

You cannot light yourself on fire to keep someone else warm.

Heard almost all of them on MN for the first time..

thankfulforeverything · 14/11/2025 16:43

I like " if brains were chocolate he wouldn't have enough to fill a Smartie"

Newname71 · 14/11/2025 16:42

Play stupid games, win stupid prizes

Ddakji · 14/11/2025 16:42

Comparison is the thief of joy.

Perfect is the enemy of good.

Newname71 · 14/11/2025 16:41

BlueEyedBogWitch · 14/11/2025 16:34

If she was chocolate she’d eat herself (used most when I see Hannah Waddingham).

Protect your peace.

My late GF used to say this! I get that one but he also uses to say “hold me head me arse is coming” -( please read in a Yorkshire accent)
I still don’t get that one! 😂

Original poster
Arlanymor · 14/11/2025 16:36

GrillaMilla · 14/11/2025 16:29

You can't put an old head on young shoulders

Burning yourself out to keep others warm

Don't let worry worry you

Ooh I hadn't heard the burning one, that's really good. Along the lines of 'a friend to all is a friend to none' which is another belter I think.

OP posts:
Original poster
Arlanymor · 14/11/2025 16:35

RatsAss · 14/11/2025 15:58

Word salad.

So sick of people spouting utter nonsense, usually using a lot of pseudo science or therapy speak that doesn’t make any actual sense.

Totally agree - I like 'nonsense casserole' also! Maybe salad for summer months and casserole when it gets colder?!

OP posts: