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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:
RatsAss · 14/11/2025 19:59

My granny used to say “she couldn’t find her arse with both hands” to describe an idiot.

wantam · 14/11/2025 19:53

My late Dad bless him, had a saying -

There's no fun in a graveyard, so give me my flowers now.

Meaning, have fun and show love and affection while we're here, not by putting flowers on the grave when we're gone.

HisNibs · 14/11/2025 19:40

Shrouds have no pockets.
One I use when people who can easily afford something but avoid doing so.

YetiRosetti · 14/11/2025 19:33

Philothea · 14/11/2025 17:25

A stopped clock is right twice a day.

Yeah this one - listen to what someone is saying, and not who is saying it.

Shit or get off the pot.

i can’t stand ditherers, especially when it’s commitment phobic men!

Mintearo7 · 14/11/2025 19:28

One sandwich short of a picnic.

Chickplz · 14/11/2025 19:16

May as well be hung for a sheep as for a lamb.
(As in, no point in stopping now.)

ColinOfficeTrolley · 14/11/2025 18:48

When you've eaten too much 'i'm as full as an egg', or the very northern, 'i'm as stuffed as a fat lass's shoe'

Original poster
Arlanymor · 14/11/2025 18:48

I also think that we need to reinvigorate pang-wangle, particularly in these precarious days!

OP posts:
wantam · 14/11/2025 18:45

Arlanymor · 14/11/2025 18:43

I am trying to remember where I first heard it and it stuck - maybe Blackadder or something similar?!

Show quote history

I've no idea, but I'm nicking it from you!

Original poster
Arlanymor · 14/11/2025 18:43

wantam · 14/11/2025 18:21

Ah, micturation, what a great word to use instead of urination. That might fox the Dr's receptionist if you don't want to say "I bloody well can't piss or urinate.... instead - I need to see the GP immediately as I am unable to Micturate!"

Show quote history

I am trying to remember where I first heard it and it stuck - maybe Blackadder or something similar?!

OP posts:
RaininSummer · 14/11/2025 18:41

More jam than Hartley's.
Up and down like a tarts knickers.
As green as they're cabbage looking.

wantam · 14/11/2025 18:21

Arlanymor · 14/11/2025 18:07

The version I know is 'on my back' - which I think is good as you can't turn to see if it is rain or, er, micturation!

Show quote history

Ah, micturation, what a great word to use instead of urination. That might fox the Dr's receptionist if you don't want to say "I bloody well can't piss or urinate.... instead - I need to see the GP immediately as I am unable to Micturate!"

Chickensky · 14/11/2025 18:17

"couldn't organise a piss up in a brewery"

Original poster
Arlanymor · 14/11/2025 18:07

Newname71 · 14/11/2025 18:02

One from celebrity traitors… Don’t piss in my ear and tell me it’s raining! 😂

Edited

The version I know is 'on my back' - which I think is good as you can't turn to see if it is rain or, er, micturation!

OP posts:
Newname71 · 14/11/2025 18:02

One from celebrity traitors… Don’t piss in my ear and tell me it’s raining! 😂

TheCountessofFitzdotterel · 14/11/2025 17:57

thenewaveragebear1983 · 14/11/2025 17:49

If you’ve been to Tenerife, she’s been to elevenerife

I love that one. It will always remind me of the wonderful BitOfFun from Mumsnet who I first heard it from.

Politicians247UnderwearExtinguishingService · 14/11/2025 17:54

A ship is safest when in the harbour - but that isn't what ships are built for.

The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago; the second-best time is today.

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".

thenewaveragebear1983 · 14/11/2025 17:52

another one I like, “what people think of you is none of your business”

I used to like the circus/ monkeys one but then it got swept into social media and now I see it too often with lots of talk of demented squirrels and feral raccoons to try and make it more “edgy” which spoiled it

Politicians247UnderwearExtinguishingService · 14/11/2025 17:51

As much use as a one-legged man at an arse-kicking contest!

I also love 'meatspace' referring to the non-online real world.

dynamiccactus · 14/11/2025 17:51

wantam · 14/11/2025 17:33

Not true for all BTW!

At first you sink into his arms
Then end up with your arms in his sink.

My aunt told me that one when I was a lot younger ;)

thenewaveragebear1983 · 14/11/2025 17:49

If you’ve been to Tenerife, she’s been to elevenerife

Philandbill · 14/11/2025 17:49

Not my circus, not my monkeys.

dynamiccactus · 14/11/2025 17:47

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🤣)

Yes I think it's a good expression too although I know a lot of MNers don't like it.

I also like As useful as a chocolate teapot

Gowlett · 14/11/2025 17:46

I thought “recollections may vary” was brilliant.
One nil to the Queen (or whoever wrote it)

“alternative facts” has sprung to mind now too!