Phrases that hit the nail on the head

[Arlanymor]

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.

This made me laugh and I've never heard it before. 🤣🤣

Edited to say you've explained what it means in the same post 🤦. Must be end of a long day!

Kindness costs nothing.
Not my circus, not my monkeys.
Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.
Don’t set yourself on fire to keep other people warm.
You have to eat a bit of dirt before you die.

All cats are black at night.

What does this mean?! I'm autistic and having fun trying to figure some of these out.

As much use as an ashtray on a motorbike.

Not my circus, not my monkeys.

I use both regularly at work.

This is very good and so true!

Not true for all BTW!

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

Be OK with people not liking you. Most don't even like themselves.

You can't save somebody who isn't willing to participate in their own rescue.

If wishes and buts were clusters of nuts, we'd all have a bowl of granola. (Saw this once on MN)

Once a mistake, twice a decision.

You don't have to participate in every argument you're invited to.

It's better to be alone than to feel alone next to someone you love.

An apology means nothing if you have to ask for it.

Love the caveat... but very true of my ex-husband who was allergic to housework...

If wishes were horses, beggars would ride

You can't pour from an empty cup

Donald Trump is an absolute bastard!

i always liked "I'm not as green as i'm cabbage looking"

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

“alternative facts” has sprung to mind now too!

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

Not my circus, not my monkeys.

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

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

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

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

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

"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".

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.

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

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

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!

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