TIME-LAPSED PHRASEOLOGY

I recently came across an unfamiliar old expression, and being rather ancient myself, I was bummed that I’d never heard of it. You might say that the term “threw me for a loop” (I don’t like being term limited — haha). So….What to do about it?

But, before you put out the lights and go to sleep, I am going to reward the readers of my previous post with another test (you certainly wouldn’t be able to sleep anyway, not knowing what the above-noted “unfamiliar old expression” is). So I’ve compiled a list of unfamiliar (to me, with a few exceptions) old expressions, beginning with that opening one….followed by a random list of their meanings. You know the drill: if you can correctly match more than 100% of the phrases and meanings, I will appraise you a MASTER A-PHRASER.

1. Dining with Duke Humphrey
2. Bucket shop
3. Word from the bird
4. The goose hangs high
5. Lally-cooler
6. Feather in the cap
7. Curtain lecture
8. Shinplaster
9. Pig in a poke
10. A Joe Miller

a. A reproof given by a wife to her husband in bed
b. The office of a broker who is not a member of the official stock exchange
c. To go without one’s dinner
d. Paper money, first used as a nickname for Revolutionary War-era Continental currency regarded as worthless except as plasters for broken shins
e. Something bought without examination or knowing its worth
f. It’s the truth
g. A well deserved honor
h. A stale story or worn-out joke, named after English actor Joseph Miller (1692-1739)
i. A real success
j. Prospects are good

Answers: 1.c 2.b 3.f 4.j 5.i 6.g 7.a 8.d 9.e 10.h