PlaceHolder's definitions

dog's breakfast

An unappealing mixture of many things... a hodgepodge... a disorganzined mess... but probably still usable (or consumable in the case of food.) From the idea that a dog will eat anything and feeding it a mixture of whatever is on hand. (Unappealing because only the dog finds its breakfast appealing... if you see or smell the dog food in the morning, as you're feeding the dog, it may well turn your stomach.)

Those contractors didn't do very good work and the made a real dog's breakfast of that job

by PlaceHolder June 16, 2004

to hell and back

Through the ringer... When you had to do something really hellish difficult and your survived to tell about it... but you're probably not in good shape after the effort (it took a lot out of you.)

Man I drank too much last night... I am so hung over that I feel like I've been to hell and back.

by PlaceHolder June 16, 2004

been to hell and back

See to hell and back.

The mega worldwide tour of 50 cities in 30 days left me so worn out that I felt like I had been to hell and back.

by PlaceHolder June 16, 2004

school of hard knocks

To learn something (usually a life lesson) the hard way. (Some say the best way to really learn is to learn from your mistakes.)

She was street wise... having learned many a lesson about life at the school of hard knocks.

by PlaceHolder June 16, 2004

sucks to be you

Something you say to someone when something happens to them (or they are in a situation) that you do not envy and would not want to have happen to you (or would not want to be in a similar situation.)

First Student: I wish I hadn't taken 7 courses this term... I have so much homework I won't be able to make it to the party this weekend.
Second Student: Sucks to be you! I only took 4 bird courses this term. I am home free for the weekend and I will be front and centre at the party.

by PlaceHolder June 16, 2004

front and centre

See front and center. (British and Canadian spelling of words ending in "er" or "or" are often spelled slightly differently than in the United States. For example: centre/center, colour/color.)

She was just the belle of the ball... she was front and centre and the managed to monopolize all of the invited guest's time... No one could get a word in edgewise.

by PlaceHolder June 16, 2004