benbisley's definitions

set up

verb

to place someone in an awkward or unpleasant situation by guile or deceit; to play emotional games with someone prior to letting them down.

*sighs* "I have been waiting here on this park bench for two hours, and she hasn't turned up. I guess I've been set up."

by benbisley March 8, 2010

slice on the mat

A slice on the mat is a Second War British term. It signifies the eager anticipation of a serviceman returning home on leave; as his woman opens the door they can't even wait to get to the bedroom, and have sex there and then, on the mat, just inside the door. It is still used.

I hadn't seen her for three months, and when I turned up she immediately gave me a slice on the mat. She did remember to close the door, though. . .

by benbisley July 22, 2010

kick the cat

To release your frustration and powerlessness by snapping at an innocent person or creature who just happens to be handy. Usually following a bad day at work.

1. The Chief Executive bawled out the manager, and the manager bawled me out. Boy, when I got home I wanted to kick the cat.

2. 'So, Sam, you've had a lousy day at work: I'm sorry, but don't take it out on me just because you can't take it out on your boss: don't kick the cat.

by benbisley March 4, 2008

adventuress

A woman who makes her advancement in life by using questionable and amoral means. She may use financial, emotional and sexual deceits.

Adeline of Headington was a Victorian adventuress who bankrupted several prominent men. She then watched their plight with some amusement.

Bridget (Linda Fiorentino) in 'The Last Seduction' is the ultimate modern adventuress. She will murder to achieve her ends.

by benbisley March 27, 2008

aristoprat

An objectionable or ineffective person who continually refers to their own aristocratic ancestry in order to gain social kudos. They do not see how boring this is. No-one knows (or cares) how truthful they are.

Oh, no, it's Jane the aristoprat: she's always going on about the fact that she's a direct descendent of William the Conqueror. Let's go.

by benbisley April 2, 2008

brown study

A state of mind, where deep but incoherent thought comes wordlessly. A lonely mental abstraction; not necessarily gloomy but often so. When you emerge from a brown study it is often difficult to remember what you have been thinking about.

Amanda looked out at the rain and the leaden sky. She was alone. At times like this she was prone to quote melancholy poetry and then fall into a brown study.

by benbisley April 13, 2008

tough puppy

A British slang term signifying hard luck or misfortune. Usually used humorously; also used to needle.

I say! My daughter Estella has run off with a blacksmith's boy!

Well, tough puppy, Miss Havisham.

by benbisley June 27, 2008