Definitions by polo

creature of habit 

someone who develops (generally inadvertently) a set pattern of doing the same thing(s) during a certain time period of the day, week etc.

the opposite of someone who is spontaneous or has the ability to exhibit spontaneity.

"My father tended to be a creature of habit, especially during the weekend. For example, every Saturday morning, for as far back as I can remember, he would walk to the corner store, fetch the paper and read it at the breakfast table for approximately two hours. And every Sunday afternoon, without fail, he would take a drive out into the country, rain or shine."

creature of habit by Polo January 27, 2008

surely you jest! 

"you must be joking!" or "you can't be serious!"

John Bull: "The Labour Party winning a majority in the next election?? My good man...surely you jest!"

John Doe: "I jest you not! And don't call me Shirley!"

surely you jest! by Polo January 11, 2008

house of cards 

metaphor pertaining to something of a fragile or volatile nature.

-from an old past-time of standing up playing cards together in the form of a house, this "structure" can fall apart at any time from the slightest action (e.g. an air current).

"We must plan this campaign implementing maximum precision, else it will disintegrate into a house of cards."

house of cards by Polo January 6, 2008

writ large 

in a very significant or far-reaching manner; of great magnitude and effectiveness

"Never mind the Stratford Festival, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, or the Montreal Symphony!
Hockey Night in Canada was Canadian culture writ large."

- excerpt from the Pierre Berton book "1967"

writ large by Polo July 23, 2007

passing fancy 

a novelty that captures the attention of the general public for a relatively brief period, until either people lose interest in it, or the next "big thing" comes along.

also, an infatuation or a temporary but intense emotional attachment toward an individual.

Just as the hoola hoop of the late 1950s, so too did the Rubiks Cube prove to be a passing fancy after it was introduced in the early 1980s.

I suppose Sue's brief relationship with Tim was just a passing fancy for her, as she's since returned to her husband.

passing fancy by Polo June 10, 2007

up in arms

to be in an extremely angry or agitated state

"My father was up in arms when he found out my sister became pregnant before she got married."

up in arms by Polo June 5, 2007

throw caution to the wind 

to disregard any risk or potential disaster when undertaking any enterprise, venture, etc.

The founders of the American-based fast-food chain, McDonald's, decided to throw caution to the wind when they established their original franchises in the 1930s, during the Great Depression.

throw caution to the wind by Polo May 24, 2007