polo's definitions

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.

by Polo June 10, 2007

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."

by Polo January 27, 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."

by Polo January 6, 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!"

by Polo January 11, 2008

pretty penny

a significant amount of money, or a high price on something

I bet he paid a pretty penny for that new porsche - even the gas for it costs a pretty penny

by polo July 10, 2004

neat freak

someone that's practically OCD when it comes to cleaning (their house or wherever they happen to be).

vaccuuming your house five times a day and making your guess put on slippers at the front door when they come in.

by polo July 26, 2004

conversation piece

any type of decoration or accessory that sparks interest or curiousity among first-time onlookers.

Often they will ask questions regarding its origin, how you acquired it...etc. , thus leading to a conversation.

"I don't know how you got that Model T Ford in your living room, but I gotta say it does make an intersting conversation piece!"

by polo September 6, 2004