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Idioms – some interesting

meanings and histories

be a toss-up (Unit 47) have a field day (Unit 30)

A toss-up (or toss) is the throwing of a coin to decide In the past, a field day was a day on which military
something–you say beforehand whether you choose troops were gathered together for different exercises–
heads or tails (the front or reverse of the coin). The way it was a chance to demonstrate their skill. From this
the coin falls is a matter of chance, and so, in the idiom, developed the sense of a day full of exciting events or
either of two outcomes is equally uncertain or opportunities. Today, if somebody has a field day, they
equally possible. do a lot of something they enjoy, though the idiom is
often used in contexts in which this may cause problems
bury your head in the sand (Unit 46) for other people.
If you refuse to believe that a real problem exists, you
are said to be burying your head in the sand. The idiom
refers to the old belief that ostriches bury their heads in
sand when being chased by predators,
thinking that if they cannot see
something then they themselves
cannot be seen. Although there
is no truth in this belief, the
idiom is still in common use.

on the grapevine (Unit 17)

This phrase originated in the American Civil War,
when messages were sent across a distance by a system
known as the ‘grapevine telegraph’. It is now in general
use to indicate the route by which a rumour or piece
of information (often something secret or private) is
passed: if you hear something on the grapevine, you
have been told it informally.

Activity
Complete the sentences with the idioms above. You might
have to change some of the words to make them fit. with their schoolwork.
Christmas. I just hope it doesn’t interfere
1. You’ve got to stop , with that new computer you got them for
Tim! Your problems won’t go away until you do something 4. Looks like the kids are having a field day
about them. players are on top form.
2. I heard that Ashley is performed well this season, and all the
getting married! ~ Really? I didn’t even know she had a boy- two teams wins the Cup. They’ve both
friend! 3. It’s really a toss-up as to which of the
know she had a boyfriend!
3. It’s really as to which getting married! ~ Really? I didn’t even
of the two teams wins the Cup. They’ve both performed well 2. I heard on the grapevine that Ashley is
this season, and all the players are on top form. until you do something about them.
4. Looks like the kids are sand, Tim! Your problems won’t go away
with that new computer you got them for Christmas. I just 1. You’ve got to stop burying your head in the
hope it doesn’t interfere with their schoolwork. Answers