The American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms

by Christine Ammer

  go in one ear and out the other → See under IN ONE EAR.

  go into 1. Enter somewhere or something; also fit inside something. For example, Don’t go into this building, or The tractor is too big to go into the shed. [c. A.D. 1000] 2. Enter a particular state or condition, as in She’s about to go into hysterics, or I’m afraid he went into a coma. [Second half of 1600s] 3. Enter a profession or line of work, as in She decided to go into politics. [Early 1800s] For synonyms, see GO IN FOR, def. 2; TAKE UP. 4. Investigate or discuss, especially in detail. For example, We haven’t time to go into the entire history of the project. [Early 1800s] Also see ENTER INTO, def. 4. Also see the subsequent entries beginning with GO INTO.

  go into a huddle Gather together privately to talk about or plan something, as in The attorneys went into a huddle with their client before asking the next question. Although huddle has been used since the 16th century in the sense of “a crowded mass of things,” the current usage comes from football, where the team goes into a huddle to decide on the next play. [Mid-1900s]

  go into a tailspin Lose emotional control, collapse, panic. For example, If she fails the bar exam again, she’s sure to go into a tailspin. This expression alludes to the downward movement of an airplane out of control, in which the tail describes a spiral. [Early 1900s]

  go into effect → See IN EFFECT, def. 2.

  go it alone Undertake a project, trip, or responsibility without the aid or presence of others. For example, If you decide not to help, I’ll just go it alone. [Mid-1800s]

  gold, golden → In addition to the idioms beginning with GOLD or GOLDEN, also see ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD; GOOD AS GOLD; HEART OF GOLD; SILENCE IS GOLDEN; WORTH ONE’S WEIGHT IN GOLD.

  golden age A period of prosperity or excellent achievement, as in Some consider the baroque period the golden age of choral music. The expression dates from the mid-1500s, when it was first applied to a period of classical Latin poetry.

  golden boy → See under FAIR-HAIRED BOY.

  golden handcuffs Financial benefits that an employee will lose upon resigning, as in The company’s presented all the middle managers with golden handcuffs, so they can’t afford to leave. This slangy business expression dates from the 1970s.

  golden handshake Generous severance pay to an employee, often as an incentive for early retirement. For example, With a dwindling school population, the town decided to offer golden handshakes to some of the teachers. This slangy business term dates from the mid-1900s. A close relative is golden parachute, a generous severance agreement for an executive in the event of sudden dismissal owing to a merger or similar circumstance. This expression first appeared about 1980.

  golden oldie A song, film or other kind of entertainment that was once very popular. Originally used for phonograph records, the term has been broadened to other forms of reproduction. For example, John, a devoted runner, always listens to Frank Sinatra and other golden oldies on his I-Pad. [Slang, 1960s] A similar locution is war horse, a frequently performed piece of music, used figuratively since the mid-1900s. For example, The opera company relies on war horses to keep its older subscribers. See also OLD CHESTNUT.

  golden rule → See under DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOU.

  goldfish bowl A situation affording no privacy, as in Being in a goldfish bowl comes with the senator’s job—there’s no avoiding it. The glass bowl allowing one to view goldfish from every direction was transferred first, in the 1920s, to a police interrogation room equipped with a one-way mirror. By the mid-1900s the expression was being used more broadly.

  gold mine A rich, plentiful source of wealth or some other desirable thing, as in That business proved to be a gold mine, or She’s a gold mine of information about the industry. [First half of 1800s]

  go light on → See GO EASY, def. 2.

  go native Adopt another people’s way of life, especially that of a culture from a less developed country. For example, Ben’s decided to go native, sleeping in a hammock and eating all kinds of strange foods. This expression is closely associated with the often contemptuous view British colonists had of indigenous peoples. [c. 1900]

  gone → In addition to the idioms beginning with GONE, also see A GONER; ALL GONE; DEAD AND BURIED (GONE); FAR GONE; GOING, GOING, GONE; HERE TODAY, GONE TOMORROW; TO HELL AND GONE. Also see under GO.

  gone coon, a Also, a gone goose. A person in a hopeless situation, one who is doomed; a DEAD DUCK. For example, When he passed me, I knew I was a gone goose. These terms have survived such synonyms as gone chick, gone beaver, gone horse, and gone gander. Stephen Crane used the first in The Red Badge of Courage (1894): “I’m a gone coon this first time.” [Slang; early 1800s]

  gone goose → See GONE COON.

  gone with the wind Disappeared, gone forever, as in With these unforeseen expenses, our profits are gone with the wind. This phrase became famous as the title of Margaret Mitchell’s 1936 novel, which alludes to the Civil War’s causing the disappearance of a Southern way of life. It mainly serves as an intensifier of gone.

  good → In addition to the idioms beginning with GOOD, also see BAD (GOOD) SORT; BUT GOOD; DO ANY GOOD; DO GOOD; DO ONE GOOD; FOR GOOD; FOR GOOD MEASURE; GET ON SOMEONE’S GOOD SIDE; GET OUT WHILE THE GETTING IS GOOD; GIVE A GOOD ACCOUNT OF ONESELF; GIVE AS GOOD AS ONE GETS; HAVE A GOOD COMMAND OF; HAVE A GOOD MIND TO; HAVE A GOOD THING GOING; HAVE A GOOD TIME; HOLD GOOD; ILL WIND THAT BLOWS NO ONE ANY GOOD; IN BAD (GOOD) FAITH; IN (GOOD) CONDITION; IN (ALL GOOD) CONSCIENCE; IN DUE COURSE (ALL IN GOOD TIME); IN GOOD HANDS; IN GOOD PART; IN GOOD SPIRITS; IN GOOD TIME; IN GOOD WITH; IN SOMEONE’S GOOD GRACES; KEEP (GOOD) TIME; MAKE GOOD; MAKE GOOD TIME; MAKE SOMEONE LOOK GOOD; MISS IS AS GOOD AS A MILE; NEVER HAD IT SO GOOD; NO GOOD; NO NEWS IS GOOD NEWS; NOT THE ONLY FISH (LOTS OF GOOD FISH) IN THE SEA; ONE GOOD TURN DESERVES ANOTHER; ON GOOD TERMS; ON ONE’S BEST (GOOD) BEHAVIOR; PUT IN A GOOD WORD; PUT TO GOOD USE; SHOW SOMEONE A GOOD TIME; SHOW TO (GOOD) ADVANTAGE; SO FAR, SO GOOD; STAND IN GOOD STEAD; TAKE IN GOOD PART; THROW GOOD MONEY AFTER BAD; TO GOOD PURPOSE; TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE; TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING; TO THE GOOD; TURN TO GOOD ACCOUNT; UP TO (NO GOOD); WELL AND GOOD; WHAT’S THE GOOD OF; WITH GOOD GRACE; WORLD OF GOOD; YOUR GUESS IS AS GOOD AS MINE. Also see under GOODNESS; GOODS.

  good and Very, as in I’ll go when I’m good and ready, or Mike was good and mad at Tom. This phrase is used to intensify the words that follow. [Colloquial; early 1800s]

  good as, as Practically, in effect, almost the same as, as in He as good as promised to buy a new car, or The house is as good as sold. This idiom is very widely used to modify just about any verb, adverb, or adjective. However, it has been used so often with certain words that together they themselves now make up idioms (see the following entries beginning with GOOD AS).

  good as done, as Virtually finished or accomplished, as in Your printing job is as good as done. This idiom was first recorded in 1530.

  good as gold, as Completely genuine; also, well behaved. For example, Her credit is as good as gold, or The children were good as gold. With this alliterative idiom the initial as is sometimes dropped, and nearly always so when behavior is referred to. [Late 1600s]

  good as new Describing a used or repaired object with no apparent flaws, or a person recovered from accident or illness. In some instances the term may be hyperbolic, as in Used car salesmen often promote a car as being “as good as new,” but that assessment may be an exaggeration at best. In the case of a physical recovery, it is more likely the truth, as in Jane had both of her hips replaced and is now good as new. [First half of 1900s]

  good as one’s word, as Completely trustworthy, dependable, as in The boss said we could leave early on Friday and she was as good as her word. [Second half of 1500s]

  good authority, have it on From a reliable source. For example, We have it on good authority that the royal wedding will take place next spring. [c. 1900]

  good day Also, good afternoon or evening or morning. Formal ways of saying “Hello” or “Goodbye.” Fo
r example, He began rather oddly by addressing the audience with “Good day,” or “Good afternoon, ladies,” said the sales clerk as we walked out. All these greetings represent an abbreviation of the now obsolete God give you a good day (afternoon, etc.), which dates from about 1200. Also see GOOD NIGHT.

  good deal, a Also, a great deal. 1. A large but indefinite quantity, as in He has a good (or great) deal of money; also, to a large extent or degree, as in “I bled... a great deal” (from Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe, 1719). Also see GOOD MANY. 2. A very successful transaction or business agreement; a bargain. For example, The new agent got him a great deal, or Only $50,000 for all that land? That’s a good deal. [Colloquial; mid-1800s]

  good egg, a Also, a good scout. An amiable, basically nice person. For example, You can always count on her to help; she’s a good egg, or His friends all think Dad’s really a good scout. This colloquial antonym of BAD EGG dates from the early 1900s, as did the variant.

  good evening → See under GOOD DAY.

  good faith → See under IN BAD FAITH.

  good for 1. Beneficial to, as in Milk is good for children. [Tenth century A.D.] 2. Financially reliable, able to pay or repay, as in They know he’s good for a big tip. [Mid-1800s] 3. Able to serve or continue to function, as in This furniture’s good for at least ten more years, or I hope you’re not tired—I’m good for another three miles or so. [Mid-1800s] 4. Equivalent in value; also, valid for. For example, These coupons are good for a 20 percent discount, or This contract is good for the entire life of the book. [Second half of 1800s] 5. good for someone. An expression of approval, as in Good for Bill—he’s sold the car, or Good for you! You passed the exam. This usage differs from the others in that orally a slight emphasis is placed on you or whoever is being mentioned. [Mid-1800s] 6.good for a laugh. Amusing, entertaining. The New York Daily Times had it in 1855: An absurd story, forsooth, but good for a laugh” (cited by OED). It may also be applied to an individual, as in He may not be the best cook, but his concoctions are always good for a laugh.”

  good graces → See IN SOMEONE’S GOOD GRACES.

  good grief An exclamation expressing surprise, alarm, dismay, or some other, usually negative emotion. For example, Good grief! You’re not going to start all over again, or Good grief! He’s dropped the cake. The term is a euphemism for “good God.” [Early 1900s]

  good head on one’s shoulders, have a Be intelligent or shrewd; have good sense or good judgment. For example, We can depend on George to figure it out—he has a good head on his shoulders. This term originated in the 1500s as have an old head on young shoulders, alluding to the wisdom of age and physical youth. It took its present form in the 1800s.

  good life, the A wealthy, luxurious style of living. For example, Aunt Agatha left them a fortune, so now they’re enjoying the good life. [Mid-1900s]

  good luck 1. Good fortune or a happy outcome, especially by chance. For example, It was sheer good luck that brought this offer my way, or, as Shakespeare put it in The Merry Wives of Windsor (3:5): “As good luck would have it, comes in one Mistress Page.” [Late 1400s] 2. Also, good luck to you. I wish you success. This term is used both straight-forwardly, as in Good luck on your journey, and sarcastically, implying that what someone is undertaking is not likely to succeed, as in If you think you’ll find that long-lost letter, good luck to you.

  good many, a Also, a great many. A large number of, as in A good many checks have come in already, or We saw only a few hikers on the trail, when we had thought there would be a great many. The first term dates from the early 1800s, the variant from the late 1600s. Also see A LOT; QUITE A BIT (FEW).

  good mind → See HAVE A GOOD MIND TO.

  good morning → See under GOOD DAY.

  good nature A cheerful, obliging disposition, as in Ted is known for his good nature—he’s always willing to help. [Mid-1400s]

  goodness → In addition to the idioms beginning with GOODNESS, also see FOR THE SAKE OF (GOODNESS SAKE); GOD (GOODNESS) KNOWS; HONEST TO GOD (GOODNESS); MY GOD (GOODNESS).

  goodness gracious Also, good gracious; gracious sakes. Exclamation of surprise, dismay, or alarm, as in Goodness gracious! You’ve forgotten your ticket. Both goodness and gracious originally alluded to the good (or grace) of God, but these colloquial expressions, which date from the 1700s, are not considered either vulgar or blasphemous.

  goodness knows → See GOD KNOWS.

  good night 1. Expression of farewell used when parting at night or when going to sleep, as in He stood at the door, saying good night to each of the departing guests, or Mother came to tuck the children in and kiss them good night. [Late 1300s] 2. Exclamation of surprise or irritation, as in Good night, Joe!—You can’t mean what you said, or Good night, Anne—it’s time you learned how to throw a ball. [Late 1800s]

  good riddance Also, good riddance to bad rubbish. A welcome loss or departure. This expression is often used as an exclamation. For example, The principal has finally retired, and most of the teachers are saying, “Good riddance!” or When Jean decided to give up her violin her relieved family quietly said, “Good riddance to bad rubbish.” [Late 1700s]

  goods → See DAMAGED GOODS; DELIVER THE GOODS; GET THE GOODS ON; SELL A BILL OF GOODS; STRAIGHT GOODS.

  good Samaritan A compassionate person who unselfishly helps others, as in In this neighborhood you can’t count on a good Samaritan if you get in trouble. This expression alludes to Jesus’s parable about a Samaritan who rescues and cares for a stranger who had been robbed and badly hurt and had been ignored by a priest and a Levite (Luke 10:30–35). The Samaritans were considered a heretical group by other Jews, so by using a Samaritan for the parable, Jesus chose a person whom his listeners would find least likely to be worthy of concern. [c. 1600]

  good scout → See GOOD EGG.

  good sort → See under BAD SORT.

  good thing → See HAVE A GOOD THING GOING; TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING.

  good time → See HAVE A GOOD TIME.

  good-time Charlie Affable, convivial fellow, as in Joe was a typical good-time Charlie, always ready for a party. [Colloquial; 1920s]

  good turn A favor, an act of good will, as in Pat did her a good turn by calling in a second surgeon. [First half of 1400s]

  good word → See PUT IN A GOOD WORD.

  good works Acts of charity, kindness, or good will, as in She spent much of her life in doing good works, especially for the homeless. This expression, also put as good work, originally had the theological meaning of an act of piety. Today it is used in a more general context. [c. A.D. 1000]

  goody two-shoes A prudish, self-righteous individual, a goody-goody. For example, Phyllis was a real goody two-shoes, tattling on her friends to the teacher. This expression alludes to the main character of a nursery tale, The History of Goody Two-Shoes (1765), who was so pleased when receiving a second shoe that she kept saying “Two shoes.” The goody in the story is short for goodwife but means “goody-goody” in the idiom.

  goof around Fool or play around, engage in horseplay, as in The boys were goofing around in the schoolyard. [Slang; 1920s]

  go off 1. Explode, detonate; also, make noise, sound, especially abruptly. For example, I heard the gun go off, or The sirens went off at noon. This expression developed in the late 1500s and gave rise about 1700 to the related go off half-cocked, now meaning “to act prematurely” but originally referring to the slipping of a gun’s hammer so that the gun fires (goes off) unexpectedly. 2. Leave, depart, especially suddenly, as in Don’t go off mad, or They went off without saying goodbye. [c. 1600] 3. Keep to the expected plan or course of events, succeed, as in The project went off smoothly. [Second half of 1700s] 4. Deteriorate in quality, as in This milk seems to have gone off. [Late 1600s] 5. Die. Shakespeare used this sense in Macbeth (5:9): “I would the friends we missed were safely arrived.—Some must go off.” 6. Experience orgasm. D.H. Lawrence used this slangy sense in Lady Chatterley’s Lover (1928): “You couldn’t go off at the same time... .” T
his usage is probably rare today. Also see GET OFF, def. 8. 7. go off on a tangent. See under ON A TANGENT. 8. go off one’s head. See OFF ONE’S HEAD. Also see subsequent idioms beginning with GO OFF.

  go off half-cocked → See GO OFF, def. 1.

  go off the deep end 1. Become unduly excited, overwrought, or angry. For example, When he heard about John’s smashing into his car, he went off the deep end. [c. 1920] Also see IN DEEP, def. 2. 2. Be irrationally carried away, act irresponsibly or heedlessly. For example, Just because you like her looks doesn’t mean you should go off the deep end and propose. [c. 1920] In both of these colloquial usages deep end alludes to the deep end of a swimming pool.

  goof off Shirk work or responsibility, loaf; fool around. For example, We were supposed to be studying but we were really goofing off, or If you ever feel like goofing off, please call me. This idiom was a synonym of GOOF UP during World War II, a usage that has died out. [Slang; 1920] Also see GOOF AROUND.

  goof on Make fun of, mock, as in He was always goofing on his little brother. [Slang; mid-1900s]

  goof up Blunder, make a mistake, spoil. For example, I really goofed up and got all the dates wrong. This expression emerged in the military during World War II, along with the then-synonymous GOOF OFF. Quite often up is omitted, as in Sorry, I goofed. [Slang; c. 1940]

  go on 1. Happen, take place, as in What’s going on here? [Early 1700s] 2. Continue, as in The show must go on. [Late 1500s] 3. Keep on doing; also, proceed, as in He went on talking, or She may go on to become a partner. [Second half of 1600s] 4. Act, behave, especially badly. For example, Don’t go on like that; stop kicking the dog. [Second half of 1700s] 5. Also, go on and on; run on. Talk volubly, chatter, especially tiresomely. For example, How she does go on! The first usage dates from the mid-1800s; run on appeared in Nicholas Udall’s Ralph Roister Doister (c. 1553): “Yet your tongue can run on.” 6. An interjection expressing disbelief, surprise, or the like, as in Go on, you must be joking! [Late 1800s] 7. Approach; see GOING ON. 8. Use as a starting point or as evidence, as in The investigator doesn’t have much to go on in this case. [Mid-1900s] 9. go on something. Begin something, as in go on welfare, meaning “start to receive public assistance,” or go on a binge, meaning “begin to overdo, especially drink or eat too much.”