Boston1954

I never could understand "cute as a button". Who came up with that?

Is there an old saying that you just do not get?

nativetexan

Oh there are so many "sayings" that get repeated down the decades. It's fun trying to trace them back and see just exactly how they were used in the first place.

annievee

How about 'Raining cats and dogs ' ? No sense whatsoever -lol

QuiltE

I agree, a lot of the idioms, make absolutely no sense in today's world!
However, when you trace them back, there is often a "sensible" rationale, from whence they came!

I have always thought this cats and dogs story was a good one ..... even making sense!
Found here, with lots more explanations.
https://www.google.ca/search?q=origi...hrome&ie=UTF-8

I find it a real stretch for cute as a button, but here you go ............
http://ndsmcobserver.com/2013/03/cute-as-a-button/

The origins of most of these "strange-to-us" sayings can usually be found
via a simple google of "origin plus the saying".

LenaBeena

Friends in England say when someone is useless they are like "beans spilled on the dresser".

LenaBeena

Thanks. I often heard sayings from my students and asked where they were from and how the saying were used. Each area of the states, and other countries have their own, so interesting.

bearisgray

Once upon a time

Boston1954

Keep them coming. Especially if you have found what they mean.

bearisgray

Busier than a one-legged cat on a hot tin roof.

SusieQOH

My Mom has a funny one: Subtle as a sledgehammer