Define "something and nothing"

[Amie]

Inspired by the incredibly popular "define a llama" game, I would like to propose a new game, which is very very similar, but this time using phrases or expressions rather than individual words.

So I will post a phrase to start things off - the next person posts a whimsical definition, and then proposes their own phrase for the next person to define, and so on.

so, as an example, if I started off with "something and nothing", the next person might define this as: "a quantum particle, something that is literally there and not there at the same time." And then they might suggest "a stitch in time saves nine", which the next person might define as "practice undertaken by Timelords to prevent unraveling of the universe", and suggest, "flotsam and jetsam", and so on.

So, I'll start with "something and nothing" (I'm sure someone can improve on my attempt at a definition!)

[Artemis Quark]

something and nothing: a breath of fresh air in a sealed can.


"things are not what they seem"

[Spell Chick]

The most common phrase uttered by miscreants, especially when caught in the act - I.e. when a spouse is caught in bed with an extraneous person.




out of the blue

[Artemis Quark]

out of the blue: when a depressed person becomes happy again.

"into the weeds"

[Spell Chick]

Someone fresh out of rehab with a blunt.



Light at the end of the tunnel

[Amie]

What those who are really into the weeds need to do by the end of a long tunnel journey.

"The exception that proves the rule"

[Spell Chick]

Statisticians excuse for outlying data points.




See ya later, alligator

[Artemis Quark]

What Indiana Jones yelled while running across a pool filled with crocs in Raiders of the Lost Arc.

LET BYGONES BE BYGONES.

[Amie]

Rallying cry during the great bygones liberation demonstrations of the sixties. Free the bygones! Stop the mindless conformity and oppression and let the bygones be themselves!

Keep your nose to the grindstone

[Artemis Quark]

Gepetto's advice to Pinocchio. Alas, Pino the Prevaricator would not heed his creator.

THE WORLD IS MY OYSTER

[Jo Bannister]

Grandiose statement of someone who has never worked as a pearl fisherman.

LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP

[Dylan di Vilde]

Advice yelled by world-weary firemen to potential jumpers to avoid the spiked railings below. 




THERE'S MANY A MICKLE MAKES A MUCKLE

[Spell Chick]

Irish complaint about making muckles which are stolen by the overlords for their own benefit and to the detriment of all the Micks who actually did the work.



World weary

[Amie]

Epidemic chronic fatigue

A LITTLE OF WHAT YOU FANCY

[Jo Bannister]

... Is not as good as a lot of what you fancy.

A SPANNER IN THE WORKS