Ass in a Sling: To Have/Get One’s
Definition: To be in deep trouble. Hold onto your britches; this ain’t about a four-legged farm animal! Think of an unceremonious kick to the posterior, so mighty you’re left needing the kind of support usually reserved for sprained arms. This colorful phrase likely hails from the southern regions of the Good Ol’ US of A in the 19th century, becoming a staple in our lexicon around the 1930s.
Related Terms and Expressions
- In hot water: Trouble never sounded so refreshingly hydrating.
- Up a creek without a paddle: Even more troublesome if the creek is full of alligators!
- Between a rock and a hard place: The literal and figurative definition of a tight spot.
- In the doghouse: You’re not just in trouble; you’re sleeping with Fido tonight.
- Caught with your pants down: Awkward and deeply embarrassing trouble.
Proverbs and Quotes
- “He who laughs last laughs longest.” —Be the one standing when everyone else has their ‘ass in a sling.’
- “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.” —A wise way to avoid deep trouble, though silence might not cure an aching posterior.
- “Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted.” —Albert Einstein, whom you’d hope never found his posterior in any sort of sling.
For the Bookworms and Cinephiles 🎬
- Literature: Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. Twain’s adventures have plenty of idiomatic hilarity.
- Movies: O Brother, Where Art Thou? for some Southern charm and calamities.
- Songs: “Trouble” by Ray LaMontagne. A soulful exploration of getting your ‘ass in a sling.’
- Poetry: “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost — not about trouble but choosing the unconventional path often leads there.
### Which expression also means being in deep trouble?
- [x] In hot water
- [ ] Enjoying a sunny picnic
- [ ] Flying on an eagle's back
- [ ] Shopping for groceries
> **Explanation:** "In hot water" is a common idiom for being in trouble. While flying on an eagle’s back might sound adventurous, it's not an idiom.
### When you are 'up a creek without a paddle,' you are:
- [ ] Relaxing in nature
- [ ] Fishing with a friend
- [x] In a difficult situation without means of escape
- [ ] Hosting a barbecue
> **Explanation:** This phrase means you're in a sticky situation with no clear way out. Pass the oars, stat!
### True or False: To be 'in the doghouse' means you're in trouble.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** Definitely true; you might want some cozy blankets out there.
### Which phrase means being caught in embarrassing trouble?
- [x] Caught with your pants down
- [ ] Dressed in a clown suit
- [ ] Singing a lullaby
- [ ] Climbing a coconut tree
> **Explanation:** "Caught with your pants down" indicates a very awkwardly troublesome situation, leaving dignity far behind.
Stay witty, stay curious, and may you always steer clear of finding your “ass in a sling” — unless, of course, it’s for linguistic exploration! Until next time!
Warm Regards,
Lexi Loreweaver
