jump down someone’s throat, to
To criticize, reprimand, or disagree sharply and suddenly. This vivid metaphor has been around since the late nineteenth century. Anthony Trollope used it in his Cousin Henry (1879): “Was she to jump down your throat when you asked her?”
Synonyms:
- Bite someone’s head off
- Lay into someone
- Lash out at someone
- Give someone hell
Antonyms:
- Pat on the back
- Praise to the skies
- Commend enthusiastically
- Offer constructive feedback
Humor-Filled Quotes:
- “The only way my boss knows how to handle things is to jump down my throat—I might as well install a trapdoor!” - L. M. Laughalot
- “Why jump down someone’s throat when you can take the scenic route via a calm discussion?” - W. T. Wittywords
Proverbs:
- “The greatest remedy for anger is delay.” – Seneca
- “Criticize cautiously or prepare to vend cough drops, your choice.”
References:
- Cousin Henry by Anthony Trollope: Dive deep into more British perplexities and social commentary.
Suggestions:
- Books:
- How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
- Songs:
- “Mean” by Taylor Swift
- Poetry:
- Any work by Dorothy Parker, known for her sharp wit
- Movies:
- The Devil Wears Prada - Watch for critical lessons from Miranda Priestly
### What does "jump down someone's throat" mean?
- [ ] Offer a warm hug
- [ ] Pay a sincere compliment
- [ ] Provide cooking advice
- [x] Criticize sharply
> **Explanation:** To "jump down someone's throat" means to criticize or reprimand someone harshly and suddenly.
### Which of these is similar to "jump down someone’s throat"?
- [ ] Walk on eggshells
- [x] Bite someone’s head off
- [ ] Turn over a new leaf
- [ ] Lend a helping hand
> **Explanation:** To "bite someone's head off" is another way of saying someone is criticizing harshly and suddenly.
### When did the idiom "jump down someone’s throat" first become popular?
- [ ] 1600s
- [ ] 1700s
- [x] 1800s
- [ ] 1900s
> **Explanation:** This idiom has been around since the late nineteenth century, even more refined in Anthony Trollope's *Cousin Henry* in 1879.
### "Jump down someone’s throat" is most closely related to:
- [ ] Complimenting someone's work
- [x] Reprimanding someone instantly
- [ ] Offering cooking tips
- [ ] Sending someone flowers
> **Explanation:** It means to criticize someone sharply and suddenly – quite the opposite of a compliment or flowers!
### True or False: "Jump down someone’s throat" literally means entering someone's throat.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** Figuratively speaking, it means to criticize harshly, but it doesn’t involve any acrobatics or throat diversions!
Inspirational Thought:
“When someone jumps down your throat, take a deep breath. Sometimes the most powerful response is a calm question.” - L. M. Laughalot
Keep the calm in your conversations and explore the world of imaginative language but keep those throats happily critter-free!
Until next time, L. M. Laughalot
