🛍️ Minding the Store: Who’s in Charge While the Boss is Away?
Definition:
To take charge in someone’s absence. This phrase, dating from about 1920, originally meant literally taking over the business of a store when the owner was temporarily away. Later it was expanded to more general usage, as in “She’s on sabbatical leave this semester, so Professor Jones is minding the store.”
Synonyms:
- Holding down the fort 🏰
- Taking the reins 🏇
- Standing in
- Calling the shots
Antonyms:
- Shirking duties
- Passing the buck
- Abandoning ship
Related Terms:
- Keeping the lights on 💡
- Holding the bag 👜
Quotes with a Twist:
“A committee is a group that keeps minutes and loses hours. Meanwhile, someone’s gotta mind the store.” - Anon
Proverbs:
“When the cat’s away, the mice will play; but someone’s got to mind the store.”
Literary References:
- “While the old are Eagle-eyed, the young are bold at heart, and thus can mind the store.” - Adaptation from Homer’s The Odyssey 🏛️
Movies:
- Mister Roberts (1955), featuring numerous instances of the naval officers having to mind the store when the captain isn’t looking ⚓
Songs:
- “Take Care of Business” by Nina Simone 🎷
Quizzes:
### Which phrase means to take control when another person is away?
- [x] Minding the store
- [ ] Jumping the shark
- [ ] Throwing in the towel
- [ ] Beating around the bush
> **Explanation:** "Minding the store" implies taking over responsibilities in someone else's absence. The others, while fun, mean something entirely different.
### Which is a true synonym for "minding the store"?
- [x] Holding down the fort
- [ ] Cooking with gas
- [ ] Flogging a dead horse
- [ ] Painting the town red
> **Explanation:** "Holding down the fort" and "minding the store" both suggest managing things during someone's absence. The others? Not quite.
### True or False: "Minding the store" can refer to any situation where one takes control during another's absence.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** Originally a retail term, "minding the store" now refers to overseeing any situation when the usual leader is absent.
Inspirational Farewell:
“In whatever way you find yourself ‘minding the store,’ remember to embrace the opportunity to shine in someone else’s shoes. It’s your moment!” - L. P. Laughalot
