Tag: British Phrases

British Idioms – Sweet Fanny Adams: The Curious and Tragic Origins of a Familiar Phrase

~ july1966

by Chris Harris Sweet Fanny Adams: The Curious and Tragic Origins of a Familiar British Phrase If someone offers you or asks you for something and you reply, “You’ll get Sweet Fanny Adams,” or FA, of course, everyone understands what you mean. It is one of those phrases that sits comfortably in everyday British conversation. … Continue reading British Idioms – Sweet Fanny Adams: The Curious and Tragic Origins of a Familiar Phrase

Popular Idioms and Phrases and Why We Say “You Wait Ages for a Bus, and Then Two Come at Once”

~ july1966

by Chris Harris The Historical Roots of a Familiar Expression The phrase “You wait ages for a bus, and then two come at once” goes back to the lived realities of twentieth century British cities. Public transport in places like London, Manchester, Glasgow and Birmingham was notoriously irregular during the post-war decades. You may remember … Continue reading Popular Idioms and Phrases and Why We Say “You Wait Ages for a Bus, and Then Two Come at Once”