Here is a small sample of the hundreds, if not thousands of Sayings & Phrases that have a reference to the body or our physiology in them in some way or other.
If you have any more, please feel free to send them to us and we'll pop them up on this section.
HANDS:
The devil finds work for idle hands -
Something
said when people have no work or activity they're more likely to do things they
should.
You're in good hands - Often used when referring to care
or supervision meaning you will be looked after.
Time on your hands - An expression meaning you have time
to spare.
Whole world in your hands - That you have plenty of
opportunities.
Wash my hands of the matter - When someone no longer wants
anything to do with a particular matter.
Leave it in your hands - Passing responsibility to you.
All hands on deck - Everyone needs to help, work hard.
All hands to the pump - As above.
Hands on approach - The
practical approach to things.
That guy's all handsy - A very touchy, feely, groping man.
Talk to the hand 'coz the face ain't listening - Used when
you put your hand up to stop someone talking to you.
FACE:
Face the music -
Dealing with the consequences of one's actions.
A face that launched a thousand ships.
Cut your nose off to spite your face - When someone does
something just to be awkward that makes a situation worse for them.
About face - A complete U-turn on an issue or physically
truning around.
In your face - When someone is extremely close and invades
your persoanl space.
Mondays child is of fair face - From the an old fortune
telling nursery rhyme.
(Click here for the full
version)
Egg on your face - Finding yourself in an embarrassing
situation.
Saving face - Doing something to avoid embarrassment.
Losing face - An
embarrassing situation.
EYES:
Apple of my eye -
Children and loves ones are often referred to as this.
Twinkle in her/his eyes - Refers to the pupil dilation
when someone is seen as attracted to by another person.
In the mind's eye - When you use your imagination to
visualise pictures or memories.
An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth - Reference to a
passage in the Holy Bible.
(Click here for full version)
Turn a blind eye - To deliberately not see or to make out
you did not see something happening.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder - Beauty is decided
by an individuals own personal tastes.
Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder -
A reference to the above but under the influence of
alcohol things may appear more attractive than they would normally !!!
Beware of a man with a gleam in his eye - Often said by
women referring to not trusting a man with dilated pupils, he's attracted to
you.
One in the eye - When someone gets the better or most the
advantageous position.
Seeing eye to eye - Equal understanding of a situation.
A sight for sore eyes - Seeing something beautiful when
under pressure or stress.
Brings tears to my eyes - A situation that makes the eyes
prick with tears.
Snake Eyes - Usually referring to very small pupils or
dark brown eyes.
Beady little eyes - As above.
Pulled the wool over his eyes - A term meaning someone has
been deceived.
Eyes bigger than the belly/stomach - When more food than
you can possibly eat has been you ordered .
FINGERS:
All fingers and thumbs - Someone who is clumsy with their
hands.
Cross your fingers - Often said for luck.
Two fingers up to you - Used by the British as an insult
to the French at the battle of Agincourt.
Get your fingers burned - Doing something that is likely
to lead to harm.
LEGS:
Shake a leg - Said to make someone hurry up.