Where did the term a stick in the mud come from?

Where did the term a stick in the mud come from?

The figurative phrase ‘stick in the mud’ derives from the imagery of someone whose feet are stuck in wet clay and is unable to progress. It was preceded in the language by earlier versions, for example ‘stick in the briers, clay, mire’ etc.

What does Don’t be a stick in the mud mean?

: one who is slow, old-fashioned, or unprogressive especially : an old fogy.

Is stick in the mud an insult?

The plural form is sticks-in-the-mud. It is a mild insult, and is often used as an admonishment such as “don’t be a stick-in-the-mud.”

Why am I such a stick in the mud?

A stick in the mud is a boring or uninteresting person. They do not try anything new. They are not willing to take a risk. They also could be slow and old-fashioned.

What does the expression shake a stick at mean?

phrase. If you say that there are more things than you could or can shake a stick at, you are emphasizing in a humorous way that there are a lot of them. [informal, emphasis] …a man with more medals than you can shake a stick at. See full dictionary entry for stick.

What does an ace up your sleeve mean?

Definition of an ace up one’s sleeve : a powerful and often secret weapon, advantage, etc., that can be used if it is needed The mayor’s popularity among elderly voters gives him an ace up his sleeve for the coming election.

Is stick in the mud slang?

stick in the mud (plural sticks in the mud or stick in the muds) (idiomatic, derogatory) A person unwilling to participate in activities; a curmudgeon or party pooper. Have a little fun sometimes and don’t be such a stick-in-the-mud.

What is the meaning of kept a stiff upper lip?

Definition of stiff upper lip : a steady and determined attitude or manner in the face of trouble. Other Words from stiff upper lip Example Sentences Learn More About stiff upper lip.

Is stick in the mud one word?

(idiomatic, derogatory) A person unwilling to participate in activities; a curmudgeon or party pooper. Have a little fun sometimes and don’t be such a stick-in-the-mud. (idiomatic, derogatory) More generally, one who is slow, old-fashioned, or unprogressive; an old fogey.

Where did the phrase ” stick in the mud ” come from?

The phrase appears in 1730, in city of London court records, as the alias of an accused named John Baker, who with two other men received a death sentence at the Old Bailey in December 1733 for “breaking open the House of Mr. Thomas Rayner, a Silversmith, and stealing thence Plate to a great Value.” stick-in-the-mud ( n.)

Who are the characters in stick in the mud?

John Anderson, Francis Ogleby, and James Baker, alias Stick in the Mud, for breaking open the House of Mr. Thomas Bayner, a Silversmith, and stealing thence Plate to a great value.

Why was Sally called a stick in the mud?

stick in the mud. (redirected from a stick in the mud) Someone who is considered boring, often due to unpopular or outdated beliefs. Sally was tired of being called a stick in the mud by her friends just because she refused to drink alcohol.