The Letter H
have-a-prayer
To have a realistic chance of something happening; to be able to do something. (Frequently used in the negative -- 'not have a prayer'.)
Example
1)
Eric doesn't have a prayer of passing the math exam today.
2)
Do the Red Sox have a prayer of winning the World Series?
Etymology
When something is very difficult, you might 'pray' for assistance. If something 'has a prayer', it might succeed if it gets a little bit of assistance from above. But if it 'doesn't have a prayer', not even divine intervention will help.
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have-a-screw-loose
To be a little bit crazy, or not acting normally.
Example
Paul has had a screw loose ever since his girlfriend left him.
Etymology
A 'screw' keeps things together; when a screw is loose, things fall apart. So a person who has a screw loose is falling apart mentally.
Synonyms
off the wall
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head-doctor
A psychiatrist; a doctor who helps people with mental problems.
Example
1)
I've been seeing a head doctor for several years.
2)
You seem emotionally disturbed. Maybe you ought to see a head doctor?
Etymology
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who treat the mind, which is related to the brain, which is in the head.
Synonyms
shrink
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high-five
A way to say 'Bravo!' or 'Good job!' by slapping someone's hand in the air; to congratulate someone.
Example
1)
Nice shot! High five, dude!
2)
High fives all around on the excellent presentation at the meeting!
Etymology
There are five fingers on your hand, and you lift your hand high into the air to give a 'high five'. This is a common gesture first used by African-American basketball players and now used by many people in a variety of con****s. You can also give a 'low five' or go 'down low' after giving someone a high five.
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hush-hush
Very secret
Example
1)
The operation was so hush-hush that even the commanding officer didn't know all of the details.
2)
Let's keep that information hush-hush, OK ?
Etymology
'Hush' means 'quiet'. So something that is 'hush-hush' should not be discussed or exposed in public. This phrase dates back to World War I, when it referred to military secrets.
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hog
To selfishly claim all of something; to eat or take everything.
Example
1)
Peter was hogging the food like he hadn’t eaten in days.
2)
Nicolas, don’t hog the computer ! Other people want to use it too.
Etymology
A ‘ hog ‘ is literally a pig, and pigs are famous for selfishly consuming their food. As slang, the term can be used to describe any kind of selfish behavior