Going Over the Cliff

A reader wonders where exactly the cliff is located the state is allegedly going over. How far is the drop? What is at the bottom?

Will someone be “thrown under the bus” in the process?

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Hearing It Once Is Too Often

On behalf of lobbyists everywhere, put an end to this fundraiser phrase which too often is the opening gambit rather than the coda:

“Max out.”

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Another Worthy Candidate for Banning

Heard three times too many in one day by one lobbyist:

“Made out of whole cloth.”

Know the Enemy:

“Whole Cloth”

Notes by Ellen Rosen from  alt.usage.english FAQ

The phrase “made out of whole cloth” (and variants) currently means “utterly without foundation in fact, completely fictitious.”

Merriam Webster gives only this sense for “whole cloth” and dates it to 1840.    Read more »

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Ten More To Trash & A Confession

At The End of The Day – An initially overlooked oral excretion called out by a number of readers.

Going Forward – Not unlike disgruntled, this phrase would be more palatable if its opposite were used as routinely. How you doing? “Gruntled, thanks.” Would that more legislative agendas were going backward rather than forward.    Read more »

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Three More Foul Phrases

Slippery Slope — The condition arising from the level playing field being tilted to a 45-degree angle. A legislator used the phrse twice in tow consecutive sentences the other day. Two times too many.

Roll Up My Sleeves — Suggested by a reader who adds that vast amounts of time could be saved if short-sleeved shirts were mandated at the Capitol.    Read more »

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Ten That Should Be Banned

Vet or Vetting — If I hear this one more time I’m going to vet myself. I vet, therefore I am.

Work in Progress — As though one of these pieces of legislative sausage were the Sistine Chapel or something.  Californians would benefit if more works in progress were owrked out before they progress.    Read more »

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