Sayings From Boxing

I don't like the sport but it has produced a host of sayings used in English. Here are some of them.

Below the belt: Unfair or unsporting. 

Beat (someone) to the punch: Get in first.

On the ropes: In serious trouble.

Blow by blow: A detailed account.

Down for the count: Defeated. 

Keep one's guard up: Watchful.

Ringside seat: A good view.

Throw in the towel: To give up.

Come out swinging: Attack aggressively.

Deliver a knock out punch: Win decisively.

Saved by the bell: Escaping a bad outcome in the last minute.

Roll with the punches: Coping successfully with difficulties.

Sucker punch: Something you didn't see coming. 

Take it on the chin: Bravely accepting negative things.

Toe to toe: Confrontation without backing down.

The gloves are off: Not holding back in attack.

Someone in your corner: A support there for you.

Where Did These Things Come From?

See if you can identify who originated these.

Traitor: One who betrays a friend or belief. It describes someone who violates a fundamental trust or allegiance. 

Application: The one who went against his loving Maker and became a rebel. 

Influencer: Due to perceived authority, they hold the power to influence the opinions and behavior of others.

Application: Convinced one of the first two humans that joining the rebellion was beneficial.

Fake News: False or misleading information presented as legitimate, intentionally created to deceive others for personal gain. 

Application: The promise of a better life for the listener proved to be quite the opposite. So too, the assurance that death would not result. This fake news only benefited the one behind it. 

Summary: Today, the same deceptions are coming from that first traitor and people are still being deceived. It's being done subtly and for many, imperceptibly. Why change a successful strategy? But do we have to be deceived? 

Did you work out who was the originator of these things? Not too hard a quiz, but the import is worth reflecting on. 

Note: Influencers today may or may not be beneficial. 

Corny or Funny

My wife gave me a gale warning. I thought we got on with Gale. 

My wife came back from a conference having given a talk in a large auditorium, saying she hated mics. I wonder what upset her as she works with two Mikes.

We were camping in a tent and my wife heard someone outside in the trees. She even guessed their name! She said "Did you hear a rustle?"

My wife had a second man named Bill who joined the company. It seems to be bothering her because as she was going through the mail recently, she was muttering "Not another bill".

There is a mean kid in our street named Oscar that no one likes. My wife was telling off our teenage daughter for being dramatic. She said "You deserve an Oscar". 

Our neighbour's name is Blair. I know because he was playing loud music and my wife said I'm sick of that blare.