bat the breeze: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘bat the breeze’ mean?
The idiom "bat the breeze" means to chat or talk casually and informally, often about unimportant or trivial matters.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "kick it" means to relax, have fun, or spend time casually with friends or acquaintances. It often implies a laid-back and informal atmosphere, where one can enjoy themselves without any specific agenda or responsibilities.
The idiom "go with the wind" means to be unpredictable or easily swayed by circumstances, lacking firmness or commitment.
The idiom "go to bat" means to take action or make an effort on behalf of someone or something.
The phrase "go to bat" first appeared in the mid-19th century, around 1845. This expression is primarily used in American English, especially in the United States, and is closely associated with the sport of baseball.
The idiom "gone with the wind" means to disappear or be completely lost, often without any trace or indication of where or how it happened.
One of the most iconic idioms in the English language is "gone with the wind." The origin of this idiomatic expression can be traced back to Margaret Mitchell's 1936 novel, "Gone with the Wind," which was later adapted into a highly successful film in 1939.
The idiom "go fly a kite" is an informal way of telling someone to go away or to leave you alone, often used when you are annoyed or frustrated with them.
The idiom "go batshit" means to become extremely angry or lose control in a crazy or irrational way.
The idiom "give someone the brush-off" means to dismiss or reject someone in an abrupt or unceremonious manner, usually through indifference or rudeness.
The idiom "give someone the brush-off" is a commonly used phrase in American English. It describes a situation where a person rejects or dismisses someone in a rude or abrupt manner. It implies a lack of interest or desire to engage with the person being brushed off.
The idiom "get wind in one's jaws" means to talk excessively or for a long time about something, often without substance or relevance.
The idiom "get wind" is a commonly used expression in English that means to become aware or informed about something, usually news or information that was previously unknown. It has been in use since at least the 18th century, as seen in literary works from that era.
The idiom "flap one's gums" means to talk incessantly or to speak aimlessly without saying anything of substance. It implies that the person is talking too much without making any meaningful contribution to the conversation. This idiom is often used in a negative or dismissive manner, suggesting that the person is wasting time or just indulging in empty chatter.
Unveiling the Mystery
The idiom "bat one's eyes" is related to the expression "bat the breeze" because both idioms use the word "bat" to convey the idea of repetitive or light action. In the case of "bat one's eyes," the word "bat" refers to the fluttering motion of eyelids, while in the case of "bat the breeze," it refers to the action of repeatedly hitting a ball. However, the two idioms have different meanings and contexts. "Bat one's eyes" often refers to a flirtatious or seductive action, where someone blinks or flutters their eyelids in a charming or enticing manner.
Dusting off a batter" is also related to "bat the breeze," although the connection is more figurative. In baseball, when a batter gets "dusted off," it means that a pitcher intentionally throws a pitch close to the batter to intimidate or send a message. The phrase "dust off a batter" can be used in a broader context to mean confronting or challenging someone. Similarly, "bat the breeze" can also be seen as a form of challenge or confrontation, but in a much more casual and lighthearted manner.
Overall, these related idioms highlight different aspects of communication and interaction. "Bat one's eyes" emphasizes a flirtatious or seductive gesture, while "dust off a batter" relates to confrontational or challenging exchanges. Although they share a common word, "bat," with the idiomatic phrase "bat the breeze," each expression has its distinct meaning and context.
"bat the breeze" is an English idiom used to describe engaging in idle or casual conversation without any specific purpose. Its origins are unclear, but it has become a commonly used phrase in informal conversations. The idiom conveys the idea of talking aimlessly, like batting a ball in the air without any particular direction or goal. While not extensively studied, it remains a colloquial expression primarily used in informal spoken language.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom bat the breeze can be used in a sentence:
- During their lunch break, the coworkers gathered around the water cooler and batted the breeze about the latest office gossip.
- While waiting for their flight at the airport, the passengers sat at the gate and batted the breeze, discussing their travel experiences.
- After the game, the sports commentators joined the television studio panel to bat the breeze about the team's performance and strategies.
More "Conversational" idioms
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