have more chins than a Chinese phone book
Body, health & looks · Filed under H
In a sentence
- She may be overweight, but her pet cat has more chins than a Chinese phone book.
- My grandfather's double chin is so prominent that he could have more chins than a Chinese phone book.
- When I laugh, my cheeks puff out, and I feel like I have more chins than a Chinese phone book!
Where it comes from and how it is used
The idiom "have more chins than a Chinese phone book" is a vivid and humorous expression that describes someone who is overweight or has a double chin. While its origin is uncertain, it likely emerged during a time when phone books were common reference tools and China had a large population. The idiom may have been influenced by stereotypes or the perception of long phone books in China due to the high number of surnames. However, it is important to be mindful of the potential implications and impact of using such idioms, as they can perpetuate stereotypes and contribute to discrimination.
It is worth noting that idioms can vary in meaning and usage across different cultures and societies. This particular idiom may not be widely recognized or understood by individuals outside of certain English-speaking regions. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the context and audience when using or interpreting idioms.
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Neighbouring idioms
- Chinaman on one's back
- Chinaman's chance
- more than you can shake a stick at
- bite off more than one can chew
- glass chinSport, games & leisure
- lead with one's chin
- broad-beamedBody, health & looks
- chow downFood & drink
Know an earlier use or a better origin story?Tell us.