reach-around: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘reach-around’ mean?
The idiom reach-around is a slang term that refers to a sexual act involving a person reaching behind themselves to provide manual stimulation to someone else, often in a non-consensual or coercive manner. Due to its explicit and offensive nature, it is important to use caution and sensitivity when discussing or using this idiom.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "sell one's body" means engaging in sexual activities in exchange for money. It is a euphemism for prostitution and implies the act of using one's body as a commodity for financial gain.
The idiom "run around after" means to constantly be busy or occupied attending to someone or something. It suggests a sense of being constantly on the move or dealing with various tasks and responsibilities.
The idiom "rough around the edges" means that someone or something may appear imperfect or unrefined, but still has potential or qualities that make them interesting or valuable.
"Root around" is a commonly used idiom in English that dates back to the late 16th century. This idiom is derived from the verb "root," which means to search or rummage through something in a determined and thorough manner. The word "root" itself can be traced back to the Old English word "rotian," meaning to dig or pierce.
The idiom "reach for the sky" means to have high aspirations or set ambitious goals. It encourages individuals to aim for their full potential and to strive for success beyond what may seem attainable.
The idiom "rally round" means to come together and provide support or assistance to someone or something in a time of need or difficulty.
The idiom "rally round" is a commonly used expression in English. It originated in the late 18th century and has gained popularity, especially in the United States. "Rally round" is made up of two words, "rally" and "round," each with its own unique meanings.
The idiom "put the moves on" means to make romantic or sexual advances towards someone.
The idiom "pop someone's cherry" is a slang expression that refers to the first time someone experiences or does something, often associated with sexual or significant life experiences.
Elaborating on the Reach-Around
The idiom "feel up" is related to the term "reach-around" in that both phrases refer to sexual acts. While "reach-around" specifically describes the manual stimulation of a sexual partner from behind, "feel up" can be used to describe any act of touching or groping someone in a sexual manner. Both phrases are considered vulgar and offensive in nature and are typically used in informal conversations or within specific subcultures.
"around the Horn" is another idiom related to "reach-around." While "reach-around" has a sexual connotation, "Around the Horn" is a nautical phrase that originally referred to sailing around Cape Horn, the southernmost tip of South America. In a metaphorical sense, "Around the Horn" is often used to describe a journey or process that is challenging or difficult to navigate. This idiom is unrelated to sexual acts and is used in a non-sexual context.
The idiom "jerk off" is also related to "reach-around" in that both phrases refer to sexual acts. However, "jerk off" specifically describes the act of masturbation. It is typically used to describe the act of pleasuring oneself sexually, while "reach-around" refers to pleasuring someone else manually from behind. Both phrases are considered vulgar and should be used with caution in informal settings.
"flick the bean" is yet another idiom related to "reach-around." Similar to "jerk off," "flick the bean" refers to the act of female masturbation. It is a vulgar and explicit phrase that is typically used in informal settings or within certain subcultures. While "reach-around" and "flick the bean" both have sexual connotations, they describe different acts of sexual pleasure.
The idiom "go down on" is also related to "reach-around" in that both phrases refer to sexual acts. "Go down on" specifically refers to the act of performing oral sex on a partner. Like "reach-around," this phrase is considered vulgar and explicit. It is typically used in informal conversations or within specific subcultures. While "reach-around" and "go down on" have different meanings, they both pertain to sexual pleasure.
Example usage
Examples:
1. "I asked my coworker for help with a project, and he offered to give me a reach-around by assisting me with the difficult parts."
2. "During negotiations, the two parties agreed on certain conditions in a reach-around manner, making compromises to benefit both sides."
3. "The manager gave a reach-around to the employee who had been working late by offering them extra time off as a reward."
More "Slang" idioms
