Why We Say: #23
With this being a leap year I thought it appropriate to spotlight some jumping words and phrases.
“Jump the Gun”
Jim Bob tolerated the good-natured ribbing from the crew when he showed up to school wearing shorts and a cutoff tank top. “Hey, Jimmy Boy, are you jumping the gun about the weather? It indicated the sun poking out today–not a heat wave.”
It appears our hero anticipated raging temperatures suitable for summer. His wishful thinking reflects on the runner who anticipated running down the track to victory and started out before the official fired off a blank cartridge to start off the race.
image: morguefile/marykbaird
“I say, captain, what is that strange animal over there.”
“Which one? This country is full of odd animals.”
“That one that hoppitys about with a baby popping out its middle.”
“Oh–that animal. Hmm, go see what you can get from that native chap, over there.”
A few minutes later.
“All I could figure out is he said something to the likes of kanga roo.”
“Sounds like a fitting name. Write that one down. Let’s go exploring some more.”
Captain Cook and his crew probably didn’t have this exact conversation, but I imagine something similar occurred. Apparently when he asked what the big hopping critter was called, the aboriginal native said “kangaroo” which actually means “I don’t know.” Makes sense. I don’t know how that baby stays put in the pouch as momma kanga goes bouncing around either.
image: morguefile/wallyir
Bonus: there is a cow scene
Pam Webb 