Not to be taken literally

[Sudsy]

This thread is just for fun. Only give no more than 2 per post and no back to back entries so everyone can participate.

These are English sayings that are not to be taken literally and give their meaning.

For example -

1) Barking up the wrong tree - meaning to err in one's judgment. Barking up the wrong tree has its origins in hunting, where dogs were a key part of the pack, sniffing out the animal as it scrambled for refuge up a tree or bush. Every now and then, their great sense of smell would fail and they would bark up the wrong tree – hence the phrase.

2) Crying over spilt milk - meaning there’s no point worrying about things that have already happened.

Also, if you care to, share any experiences regarding these sayings.

[RZehr]

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[RZehr]

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[RZehr]

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I'm not sure if I'm following the title correctly. It says not to be taken literally. So I didn't. But in not taking it literally, I am following the title literally. Help.

[Ken]

The word "literally" is often not to be taken literally.

For example: This thread is so funny I'm literally dying of laughter"

[Sudsy]

A piece of cake - as in my instructions here are easy to follow.

[Bootstrap]

"Head over heels", meaning "so in love that it's like I'm turned upside down.

Normally, our head is over our heels. Turns out, the phrase was originally "heels over head", but it got turned around over time.

[MaxPC]

Over the moon.

[Sudsy]

Under the weather

To be ill, not well – as in 'I’m feeling a bit under the weather.'

[Bootstrap]

I was feeling a little over the weather and under the moon, but I was still completely heels over head.