give curry: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘give curry’ mean?
The idiom "give curry" typically means to scold or criticize someone harshly.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "let someone have it" means to strongly criticize or reprimand someone, often with force or anger.
The idiom "jump down someone's throat" means to angrily and aggressively criticize or confront someone about something they have said or done.
The idiom "haul someone over the coals" means to scold or reprimand someone severely for their actions or behavior.
The idiom "give someone what for" means to scold or criticize someone severely, often in a forceful or angry manner.
The idiom "give as good as one gets" means to respond with equal force or intensity when faced with aggression or criticism, not allowing oneself to be taken advantage of.
The idiom "give the elbow" means to reject, ignore, or dismiss someone or something. It conveys the idea of pushing someone away or keeping them at a distance, either physically or emotionally.
The idiom "get bent" is an offensive expression typically used to dismiss or belittle someone, urging them to go away or expressing frustration towards them. It is considered rude and impolite.
The idiom "eat shit" is an offensive expression used to imply contempt, frustration, or disbelief towards someone or a situation, often indicating a desire for them to fail or suffer negative consequences.
The idiom "dressing-down" means to reprimand or scold someone severely, often in a public or humiliating way.
Spice Up Conversations
The idiom "give curry" originated in the late 19th century and is derived from the British slang term "curry favor," which means to seek favor through flattery. Although the exact origins of "give curry" are unclear, it is believed to have emerged as a variation of "curry favor" in the United States.
This idiom is commonly used when someone is trying to gain someone else's approval or support. It implies that the person is making an excessive effort to gain favor, often with the intention of benefiting themselves. It can be used in both formal and informal situations, and can be used sarcastically to imply insincerity or manipulation.
It is important to note that "give curry" should not be confused with the literal act of giving curry, which refers to providing someone with a spicy Indian dish. The idiomatic use of "give curry" is distinct from its literal meaning and should be understood in context.
While "give curry" is primarily used in American English, variations of this idiom can be found in other languages and cultures. In French, for example, the phrase "donner du curry" has a similar connotation of trying to please or impress someone through excessive flattery.
The idiom "give someone what for" is related to "give curry" and signifies reprimanding or scolding someone severely. Both idioms convey a sense of confrontation and intensity, with "give someone what for" emphasizing the act of admonishing someone and "give curry" emphasizing the act of seeking favor.
Another related idiom is "let someone have it," which means to unleash a verbal attack or criticism on someone. This idiom shares the idea of confrontational behavior with "give curry," highlighting the intensity and directness associated with both expressions.
Overall, the idiom "give curry" reflects the concept of seeking approval or support through exaggerated flattery, illustrating the complex dynamics of human interaction and the various strategies individuals use to navigate social relationships. It is a reminder of the sometimes insincere and manipulative nature of seeking favor and the different ways it can be expressed in language and culture.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "give curry" can be used in a sentence:
- After scoring the winning goal, the striker gave curry to the opposing team by showing off his victory dance.
- During the debate, the politician gave curry to his opponent with a series of impressive arguments and counterpoints.
- The chef gave curry to the dish by adding extra spices and herbs to enhance the flavor.
The idiom "give curry" in these examples is used metaphorically to mean showing off, outperforming or adding something additional to improve a situation. It illustrates an action or behavior that goes beyond expectations or norms in a given context.
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