What would be the worst figure of speech if you took them literally?

I did one myself recently.

To a patient in hospital.
"They are putting that liquid in, like there is no tomorrow."
Thankfully, everyone saw the funny side. Just.

Keep your eyes peeled...

Better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick 🤷‍♀️

Cat got your tongue?

Killing time.

Cutting off your nose to spite your face (painful!)

Cost an arm and a leg

I’ll skin you alive
I’ll see you swing

‘Hold your feet to the fire’😱

Go boil your head.
He wears his brain in his trousers.

You won't have a leg to stand on.

I'd rather stick pins in my eyes.

What will the neighbours say?

What will the WI ladies say?

I could eat you with a spoon!

I'll have your guts for garters!

My least favourite of all - I'll tear you a new one

My favourite - I was literally having kittens

He jumped the gun

Skeletons in the closet

I'm over the moon

She was dressed like a dog’s dinner

Sixth form A level French gave us access to the giant Lascelles and Cassells dictionaries in the school library. Reading through all the entries for phrases involving eyes had my friends and I literally collapsing in forbidden laughter .. I can't really remember any of them now, but a couple already mentioned were definitely there.

I’ll eat my hat.

Casdon!


He wears his brain in his trousers
Tea splutter!

Killing two birds with one stone!