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Idiom

Idioms were sayings that had a figurative meaning often unrelated to the actual phrasing. By studying the etymology of an idiom, one could determine how it came to be used. (TNG: "All Good Things...")

The Leyron were known to communicate using gestural idioms. (VOY: "Macrocosm")

Artistic, economic, medical, military, and nautical terms, as well as sports sayings often contained idioms.

Popular idioms[]

All hell breaking loose[]

If all hell broke loose, the situation was chaotic or violent.

When Kira Nerys asked Miles O'Brien if there was a way of beaming more than two prisoners from the Hutet labor camp, he replied, "I'm afraid not. As soon as we beam the first two up, all hell is going to break loose in that camp." (DS9: "The Homecoming")

As plain as the nose on someone's face[]

If something was as plain as the nose on someone's face, it was exceedingly obvious.

When Odo said that Bajorans were worse than other Humans at hiding their emotions, Shakaar responded, "So you're saying it's as plain as the nose on my face?" (DS9: "Crossfire")

Beat the tar out of[]

To beat the tar out of someone was to give them a severe beating.

Kirk once noted that he had always aspired to beat the tar out of Finnegan (TOS: "Shore Leave")

Best of both worlds[]

The best of both worlds referred to simultaneously benefiting from two very different situations.

Intendant Kira once stated to Bareil Antos (mirror) that he must be attracted to her dressed as Major Kira, since that was like the best of both worlds. (DS9: "Resurrection")

Between a rock and a hard place[]

Referred to someone who was in a situation where they could choose between two alternatives, and neither of them were acceptable.

In 1986, Bob Briggs told Gillian Taylor, they were in such a position regarding the fate of George and Gracie, explaining "If we can't keep them here without risking their lives. We can't let them go without a taking the same chance." (Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home)

Black and white []

To be "black and white" was for something to be either one thing or another, with no in between. The term was also related to another idiom, "cut and dry", and was the opposite of "a shade of gray".

Break the ice[]

To "break the ice" meant to introduce conversation or small talk into an awkward situation.

  • In 2151, Captain Jonathan Archer called a planned dinner with Vulcan Captain Vanik, he described the event as a "good way to break the ice." (ENT: "Breaking the Ice")
  • In 2372, The Doctor changed his program so that he would no longer say "Please state the nature of the medical emergency" when activated. When Kes discovered that he changed it back, and asked why, The Doctor explained that "I became so uncomfortable trying to find new ways to break the ice, as it were, that I restored it. Let's just say it works for me." (VOY: "Tattoo")

Bump in the road[]

Referred to an obstacle.

When Automated Unit 3947 declared that B'Elanna Torres had failed at building another of his kind, she replied, "Hey, do all you automated units give up the minute you hit a bump in the road?" (VOY: "Prototype")

Burning the midnight oil[]

Referred to what one did when they stayed up late at night to work or study. (VOY: "Waking Moments", "Pathfinder")

In 2143, A.G. Robinson, who got to be the first Human to test the NX-Alpha test vehicle, told Jonathan Archer that he didn't get this assignment because he tried too hard, "burning the midnight oil" in the simulator eighteen to twenty hours a day. (ENT: "First Flight")

In 2376, Captain Kathryn Janeway, who was working very late one night in the mess hall, told Neelix that she was "just burning the midnight oil", to which Neelix replied that it was way past midnight. (VOY: "Fair Haven")

In an alternate timeline in 2364, Captain Jean-Luc Picard ordered Miles O'Brien to bypass the secondary plasma inducer, which required O'Brien to realign the entire power grid, stating "we're all going to be burning the midnight oil on this one." Data, who overheard O'Brien, told him that that would be inadvisable because any "attempt to ignite a petroleum product on this ship at 0:00 hours [would] activate the fire suppression system." (TNG: "All Good Things...")

Burying the hatchet[]

Referred to putting aside a grudge.

When an alien was making a group of Klingons, along with the crew of the Enterprise, hallucinate that they were at war, Kirk declared he and his underlings would have to bury the hatchet with the Klingons. (TOS: "Day of the Dove")

Julian Bashir once expressed a desire to bury the hatchet with Kira Nerys. Being Bajoran, she did not understand the idiom, so he had to explain it. (DS9: "Crossover")

Casting a pall over ____[]

Referred to creating a somber mood in an otherwise pleasant situation.

In 2371, Julian Bashir apologized for casting a pall over a party when his thoughts were still on Bareil Antos's medical condition. (DS9: "Life Support")

Caught with one's pants down[]

Referring to being found in the act of doing something which left one in an embarrassing position.

In 2285, James T. Kirk characterized his having been trapped by Khan Noonien Singh as having been caught with his britches down, a fact he attributed to his own supposed senility. (Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan)

In 2366, Geordi La Forge opined that Romulan defector Alidar Jarok was correct about Romulan activity at Nelvana III, and that the Romulans would indeed be caught with their pants down. Data, unfamiliar with the phrase, questioned what he meant, and La Forge explained. (TNG: "The Defector")

Chasing ghosts[]

To "chase ghosts" meant to pursue an imaginary threat, or to pursue someone despite them being dead.

When Hengist was opposed to allowing Scotty to investigate three murders of which he was the prime suspect, but which new evidence suggested were committed by a non-corporeal lifeforms, he expressed disapproval at allowing Scotty to "go and start chasing ghosts". (TOS: "Wolf in the Fold")

When the Sheliak asked the crew of the Enterprise-D to remove the Humans from Tau Cygna V and Riker noted that the planet contained hyperonic radiation, which was deadly to Humans, he said, "Then the Sheliak are asking us to chase ghosts?" (TNG: "The Ensigns of Command")

When Kira Nerys was trying to find the creator of the Aphasia virus, Benjamin Sisko asked how she was doing. She replied that she was "chasing after ghosts", and he joked that she had twelve hours to catch one before the virus became fatal. (DS9: "Babel")

Child's play[]

Meaning: easy.

Kirk once noted that attempting to search for his missing away team made finding a needle in a haystack seem like child's play. (TOS: "The Galileo Seven")

When McCoy forgot how to reattach Spock's brain, Kirk noted that "Moments ago, it was child's play." (TOS: "Spock's Brain")

When Quark was considering bribing some Nausicaans with a bar of latinum each to help break Rom out of a holding sail, he stated that "Breaking Rom out of the holding cell will be child's play compared to the things they're used to doing." (DS9: "Favor the Bold")

Clean as a whistle[]

Referred to something being completely clean.

In 2369, retracing the murdered Ensign Aquino's steps, Chief O'Brien found that Runabout Pad C was as clean as a whistle. (DS9: "In the Hands of the Prophets")

In 2374, The Doctor told B'Elanna Torres that her pericardium was as clean as a whistle, having repaired injuries caused by Dejaren. He was not able to say the same about sickbay's condition after a day in Tom Paris' charge. (VOY: "Revulsion")

Clean their chronometers[]

Colonel West, while proposing Operation Retrieve, assured the Federation President that should the operation precipitate a full-scale war with the Klingon Empire, Starfleet could quite frankly "clean their chronometers." (Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country)

Clear someone's name[]

To clear someone's name was to prove their innocence.

When Worf said that it was not yet time to arrive at the Klingon home world for a council meeting, Picard replied, "That doesn't sound like the man who came to me a year ago fiercely determined to clear his father's name or die trying." (TNG: "Redemption")

Coin a phrase[]

To coin a phrase was either to introduce a new idiom or to repeat an old one.

In 2267, upon meeting Apollo, Leonard McCoy, in the absence of Spock, remarked, "To coin a phrase, fascinating". (TOS: "Who Mourns for Adonais?")

In 2376, The Doctor recalled pausing in his metallurgical scans on a rare away mission (for him) to Arakis Prime, in order "to smell the roses, to coin a phrase". Later, upon hearing him wax eloquent about the mission, saying, "one small step for a hologram, one giant leap for mankind", Seven of Nine repeated, "to coin a phrase". The Doctor allowed that his choice of words was not new. (VOY: "One Small Step")

Cover one's tracks[]

To cover one's tracks meant to destroy or hide evidence of one's secrets.

When Dax was observing the crew of the Defiant rebelling against the Jem'Hadar, Dax commented, "I think Worf's trying to cover their tracks." (DS9: "One Little Ship")

When Sisko denied that there was any real evidence that Bashir was a Dominion collaborator, Sloan said, "What other kind of case can I make against a man who covers his tracks so well?". Sisko stated that this was a "circular argument" and accused Sloan of being knowingly difficult. (DS9: "Inquisition")

Chakotay once noted that whoever made an unauthorised transmission was "an expert at covering their tracks". Later, he explained to Seska that he and others were hoping that either she or Carey would try to cover their tracks. Seska retorted that entering her security code in would be a bad way of covering her tracks, but Chakotay countered that this was a double bluff. (VOY: "State of Flux")

When B'Elanna Torres asked the EMH's malevolent alter ego, that he had acquired due to downloading many historical figures' personalities into his program, why he injected her with cateline to simulate anaphylaxis, he responded, "I had to cover my tracks, especially from him; from your doctor." (VOY: "Darkling")

Cross that bridge when one comes to it[]

To state that one would "cross that bridge when one came to it" was to state that one would wait until a problem arose before attempting to solve it.

When a replicant of Miles O'Brien was escaping from the personnel of Deep Space 9, he did not know what to do once he dropped out of warp, but stated that he would cross that bridge when he came to it. (DS9: "Whispers")

In an alternate 2374, when USS Voyager was extremely damaged, Commander Chakotay suggested that they should consider abandoning the ship and split the crew up into smaller groups as a more viable option of successfully crossing Krenim space. When asked by Captain Kathryn Janeway what they would do after that, Chakotay offered, "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. But at least we'd be increasing our chances of survival." (VOY: "Year of Hell")

Curl one's hair[]

Something that would curl one's hair would scare or surprise them.

In 2367, Guinan remarked that she had heard some Klingon belly laughs that would curl Worf's hair. (TNG: "Redemeption")

Cut someone slack[]

To cut someone slack was to be lenient on them.

When Benjamin Sisko was telling Quark not to be involved in a weapon sale, he said that while he did cut Quark slack in the past, but he would not let him get away with any more crime. (DS9: "Business as Usual")

Cut to the chase[]

To cut to the chase meant to get to the point.

Kilana once stated, in referenced to a crashed Dominion ship, "So let me cut to the chase. I believe that is the correct expression. This is our ship. We want it back." (DS9: "The Ship")

Dead in the water[]

If something was dead in the water, it was completely non-functional or immobilized.

Paris used this idiom when the propulsion systems on Voyager broke down. (VOY: "Prototype")

When the Delta Flyer stopped moving in the middle of a race, Harry Kim noted, "They're stopping. They're dead in the water." (VOY: "Drive")

When Voyager was losing containment, B'Elanna Torres noted, "At this rate, we'll be dead in the water in less than three minutes." (VOY: "The Void")

Diamond in the rough[]

A diamond in the rough was a person or thing that was valuable despite appearing worthless or being surrounded by worthless people or things.

Tom Paris described Alice (ship) as being a diamond in the rough when trying to convince Chakotay to let him keep it. (VOY: "Alice")

Don't let the door hit you on the way out[]

"Don't let the door hit you on the way out" was a derogatory idiom used to indicate that one was glad that someone was leaving.

Jadzia Dax used this expression when she was angry at Quark for being part of a weapons sale. (DS9: "Business as Usual")

Dot the "I"s and cross the "T"s[]

To "dot the 'I's and cross the 'T's" was to complete a task to the smallest details.

Julian Bashir once noted on a medical procedure he was using to attempt to adjust Melora Pazlar's body so that she could function in Earth gravity, "Someone else's research actually; I just dotted the 'I's and crossed the 'T's." (DS9: "Melora")

Dry spell[]

A "dry spell" was a prolonged period without sexual activity.

After learning that Vulcans only mated once in seven years, Trip Tucker remarked that that was "a hell of a dry spell." (ENT: "Fallen Hero")

A dry spell could also be a synonym for a drought. When Kathryn Janeway was a child, a character on a holonovel she was using predicted a "dry spell" (as in a drought), so Janeway diverted a river. This backfired when it caused a flood and attracted a large mosquito named Stinger. (VOY: "Once Upon a Time")

The dust settles[]

If the dust settled, then a tense situation died down.

When Vreenak asked Sisko which side he would pick in the Dominion War if he was in his position, Sisko replied that he woudl choose the side most likely to leave his people in peace when the dust settled. (DS9: "In the Pale Moonlight")

Early bird gets the worm[]

"The early bird gets the worm" meant that those who acted quickly/first were more likely to gain their objective.

When Commander Shelby used the expression to explain why she was bringing William Riker, Geordi LaForge, and Data on an away mission so early, Data who did not know the idiom, confusedly remarked that Shelby must have erred, since there were neither birds nor worms on the planet. Geordi noted that it was an idiom, but added that nevertheless, Shelby had, in fact, erred. (TNG: "The Best of Both Worlds")

When Voyager's EMH was trying to awaken B'Elanna Torres, he riffed on the idiom by stating that "The early bird gets the gagh". (VOY: "Drone")

Everything but the kitchen sink []

"Everything but the kitchen sink", meant that almost everything possible was being used to make something work, or likewise present in a single location.

When the USS Enterprise was caught in Vaal's tractor beam, Montgomery Scott was "putting everything but the kitchen sink into impulse power" just to keep the ship from being pulled out of orbit. (TOS: "The Apple")

While trapped inside a graviton ellipse, Commander Chakotay took note of the variety of debris contained within, describing "asteroid fragments, pieces of vessels, matter from every quadrant of the galaxy. Next time I lose something I'll know where to look. Instead of a graviton ellipse we should call it the "kitchen sink" anomaly." (VOY: "One Small Step")

Face the music[]

To "face the music" meant to accept negative consequences for one's actions.

When the EMH noted that Janeway risked court martial for disobeying him, she said that she would be willing to face the music, because a court martial would be a small price to pay for the misery she was going through. (VOY: "Year of Hell")

When Seven of Nine wondered why B'Elanna Torres wanted to return to Earth despite being a wanted criminal, B'Elanna replied that she would rather face the music on Earth than spend the rest of her life in the Delta Quadrant. (VOY: "Hope and Fear")

The fat is in the fire[]

If "the fat was in the fire", that meant something negative was sure to happen.

McCoy once noted that the fat would be in the fire when the Federation High Commissioner found out that Elaan had recently tried to murder the ambassador of the man she was betrothed to. (TOS: "Elaan of Troyius")

Fishing for a compliment[]

To "fish for a compliment" meant to say something in hopes of the other person responding with a compliment.

When Ambassador Troi mentioned that she used to "sparkle", she then added, "You see, that's called 'fishing for a compliment'; you're supposed to stay I still sparkle." (TNG: "Half a Life")

Fit as a fiddle[]

If somebody was "fit as a fiddle", this meant they were healthy.

When Julian Bashir had his body controlled by the consciousness of Rao Vantika, Benjamin Sisko asked him what happened to Bashir. Bashir as Vantika stated that Bashir's body was "fit as a fiddle". (DS9: "The Passenger")

Fit like a glove[]

If something "fit like a glove", it fit perfectly.

Scotty once used this idiom to refer to a new panel he installed. (TOS: "Where No Man Has Gone Before")

Fortune favours the bold[]

Meant that adventurous people tended to have better luck.

Sisko used the expression when facing up to some enemy ships during the mission to retake Deep Space Nine. (DS9: "Favor the Bold")

From day one[]

Meant (something had occurred) from the beginning of an undertaking.

(ENT: "Shockwave, Part II")

(ENT: "The Expanse")

(Star Trek Generations)

(VOY: "Scorpion")

(VOY: "Night")

(A) genie from the bottle []

"A genie from the bottle" meant getting what one wanted, but with bad results.

Give up the ghost[]

To give up the ghost meant to die (lifeforms) or cease operating (machines).

In 2152, Trip Tucker warned Jonathan Archer that it was only a matter of time before a plasma injector gave up the ghost. (ENT: "A Night in Sickbay")

In 2267, Scotty noted that the machine he had improvised to replace a faulty PXK pergium reactor on Janus VI had given up the ghost. (TOS: "The Devil in the Dark")

Go to hell in a handbasket[]

If something went to hell in a handbasket, it rapidly worsened.

In a hallucination experienced by Benjamin Sisko, Burt Ryan noted that the city was going to hell in a handbasket. (DS9: "Far Beyond the Stars")

Have to get up early in the morning to[]

To have to get up early in the morning to do something meant one would have to have an early start, implying that the task would be difficult.

In 2376, when playing a sleight of hand game with Neelix, the Doctor was certain he would guess which cup the tera nut was under, saying, "Don't you worry, Mister Paris. You have to get up pretty early in the morning to fool my optical subroutines". (VOY: "Live Fast and Prosper")

Hold down the fort[]

To hold down the fort was to temporarily assume somebody else's responsibilities.

B'Elanna Torres told Michael Jonas to hold down the fort while she and others went into the computer core. (VOY: "Investigations")

Home sweet home []

I am who I am[]

According to Tuvok, along with this saying, "It is impossible for me to be more or less like myself." (VOY: "Tuvix")

I couldn't fill your shoes[]

"I couldn't fill your shoes" was a Human idiom, describing one being in a bad situation, which the other person couldn't bear.

In 2286, Leonard McCoy told Spock, when he suffered from memory loss after being resurrected, "What I mean is I may have carried your soul, but I sure couldn't fill your shoes," to which Spock replied, "My shoes?" (Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home)

In someone's shoes[]

If someone was in someone's shoes, they were in that person's situation.

When Worf was in love with Grilka, Dax said that if she were in his shoes, she would go for someone more available and more "fun". Worf replied, "I am not in your shoes," and Dax joked that that was too bad, since she could do a lot in a pair of size eighteen boots. (DS9: "Looking for par'Mach in All the Wrong Places")

In the zone[]

If someone was in the zone, they were having a run of good luck.

When O'Brien was having a run of good luck at darts, he described himself as being in the zone numerous times. Once his good fortune ended, he felt like being in the zone was a one-off occurrence. He then said, "Welcome to the zone!" after Julian Bashir landed a bullseye. (DS9: "Shakaar")

When O'Brien had a second run of good luck at darts, Bashir described him as being "back in the zone." (DS9: "Doctor Bashir, I Presume")

Iota[]

An indication of a very small, indefinite measurement. (DS9: "Melora"; VOY: "Twisted", "Sacred Ground")

Keep it under your hat[]

To keep information under one's hat was to remember it for future reference.

Keep on a short leash[]

To keep someone on a short leash was to control them.

When Miles O'Brien was expressing disapproval about Julian Bashir attempting to end the Jem'Hadar's addiction to Ketracel-white, he noted that this may cause them to abandon the Dominion and run rampant. He noted that "At least now the Dominion keeps them on a short leash.". Bashir expressed disapproval at Bashir's use of the idiom, believing it made the Jem'Hadar sound like animals. (DS9: "Hippocratic Oath")

Leave no stone unturned[]

To leave no stone unturned was to be thorough.

When Chakotay said that there may be evidence of who stole some replicator components, Seska rhetorically asked him if he thought the thief would be foolish enough to log in using their name. Chakotay replied, "Chief Inspector Tuvok leaves no stone unturned." (VOY: "State of Flux")

Long face[]

A long face was a low mood.

Vic Fontaine asked Odo why he had a long face after the two of them performed a number on the holosuite. (DS9: "His Way")

Magic word[]

A magic word was a word that when invoked, made something happen. It could also refer to an oft-repeated phrase.

In 2267, after hearing Spock say "logical" once more, Dr. McCoy remarked, "There's that magic word again." (TOS: "The Squire of Gothos")

May God have mercy upon your soul[]

"May God have mercy upon your soul" was a phrase used in some ancient Earth cultures upon sentencing a person to execution. It was used in that capacity during Worf's 2371 promotion ceremony, which included holodeck roleplaying on a sea vessel and involved him walking the plank. (Star Trek Generations)

Q, immediately before adjourning his trial of Humanity, said to Captain Picard "May whatever god you believe in have mercy on your soul!", a variant of this phrase. (TNG: "All Good Things...")

Another variant of the phrase, "May God have mercy on our souls," was used by Malcolm Reed to end his final log entry when stranded in Shuttlepod 1 and he believed there was no chance of rescue. (ENT: "Shuttlepod One")

Media circus[]

A media circus was a Human idiom which described a news event where the coverage was out of proportion to the event itself.

In 1986, Gillian Taylor described to James T. Kirk the farewell ceremony for George and Gracie as a potential media circus. (Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home)

Mind the store[]

Mind the store meant to be in charge in the absense of others.

In 2266, upon contacting the Enterprise while stranded in command of a landing party on planet Alfa 177, Hikaru Sulu was surprised that the member of the crew who answered was none other than the starship's commanding officer, Captain James T. Kirk. He humorously replied that he was "watching the store," having given everyone else the afternoon off. (TOS: "The Enemy Within")

The next year, Kirk again referred to the Enterprise's store, immediately after Doctor Leonard McCoy remarked that Spock reacting uncharacteristically overjoyed at finding that Kirk was still alive had been logical "in a pig's eye." To McCoy's comment, Kirk, momentarily turning back as he and Spock were about to leave sickbay, suggested they "go mind the store." (TOS: "Amok Time")

Misery loves company[]

Meant that people tended to enjoy it when others shared their struggles.

When Tuvok was confused as to why Chakotay was consoled after finding out that Seska deceived both of them as opposed to just Chakotay, Chakotay responded with this idiom. (VOY: "State of Flux")

My mind's turned to clay[]

This expression, which meant that he was having trouble thinking, was used by Geordi La Forge in the running up to the battle of Wolf 359. (TNG: "The Best of Both Worlds")

Needle in a haystack[]

"Needle in a haystack" was a Human idiom which described the long-lasting search for something in a large variety of possibilities.

In 2267, when searching for the Galileo, James Kirk remarked to High Commissioner Ferris, "Finding a needle in a haystack would be child's play." (TOS: "The Galileo Seven")

Later in the episode's script, just after Kirk decides to search Taurus II for the Galileo, Ferris disapprovingly commented, "You said something about a needle in a haystack. Useless…" and Kirk replied, "Not if you want your needle back."

In 2364, William Riker described searching Starfleet records for an instance of someone showering in their clothes as "like looking for a needle in a haystack." (TNG: "The Naked Now")

In 2369 while searching for the crash landed runabout USS Yangtzee Kiang in the Gamma Quadrant, Miles O'Brien compared the search with searching for a "bloody needle in a haystack." O'Brien and Jadzia Dax had to search several planets, two dozen moons, and an asteroid belt. (DS9: "Battle Lines")

In 2370, a Paradan replicant of Miles O'Brien commented "Needle in a haystack wouldn't do this job justice", describing the search for a fault in Deep Space 9's upper pylons. (DS9: "Whispers")

In 2373, Jadzia Dax said to Benjamin Sisko "Do the words 'needle in a haystack' mean anything to you," after the USS Defiant had spent two unsuccess days searching the Badlands for cloaked missiles appropriated by the Maquis for a strike against Cardassia. (DS9: "Blaze of Glory")

Off the hook[]

To be off the hook meant to escape one's duty or responsibility.

When Lt. Tomlinson wondered if he would die shortly after his interrupted wedding to Ensign Martine, she joked that he would not be getting off her hook that easily. (TOS: "Balance of Terror")

On a silver platter[]

Referring to something that was offered to someone in a rather obvious manner.

  • In 2375, Neelix offered B'Elanna Torres the chance to insult his cooking by telling her to name her poison. After she missed that chance, he seemed disappointed, claiming he'd handed it to her on a silver platter. (VOY: "Extreme Risk")

One-way street[]

Meaning: The term referred to an agreement made by two parties, but only one party benefits from.

When Captain James T. Kirk was explaining romantic relationships to Charlie Evans, he told him to take it slow, that it wasn't a "one-way street." (TOS: "Charlie X")

On ice[]

To be on ice meant to be detained, particularly by the authorities.

When Kirk declined Krako's deal, the latter said, "Put him on ice!". Later, Kirk asked Scotty if he had Krako "on ice". (TOS: "A Piece of the Action")

When Data used the idiom, along with the slang term "grilled" (as in, interrogated), to explain where Picard was, Dr. Crusher replied, "What is he, a fish?" (TNG: "The Big Goodbye")

On someone's tail[]

To be on someone's tail meant to pursue them.

Michael Eddington was surprised that despite having been on his tail for a long time, all that Sisko had to say was that Eddington knew a lot about betrayal. (DS9: "For the Uniform")

On the fence[]

Meant to be undecided.

When Seven of Nine was undecided on whether allowing Ledosian scientists to study the Ventu would be beneficial or a hindrance to the Ventu, Janeway noted that it was unlike Seven to be on the fence. (VOY: "Natural Law")

On the house[]

Meant that something free of charge (i.e. the business (house) would pay for it).

When Quark was trying to appease some Wadi, he offered them a dabo spin on the house. (DS9: "Move Along Home")

When Quark served Jadzia Dax a drink and described both it and her as bright and sweet, Kira Nerys quipped, "The bad flattery is on the house." (DS9: "Dramatis Personae")

When Deep Space Nine was still under Cardassian rule, they had a tradition that involved the first drink in bars to be on the house. Quark disliked this tradition. (DS9: "Necessary Evil")

Quark once served a mug of kanar on the house to each of Natima Lang's students. (DS9: "Profit and Loss")

In the mirror universe, Quark always served drinks on the house to Garak. When Sisko took over his bar, the first thing he did was serve all the customers drinks on the house. (DS9: "Crossover")

When Quark served a drink on the house to Bashir and O'Brien, the latter wondered why Quark was in such a good mood. (DS9: "The Search, Part II")

In 2371, Jadzia Dax asked how much the kanar cost that gave Morn food poisoning, to which Bashir replied, "Apparently, it was on the house." (DS9: "Destiny")

Quark once served Garak some kanar on the house, which the latter noted was uncharacteristically generous. Quark explained that not only was he "in an uncharacteristic mood", he was attempting to get rid of the excess kanar he had in his stockroom. (DS9: "The Way of the Warrior")

Quark once served Rom some Snail juice on the house after a vacation on Ferenginar. (DS9: "Body Parts")

When Quark served a drink to Kira in 2374 and said, "This one's on the house," she was suspicious of his motives, and asked him what he wanted. (DS9: "A Time to Stand")

Quark once served Morn a drink on the house because he wanted to quickly talk to Kira. (DS9: "Favor the Bold")

Jake once claimed he "sold" his first book, but that it was a "figure of speech", i.e. that they were not paying him. Quark teased him by claiming he was going to serve Jake's first round of drinks on the house, but then backing out of it, saying it was a "figure of speech". (DS9: "You Are Cordially Invited")

Out of the woods[]

If someone was "out of the woods", they were no longer in a troubling situation.

When Willie Potts was being treated for an illness he'd contracted through eating parasite-ridden fruit, Beverly Crusher noted that, while he was not completely recovered, he was "out of the woods", i.e. no longer in danger of death. (TNG: "Brothers")

Over (my) dead body[]

Meaning: "You'll have to kill me to make that happen." Used to emphasize that a person's deep desire that something not occur.

Penny for your thoughts[]

"A penny for your thoughts" was a Human idiom, meaning that someone was curious about what the other person was thinking.

In 2368, Doctor Beverly Crusher used the expression when she wanted to get Jean-Luc Picard to talk to her during a conversation. When Picard asked her if she has one, she told him that the replicator probably has it on file. (TNG: "The Perfect Mate")

In 2369, when Q brought back Picard to the incident at Starbase Earhart in 2327, he told him (acting as a bartender): "Penny for your thoughts? You never told me you were such a lady's man," also jokingly referring to Picard's unsuccessful date with Penny Muroc. (TNG: "Tapestry")

In 2370, Crusher used the expression again, dining with Picard, after they shared thoughts for a time via the psi-wave device on Kesprytt III. (TNG: "Attached")

In 2257, Amanda Grayson spoke of a similar idiom, "Isik for your thoughts," which she described as a Vulcan but was later revealed as something she heard her mother say. (DIS: "Despite Yourself", "Will You Take My Hand?")

In 2383, Zero used the expression after learning it from Hologram Janeway to talk with Gwyn about why she was feeling sad. (PRO: "Kobayashi")

Play our cards right[]

Referring to "if things go well."

Playing twenty questions[]

Rather than playing an actual guessing game, this meant to make somebody ask questions rather than telling them directly what a problem or the answer was.

When Harry Kim claimed to be an American during the Hirogen simulation of World War II in 2374, Tom Paris became annoyed at the man's refusal to answer him, saying he didn't have time to play twenty questions. (VOY: "The Killing Game")

Kathryn Janeway told Neelix the same thing when he was less than forthcoming about the delicate issue of non-functioning lavatories on USS Voyager in 2375. (VOY: "Bride of Chaotica!")

The powers that be[]

"The powers that be" was a phrase referring to a decision made by those in power, or the decision makers, without going into detail who those decision makers were (as it was not relevant to the story.)

In 2143, when Jonathan Archer and A.G. Robinson were attempting to take NX Alpha on a test flight, Archer informed A.G. of the good news that he had just gotten word from "the powers that be" that he was good to go for launch. (ENT: "First Flight")

In 2256, Saru explained that he had been assigned to the USS Discovery as first officer by "the powers that be" after the destruction of the USS Shenzhou. (DIS: "Context Is for Kings")

Preaching to the choir []

"Preaching to the choir" was a phrase used to describe someone who was trying to convince another who was already a believer.

In 2365, Phillipa Louvois told Bruce Maddox he was preaching to the choir when he attempted to explain the usefulness of having a Data aboard every starship. (TNG: "The Measure Of A Man")

Pull the plug[]

To pull the plug meant to abruptly put a stop to something.

When the Vulcans were considering allowing Klaang to die rather than returning him to his people, since Klingons consider dying on duty to be an honour, Jonathan Archer expressed disdain at the Vulcans being willing to "pull the plug." (ENT: "Broken Bow")

When James Kirk decided to terminate an AI named Landru, he stated that "the plug must be pulled". (TOS: "The Return of the Archons")

When Julian Bashir was trying out a process on Melora Pazlar that would allow her to function in Earth gravity, he noted that for the next few days before the treatments became irreversible, "We can pull the plug at any time before then." (DS9: "Melora")

When questioned about allowing Seven of Nine to remain on Voyager, Janeway noted that "we were the ones who pulled the plug" (i.e. the Voyager crew were the ones who separated Seven from the Borg collective) and so she was their responsibility now. (VOY: "The Gift")

When Tuvok asked Janeway if she intended to allow a Borg fetus to mature, she replied that the only other alternative was to 'pull the plug' (i.e. terminate the fetus), which she was not willing to do. (VOY: "Drone")

When a vinculum was causing erratic behaviour in Seven of Nine, Janeway ordered B'Elanna Torres to pull the plug, i.e. destroy it. (VOY: "Infinite Regress")

When the Fair Haven characters had become sentient and believed the Voyager crew were spirit folk due to a malfunction in their perceptual filters, B'Elanna Torres suggested "pulling the plug", i.e. terminating the holonovel. (VOY: "Spirit Folk")

Push come to shove[]

If push came to shove, the situation became dire.

When Kozak accidentally fell onto his knife and died during an attempt at attacking Quark, the latter decided to lie that he had killed him in self-defense, to attract customers. Rom was nervous about this idea, fearing that Kozak's family would seek out the killer, wanting revenge. Quark replied, "If push comes to shove, we tell the truth and no harm done." (DS9: "The House of Quark")

When Julian Bashir was visiting 2024 and noted the San Francisco natives' apparent apathy for the homeless, particularly those homeless individuals who were also mentally ill, he feared that if push came to shove, Humanity would become completely immoral. (DS9: "Past Tense, Part I")

When discussing Section 31, Julian Bashir worried that if push came to shove, the Federation would sacrifice their principles. (DS9: "Inquisition")

Put me out to pasture[]

"Put (me) out to pasture" means to be forcibly retired.

In 2287, Captain Kirk lamented that "When they put me out to pasture, I hope I fare better than Korrd." This after learning that the formerly great Klingon General whose military strategies were required learning at Starfleet Academy, to being posted at Nimbus III. (Star Trek V: The Final Frontier)

Put out feelers[]

To put out feelers was to attempt to ascertain how a party felt about an issue.

Vreenak noted to Benjamin Sisko that the Federation had already put out peace feelers towards the Romulans, hoping to ally with them against the Dominion. (DS9: "In the Pale Moonlight")

The real McCoy[]

"The real McCoy" described anything which was the genuine article in question, not merely a facsimile thereof.

In 2374, Vic Fontaine revealed to Odo that a new improved version of the "Lola Chrystal" hologram was in fact Kira Nerys, who the hologram's features were based on, and that the Changeling had been dancing with the real McCoy. (DS9: "His Way")

In 2375, "Boothby" classified Chakotay, unlike himself, to be "the real McCoy", (i.e. not a Species 8472 recreation of a Starfleet officer) and recommended "Valerie Archer" perform a genetic extraction in order to figure out a better way for members of Species 8472 to maintain a Human appearance. (VOY: "In the Flesh")

A TOS-set comic entitled "The Real McCoy" took the phrase literally for a story arc about an individual who assumed McCoy's appearance and identity.

Rich beyond the dreams of avarice[]

Doctor Leonard McCoy managed to convince Dr. Nichols to accept the formula for transparent aluminum as compensation for his services by saying that once he figured out the dynamics of the matrix (which would take years), he'd be rich beyond the dreams of avarice. (Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home)

Saved by the bell[]

To be saved by the bell was to be spared from something unpleasant by an interruption.

When William Riker was called to the bridge in an attempt to play Night Bird, a song which he had trouble playing, he remarked, "Saved by the bell." (TNG: "Second Chances")

Tom Paris used this idiom when a hail interrupted a conversation between him, Harry Kim, and Tuvok regarding the latter's age. (VOY: "Alice")

Shade of gray[]

To be or have a "shade of gray" meant to not be clear what was right or wrong, or good and evil, but instead existed in a gray area. The term was the opposite of what it means to be black and white.

  • Following Worf's transfer to Deep Space 9 in 2372, Captain Benjamin Sisko explained that "Starfleet officers often have trouble learning the unofficial rules of the station," as contrary to serving aboard the USS Enterprise-D, Worf "always knew who were my allies and who were my enemies." Sisko reiterated the discussion, adding, "Let's just say DS9 has more shades of gray. And Quark definitely is a shade of gray. He has his own set of rules and he follows them diligently. Once you understand them, you understand Quark. I'd say that's true for everyone here." (DS9: "Hippocratic Oath")
  • After Captain Sisko's time in captivity with Gul Dukat, following the destruction of the USS Honshu, he explained to Jadzia Dax that he always thought "sometimes life seems so complicated. Nothing is truly good or truly evil. Everything seems to be a shade of gray." However, recalling his experience, he continued, "And then you spend some time with a man like Dukat and you realize that there is really such a thing as truly evil." (DS9: "Waltz")

Shed some light on[]

To shed some light on something was to make it easier to understand by providing more information.

Janeway once asked Annorax to shed some light on why his Imperium seemingly never existed. (VOY: "Year of Hell")

Short-sighted []

To be short-sighted described lack of imagination or foresight. Not to be confused with myopia.

  • Later that year, Gul Ocett told Nu'Daq he was remarkably short-sighted to believe he had surrendered his portion of a Progenitor program for nothing when it emerged that the program was still incomplete. (TNG: "The Chase")

The sky is the limit[]

Meant the limit was unreachable.

Picard once used this expression to refer to a poker game. (TNG: "All Good Things...")

Someone walking on one's grave[]

To say that someone was walking on one's grave was to say that one felt strange.

O'Brien once stated that he felt as though somebody was walking on his grave after he experienced a vision of himself dying. (DS9: "Visionary")

When Kes noted a strange, sudden feeling of being "cold" and "shivery", Captain Janeway told her, "Someone was walking on your grave". The EMH was unfamiliar with this idiom, so Janeway defined it, to which he noted how macabre the idiom was. Janeway then expressed surprise that the EMH did not know the idiom since it originated on Earth, but he supposed that his programmers considered it unimportant. (VOY: "Persistence of Vision")

Spare the rod and spoil the child[]

Said to indicate children were not disciplined, they would not have correct character development.

Mora Pol used this idiom when trying to justify using painful procedures on a juvenile changeling. (DS9: "The Begotten")

Stick in the mud[]

A stick in the mud was someone who was dull and opposed to change and adventure.

Vic Fontaine once used this idiom to describe Odo. (DS9: "His Way")

Stone knives and bearskins[]

"Stone knives and bearskins" was a derogatory term employed by Spock to describe the 1930s technology he was forced to use to construct a tricorder interface. Vital information was locked within Spock's tricorder: How had Leonard McCoy changed history? Spock was eventually able to construct an appropriate circuit, but retrieved two separate recordings: one in which Edith Keeler lived, and one in which she died. At that point, the improvised interface erupted in sparks and flame, ruining his chance to learn which of the recordings represented McCoy's alteration, and which the correct timeline. (TOS: "The City on the Edge of Forever")

Kathryn Janeway also used this expression when typing on a late 20th century computer keyboard trying to find out information about Henry Starling. (VOY: "Future's End")

Talk shop[]

To talk shop was to discuss the rudiments of one's profession.

In 2267, upon reconnecting with his ex-girlfriend Areel Shaw, James T. Kirk tried to discourage her from discussing his pending court martial, saying, "let's not talk shop". (TOS: "Court Martial")

That's life[]

"C'est la vie" (French: "that's life") was a Human idiom, meaning bad things happen, it was the way of life.

In 2285, when Admiral James Kirk self-destructed the USS Enterprise, killing most of Kruge's Klingon crew on board, he told the commander on the surface of the Genesis Planet: "Sorry about your crew, but as we say on Earth, …'c'est la vie.'" (Star Trek III: The Search for Spock)

Geordi La Forge once explained to Data that for the particular situation he was experiencing, it turned out that way, because "that's life". (TNG: "Inheritance")

That's the ticket[]

Used to express happiness or to compliment someone on a job well done.

A holographic Orient Express worker once used the phrase to compliment Will Riker on his work stoking a fireplace on the train. (TNG: "Emergence")

Throw someone a lifeline[]

Meant to rescue them from a dire situation.

Quark, defending himself to Jadzia Dax for being part of a weapons sale, expanded on this idiom by saying, "I was drowning. The waters were closing over my head and just as my lungs were about to burst, my cousin threw me a lifeline." (DS9: "Business as Usual")

Throw to the wolves[]

To throw something or somebody to the wolves meant to abandon them or it at a time of danger.

When Scott was suspected of murder, McCoy asked Kirk if he thought Scott may be guilty. Kirk responded, "It doesn't make any difference what I think", to which McCoy responded, "But you don't just throw him to the wolves." (TOS: "Wolf in the Fold")

When Chakotay figured that Janeway was holding a grudge against Captain Ransom, he pointed out that "This man betrayed Starfleet, he broke the Prime Directive, dishonoured everything you believe in, and threw Voyager to the wolves." (VOY: "Equinox")

Tickled pink[]

To be "tickled pink" was to be very happy.

Berlinghoff Rassmussen once claimed to be tickled pink to have witnessed the crew of the Enterprise-D saving Penthara IV. (TNG: "A Matter Of Time")

Time flies when you're having fun[]

"Time flies when you're having fun" meant that pleasure gave the illusion of time passing quicker.

Data once noted that this idiom was a good example of how Humans had a more "flexible" perception of time than he did. (TNG: "We'll Always Have Paris")

Quark used this idiom when Sisko spent a long time doing research and lost track of time. (DS9: "Rapture")

Tip of the iceberg[]

The first hint or revelation of something much larger or more complex.

To err is Human[]

"To err is Human" meant that mistakes were acceptable and normal.

When Odo neglected verifying a security code, which caused an accident in a turbolift, Sisko noted that "They say to err is Human, but you're not Human, Odo. You're not even humanoid, and this is not the sort of mistake that I'd expect from you." (DS9: "Crossfire")

Under one's belt[]

If something was under someone's belt, it was part of their experience.

Sulu once described Tuvok as an "ensign with only two months' space duty under his belt". (VOY: "Flashback")

When in Rome, do as the Romans do[]

Meant that it was proper to emulate one's peers.

Julian Bashir used the idiom when both Jadzia Dax and Lita changed their clothes en route to Risa. (DS9: "Let He Who Is Without Sin...")

The whole kit and caboodle[]

Referring to the entirety of something.

With one's name on it[]

Having one's name on something meant that the object in question belonged to or was reserved for them.

In 2372, Julian Bashir assured Odo that there was a Spitfire with his name on it in the hangar if he wanted to join the Battle of Britain holoprogram. Later, Joseph Sisko told his grandson there was a vat of crayfish that needed cleaning with his name on it. (DS9: "Homefront")

In 2375, Miles O'Brien told Janel Tigan he was not looking forward to seeing Captain Sisko again, as he had a boot with O'Brien's name on it. (DS9: "Prodigal Daughter")

In 2377, Reginald Barclay offered Deanna Troi a drink. When she declined, he tried to tempt her, saying he had a chocolate passion punch with her name on it. (VOY: "Inside Man")

Work (one's) side of the street[]

To work (one's) side of the street was to take up another's line of work instead of one's own.

In 2266, after Kirk's successful handling of the situation with Harcourt Fenton Mudd, Eve McHuron, and Ben Childress, McCoy surmised Kirk must have talked them into rationality, asking if Kirk had ever thought of selling patent medicine. Kirk then quipped, "Why should I work your side of the street?" (TOS: "Mudd's Women")

Figures of speech
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See also[]

External links[]