Forums » ESL, Rules of English Grammar, Help and Games » ESL Vocabulary and Idioms » (Don't) Get your knickers in a twist/knot.

(Don't) Get your knickers in a twist/knot.
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EyeSeeYou  #375059  Mon, 04 Jun 07 08:34 PM

I know there are some variations of that idiom, such as Don't get your panties in a bunch/wad, right? I know their meaning, and in the firts case (knickers in a twist/knot) I can see the picture of a young girl being upset, crying while twisting her panties because she's not being given what she wants, but what I cannot seem to picture is the ones in green. The words bunch and wad sort of hinder me from visualizing the situation.

Yeah, I know I asked an odd question. *winks*
  
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Clive  #375080  Mon, 04 Jun 07 09:57 PM

Hi,

I don;t think you've quite grasped the meaning or the image here. The idea is that if your underwear has a twist in it, it will be uncomfortable and irritatting for you. Wink [;)] Same thing if it is in a bunch or wad.

It doesn't mean that anyone is actively doing any twisting.

Best wishes, Clive
  
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nona the brit  #375258  Tue, 05 Jun 07 10:28 AM

I've never tried to visualise a literal image for that idiom before Big Smile [:D].

It just means don't get cross/upset/frustrated/anxious.
  
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Spectacled-Girl  #375298  Tue, 05 Jun 07 12:41 PM

Thinking [8-)] What does 'wad' means in this case? Does it mean 'in a bunch'?
  
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Clive  #375333  Tue, 05 Jun 07 02:38 PM

Hi,

Sort of. My dictionary speaks of a small compact mass. Sounds rather uncomfortable to sit on, doesn't it?

Best wishes, Clive.
  
Davidckchiu  #375421  Tue, 05 Jun 07 05:02 PM
Hi Clive,

Does the idiom (Get your knickers in a twist) mean one getting trouble/upset by oneself ?

Can you illusrate this using an example please ?

Thanks ! (Can I say "Thanks" in this way?  I mean as writing in first person but using a singular verb. I have seen many people writing like that.

Cheers
  
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Marius Hancu  #375428  Tue, 05 Jun 07 05:12 PM
Read Nona's:

>don't get cross/upset/frustrated/anxious

you should be able to write examples with these yourself.

  
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Clive  #375448  Tue, 05 Jun 07 06:07 PM

Hi,

Does the idiom (Get your knickers in a twist) mean one getting trouble/upset by oneself ? Yes, getting upset by oneself unnecessarily.

Can you illusrate this using an example please ?

A: Oh my god, I'm not ready for the test tomorrow, I'm going to fail, I'm doomed, it will be a disaster.

B: This test is only worth 5% of the total marks for the course, so don't get your knickers in a twist.

Thanks ! Yes, it's fine (Can I say "Thanks" in this way?  I mean as writing in first person but using a singular verb. I have seen many people writing like that.

Best wishes, Clive
  
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Davidckchiu  #375905  Wed, 06 Jun 07 04:17 PM
Hi Clive,

Thanks !

Best Wishes,
David
  
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