It has been in literal usage since 1888.įair game A legitimate object of attack or ridicule an easy target of derision. This American slang expression is an extension of the term clay pigeon as used in trapshooting, where it represents a disklike object of baked clay thrown into the air as a target. Some modern psychologists have adopted the word armor to mean ‘character or personality,’ emphasizing those aspects of one’s character which are formed in defense and serve self-protective functions.Ĭlay pigeon A person or thing in a vulnerable position an easy mark one who can be easily taken advantage of an easy job or task, a cinch. Figuratively, a chink in one’s armor refers to a personal rather than physical vulnerability. A chink ‘crack, cleft, or narrow opening’ could cost a knight his life. The phrase alludes to the armor worn by knights. General acceptance of this inelegant expression has been attributed to its appearance in a 1946 issue of The Saturday Evening PostĬhink in one’s armor A weakness or vulnerability an area in which one’s defenses are inadequate or ineffective a personality flaw. A person in such a position reacts less quickly than one “on his toes.”Ĭaught with one’s pants down Taken completely off guard or entirely by surprise found in a compromising or embarrassing position hence, also unquestionably guilty caught in the act, in flagrante delicto. It refers to someone’s being caught (thrown out or tackled) while standing still or flat-footed. Caught flat-footed Caught unprepared, unready, by surprise, not “on one’s toes.” This phrase probably derives from baseball or football, and dates from the early 1920s.