smashing



smash (something) to smithereens

To break or destroy something into tiny, fragmentary pieces. "Smithereens," first appearing in English in 1829 as "smiddereens," is likely derived from the Irish word "smidirín" or "smidiríní," meaning "fragment." The demolition crew brought in the wrecking ball, which smashed the house to smithereens in a matter of hours. The typhoon's gale-force winds have been smashing the village to smithereens over the last few days.
See also: smash, smithereens

smash the teapot

To resume drinking alcohol after a time of sobriety. The "teapot" here is likely a reference to the term "teetotaler"—one who does not drink alcohol. A: "But Paul's been sober for years. Has he really smashed the teapot?" B: "Yes! I saw him drunkenly stumbling out of the pub last night."
See also: smash, teapot

smashing

mod. excellent; really tremendous. This whole meal has been smashing.

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Alexaə-LEK-səEnglish
ÉDithe-DEETFrench
Jacintahah-THEEN-tah (Spanish), hah-SEEN-tah (Latin American Spanish)Spanish, Portuguese
Yeong-Sukyung-sookKorean
Thamir-Arabic
DorotĖJa-Lithuanian