Oh No! I Dropped It! Trivia Quiz

Answer: Delight over a given situation

The origins of this phrase may lie in the 18th century, in the term 'goody goody', which has been used in an American ballad named 'The Disappointment' in 1760, for example. Gumdrops are an American invention and were introduced in the mid 19th century, so that aspect of the expression did most likely not come about until later. Whilst it was often attributed to British children, it was probably actually coined in America. The term is quite archaic nowadays, however, so it has limited use.

Answer: A problem is a smaller part of a whole

This idiom most likely originates in the Bible, or of similar times to when it was written. It is a small issue, which can also be likened to the tip of the iceberg.

From Isaiah 40:15 (King James Version): "Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing." (http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/124000.html)

The synonymous phrase 'a drop in the ocean' is also likely to be derived from this idiom. In Dickens' "A Christmas Carol", there is a quote stated by a ghost: "The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business", which suggests the use of water in any large body of water could satisfy an idiom of similar meaning.

Answer: False

To drop a clanger is to make a conspicuous, perhaps embarrassing, mistake - it is not particularly associated with malice. Its origins are unclear, however several plausible suggestions include the dropping of a heavy tool, the 'clanging' of a particularly loud bell inappropriately, or literally dropping a 'clanger', which is a pastry parcel with meat and veg at one side, and jam (or some sweet substance) at the other side. If dropped, they would mix, which apparently wouldn't be tasty.

Answer: They are suddenly dying or falling ill in great numbers

Flies are fragile, and thus the phrase likely is an allusion to this fragility. This phrase can be used to describe illness, or in warfare, many people dying at once. However, it can also be used to describe the dropping out or failure of, for example, sports contestants in a race.

In a news paper named "The Atlanta Constitution", in 1902, a quote reads: "I saw men and women rushing back and forth within the flames. They would run along, then came the choking smoke and they would drop like dead flies.", and it is said the phrase may originate from "The Brave Little Tailor", a story from the Brothers Grimm, where a boy kills many flies.

Answer: Communicate with them

The original context for this phrase may lie within the notion of writing a short letter or note, and 'dropping' it in the postbox. Its exact origins are unclear.

There are cultural differences with the use of this phrase. Whilst, more often, a form of written communication is its likely context, contact by telephone (telephone line) is also viable, as are other forms of communication. Within a general context, some form of communication would be generally seen as an acceptable use of the phrase.

Answer: One has become aware of a (sometimes obvious) situation belatedly

It is highly likely that in waiting for a coin-operated device to work, this phrase was coined.

It has quoted use within the 'finally understood' context in Nigel Balchin's novel "A Way Through Wood", written in 1951: "I sat and thought for a moment and then the penny dropped.".
The actual first use of this phrase may have been around the early 1900's, or late 1800's, as the first coin operated vending machine was built in London in the 1880's, which distributed postcards. This sparked widespread, commercial production and therefore use of coin-operated machines, including public toilet locks, and would be likely to lead to the use of such a phrase.

Interestingly, in 215BC, Greek mathematician Hero devised a way to vend holy water with a coin providing holy water. The coin's weight would push down a tray, enabling some water to pour out, and then, the coin would fall off, reverting the mechanism back to its original state. So, this technology was not really 'new' when it was first introduced commercially.

Answer: She changes her mind suddenly and without obvious reason

The drop of a hat, literally, was said to be the cue for fights in the American West in the mid 1800's. Whilst its original context might have been to describe the signal for an altercation, the saying is now in use to imply that someone will do something with little preparation and/or suddenly, with little delay.

For example, changing their mind, going to the doctor, marriage, and so on. Perhaps you played this quiz at the drop of a hat?

Answer: She is very beautiful

In 1985, in 'Time' magazine, Michelle Pfeiffer was described as drop-dead gorgeous, perhaps the first time use of this exact phrase. It has since caught on and became popular. The concept might be that the woman is so beautiful, she stuns the viewer into a collapse. Or, perhaps using the concept of death within the phrase is merely an intensifier.

If you added a comma in an opportune position, then yes, it could indeed become a death threat. There is a band called 'Drop Dead, Gorgeous' who may have played on that very theme.

Answer: Make a careless mistake

This idiom is based on an American English usage, and likely draws its origins through some sport, such as baseball or football, where fumbling the ball is likely to have a negative consequence for your team, and could be seen as avoidable. The phrase can be used to describe oneself, or another person who has made a mistake.

It can also be used to signify that one has missed an opportunity, as well as making a mistake, and this secondary connotation likely came into play in the 1940's.

Answer: Make a shocking announcement

And the bombshell is... this is the last question of this quiz. What, that wasn't shocking enough for you? Oh well.

This phrase can be used in a personal, news or business-like context, and as ever, the exact origins are unclear, but is likely to derive from a wartime situation such as World War I, alluding to the destruction caused by a falling bomb. Common themes used could involve relationships, failing businesses, deaths, but any shocking news could work.