skip to main content

The Kitchen Table

Phrase of the day 4/23

jim_1 (Zone 5B)

3 years ago

Up to snuff

Originally, the expression up to snuff meant “sharp, keen, wise, all-knowing.” Presumably it got this meaning because a person who has just sniffed some snuff would have a brief sense of exhilaration and might feel that he was a lot brighter than other people. Gradually the term came to be applied more and more to a person’s physical condition. If you feel up to snuff nowadays, you feel that you’re in good shape, in normal good health.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

Annie Deighnaugh
3 years ago
And for those of us who didn't know:

Snuff is a smokeless tobacco made from ground or pulverised tobacco leaves. It is inhaled or "snuffed" into the nasal cavity, delivering a swift hit of nicotine and a lasting flavoured scent (especially if flavouring has been blended with the tobacco).

Was that the same as "take a powder"? Or was the powder something else?
raee_gw zone 5b-6a Ohio
3 years ago
I used to think that take a powder was about the early forms of aspirin (which was powder) but that makes no sense at all - it has to be something else.
Related Discussions
Phrase of the day 2/23
Q
Comments (4)
I knew what a widow's peak was but had no idea that it foretold an early widowhood. I guess that should make me relieved that I only have a cowlick.
...See More
Phrase of the day 4/4
Q
Comments (5)
That's another one of those common sayings that I've said and heard without giving it much thought - Thanks.
...See More
Phrase of the day 4/26
Q
Comments (1)
For me, every day is salad day...at lunch that is...
...See More
Phrase of the day 4/28
Q
Comments (1)
Thanks. I loved that movie.
...See More

Related Stories

ROOM OF THE DAY Room of the Day: A Laundry So Cheery, Wash Day Is Wonderful

Pretty paint and playful touches banish chore-day blahs in a laundry room designed for a magazine’s Idea House

LIVING ROOMS New This Week: 4 Well-Decorated Living Rooms, 4 Different Styles

By Mitchell Parker

See how color, scale and furnishing choices come together beautifully in a range of looks

LANDSCAPE DESIGN 4 Tips for Creating a Small Garden That Welcomes Wildlife

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Win over birds, bees, butterflies and neighbors with these design strategies

MOST POPULAR 4 Obstacles to Decluttering — and How to Beat Them

By Alison Hodgson

Letting go can be hard, but it puts you more in control of your home's stuff and style. See if any of these notions are holding you back

EVENTS 6 Top Design Events: Sept. 23-Oct. 14, 2011

Get out and get inspired! See what's on the Houzz list of things to do now

0

KIDS’ SPACES 10 Ways to Entertain Kids on Rainy Days

By Charmean Neithart Interiors

Make a few imagination-friendly room adjustments now to keep your kids busy — and your sanity intact — when nasty weather hits

KITCHEN DESIGN New This Week: 4 Ways to Punch Up a White Kitchen

By Mitchell Parker

Avoid the hospital look by introducing a bit of color, personality and contrast

SMALL HOMES Houzz Tour: A Family of 4 Unwinds in 540 Square Feet

An extraordinarily scaled-down home and garden for a couple and their 2 kids fosters sustainability and togetherness

MOST POPULAR Easy Green: 23 Ways to Reduce Waste at Home

By Laura Gaskill

Pick from this plethora of earth-friendly ideas to send less to the landfill and keep more money in your pocket

FALL AND THANKSGIVING Your Guide to a Simpler Turkey Day

By Laura Gaskill

These tips for everything from kitchen prep to cleanup can help ease the stress of hosting Thanksgiving

Sponsored

More Discussions

Oh no! Another one!

695

What are you reading? April 2024 Edition

72

Wednesday's Daily Quiz

10

I'll show you mine/you show me yours - Th 5/2/24

17

Thursday's Daily Quiz

3