A Clingstone Glossary, Part IV

It’s that time again! Let’s delve into the quaint expressions found throughout Clingstone. What if we still used these quirky sayings in everyday conversation? Any chance these will ever catch on again? Enjoy these examples from my book along with examples of their usage in modern-day situations.

Between you and me and the lamppost-gossip shared in the strictest confidence

EXAMPLE: “Betwixt you, me, and the lamppost, Loretta’s cooking gives me terrible inflammation of the belly—”
EXAMPLE: “My dog has inexplicably developed a fear of shiny floors. Between you and me and the lamppost, I think she’s finally lost her little doggie mind.”

To cudgel one’s brains-think hard about something

EXAMPLE: “You just now thought of that?” Lucinda asked, tone dry. “Don’t cudgel your brains thinkin’ too hard on matters, Pru.”
EXAMPLE: “No matter how hard I cudgel my brains, I can’t fathom how my beloved Outlander on Starz didn’t get nominated for more than two measly Emmys.”

To laugh up one’s sleeve- to be secretly entertained; to laugh behind someone’s back

EXAMPLE: “So you said. And apparently I had nothin’ better to do than hide from you. Did you think I was tiptoeing behind a bush, laughin’ up my sleeve? Let’s be fair and square about this. You were the one who ran off and left me, remember?”
EXAMPLE: “Pokémon Go is quickly spiraling out of control. The latest gaffe includes players trespassing at Area 51. The aliens must be laughing up their sleeves."​​​

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