Button themed idioms

An idiom is a widely used saying or expression containing a figurative meaning that differs from the phrase’s literal meaning. Dating from the late 18th century, as buttons had become  common items, button themed idiom entered the English language.

‘To take by the buttons’  or  ‘by the button-hole’, or simply ‘to button-hole‘ is to detain someone in conversation.

‘Dash/Bust my buttons!‘ is to be surprised and/or annoyed.

‘To have a soul above buttons’ is to consider your self superior to your circumstances, to be worthy of better things, or a better job. It can also mean you value things above the mundane.

To ‘have all your buttons’ is to be of sound mind or quick witted.

To be ‘a button short‘ is to be unsound mind, or to have a button come off your clothing.

To be ‘as bright as a button‘ is to be clever, energetic, healthy or wide-awake.

To be ‘cute as a button‘ is very cute indeed.

‘At the push of a button‘ is to be easily achieved. 

To be ‘ (right) on the button‘ is to be precise, correct.

To have your “finger on the button” is to be ready to launch an attack.

To ‘press the panic button‘ is to start a panic.

To ‘button  your lip‘ is to remain silent, especially to refrain from saying something problematic.

To ‘button up‘ is to get ready, be quite, or just to fasten you clothes!

A ‘hot button‘ is a important issue or topic.

A ‘button nose‘ is a cute, dainty small sized nose.

Not to ‘care a button‘ is not to care.

A ‘buttoned-down’ shirt has the collar buttoned onto the shirt front. It can also apply to a serious or conservative person.

If you know of any others, please use the Contact page.