jump the shark
1. In television programming, to resort to using an obvious or unbelievable gimmick in a scene, episode, or storyline as a means of maintaining viewership, especially when the show's quality or popularity has begun to decline. The phrase alludes to the sitcom Happy Days, in which the character Fonzie (Henry Winkler) jumps over a shark on water-skis in the fifth season. This show used to have some of the wittiest writing in television, but they really jumped the shark when they introduced a contrived alien invasion in the seventh season.
2. By extension, to signal, especially through a conspicuous activity, event, or maneuver, a decline in the progress or evolution of something (e.g., a company, a brand, a political endeavor, etc.). The global tech giant, whose smartphone brand transformed the everyday technological landscape, seems to have jumped the shark this week when they revealed a line of computer-synced sneakers touted as their new flagship product. The governor was accused of jumping the shark during his re-election campaign by joining in with the cheerleading squad at his former high school's football game.
shark bait
1. slang A person swimming or surfing alone in the ocean. We sat on the beach with our drinks, watching the foolish shark bait going into the water alone for an evening swim.
2. (Hawaii slang) A very pale beachgoer, especially a tourist. (Supposedly because pale skin is attractive to sharks.) We don't hang out in this part of town too often in the summer, as it gets overwhelmed with shark bait this time of year.
3. A particularly naïve or gullible person who is an ideal target for a scam, graft, or con. He'd been in the game of scamming people for so long that he could spot shark bait from a mile away. Don't you dare wear that fanny pack out in town. We'll look like shark bait to the locals!
shark baiter
A person swimming or surfing alone in the ocean. Primarily heard in Australia. We sat on the beach with our drinks, watching the foolish shark baiter going into the water alone for an evening swim.
shark biscuit
slang Primarily heard in Australia.
1. Someone who is new to surfing. Keep an eye on Tad. He's still something of a shark biscuit, and those are some big waves.
2. A bodyboard. I think you'll have an easier time if you go out there with your shark biscuit, rather than your longboard.
3. A surfer who uses a bodyboard. I started out as a shark biscuit when I was a kid, but I've graduated to using a regular surfboard since then.
shark repellent
Any defensive financial tactic used by a company to fend off a hostile corporate takeover by another. Sensing that Gangrenous Inc. was looking to acquire their company to exploit its valuable intellectual property, the board of directors passed a number of shark repellents during their AGM to keep the hostile company at bay.
swim with sharks
1. Literally, to be in the water with sharks. My brother is a real adventurer—he's bungee jumped before and has even swam with sharks!
2. To be involved with cunning, possibly dangerous, people. I know you think you're a hustler, but you're swimming with sharks now—you could lose all your money against these guys. Before you start swimming with sharks, consider this—the last guy who went into business with them wound up dead!
the sharks are circling
1. Someone or something is facing imminent financial ruin or difficulty. The sharks have been circling for so long that I don't really remember what it's like to not be on the verge of bankruptcy. As the economy continues to struggle, the sharks are circling for many small businesses around the country.
2. Some danger, threat, or calamity imminent or at hand. Our nation is facing unprecedented threats from all over the world. The sharks are circling, and we need to be prepared to confront them.
wouldn't shout if a shark bit them
Cheap, miserly. In Australia, "to shout" is to buy someone something, usually a drink. Primarily heard in Australia. You expect Steve to buy you a drink? Ha! That guy wouldn't shout if a shark bit him!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.