willing (redirected from willingness)

God willing and the creek don't rise and Lord willing and the creek don't rise

Rur. If all goes well. Tom: Will you be able to get the house painted before the cold weather sets in? Jane: Yes, God willing and the creek don't rise. We'll be able to visit our daughter for Christmas, Lord willing and the creek don't rise.

See also: and, creek, god, rise

God willing.

If God wants it to happen. (An expression indicating that there is a high certainty that something will happen, so high that only God could prevent it.) John: Please try to be on time. Alice: I'll be there on time, God willing. Bob: Will I see you after your vacation? Mary: Of course, God willing.

See also: god

ready, willing, and able

Cliché eager or at least willing [to do something]. If you need someone to help you move furniture, I'm ready, willing, and able. Fred is ready, willing, and able to do anything you ask him.

See also: able, and

The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Prov. People cannot always do what they know they ought to do.; People are not always physically capable of doing what they are willing to do. (Biblical.) Alan: Have you started the diet your doctor recommended? Fred: The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

See also: but, flesh, spirit, weak