curse

curse the day (one) was born

1. Of oneself, to regret having ever existed, as due to some extreme suffering one is or will be experiencing. Basic training in the military is so hard that you'll often find yourself cursing the day you were born. She was so embarrassed by the event that she cursed the day she was born.

2. To detest someone to such a degree as to wish they had never existed. You're just a horrible, selfish pig, and I curse the day you were born!

See also: born, curse

curse (someone or something) under (one's) breath

To say threatening, consternated, or disgruntled remarks (toward someone or something) in a very soft or indistinct voice, such that no one else can hear or understand them clearly. "You'll get what's coming to you one of these days," Janet cursed under her breath. Steven stormed off to his room, cursing his parents under his breath. My dad spent nearly an hour trying to fix the engine on the side of the road, cursing the broken-down truck under his breath the whole time.

See also: breath, curse

curse a blue streak

To use profane language with great rapidity and intensity. My dad cursed a blue streak after he found out I'd put a dent in his car.

See also: blue, curse, streak

curse (someone) under (one's) breath

To murmur something in such a soft, quiet voice that others cannot hear it distinctly. (Said especially of rude, unpleasant, complaining, or impertinent remarks.) I could hear Bill cursing the boss under his breath as he walked back to his desk after his annual review. If you curse under your breath around me again, I'll tan your hide so quick it will smart for a week!

See also: breath, curse

curses, like chickens, come home to roost

One's previous actions will eventually have consequences or cause problems. Aw man, I knew not handing in my homework would be a problem eventually. Curses, like chickens, come home to roost, after all. I'd be careful before making any rash decisions—you know that curses, like chickens, come home to roost.

See also: come, home, like, roost

curse (someone or oneself) for (something)

1. To call evil upon one for something they have done. If he ever mistreats my daughter, I will certainly curse him for it.

2. To criticize oneself. In this usage, a reflexive pronoun is used between "curse" and "for." As I sat in the traffic jam, I cursed myself for not leaving the house earlier.

See also: curse

curse at (someone or something)

To use profane language when speaking to someone or something. I cursed at the driver that nearly backed into my car. My dad cursed at the TV when his favorite team allowed a goal in overtime.

See also: curse

curse with (something)

1. To call evil upon one. A noun or pronoun can be used between "curse" and "with." I cursed him with every illness I could think of when I heard how he had mistreated my daughter.

2. To have a particular problem or affliction. A noun or pronoun can be used between "curse" and "with." I've been cursed with an excellent memory because I can remember every insult or wrong that has ever been done to me.

See also: curse

not give a tinker's curse

slang To not care about, or have any interest in, someone or something. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. Fred does not give a tinker's curse about what anyone else thinks of him.

See also: curse, give, not

not worth a tinker's curse

Completely worthless or useless; having little or no value. I was so excited when my grandfather said he'd give me his car, but this old clunker isn't worth a tinker's curse. Over the years working here, I've come to realize that the boss's word isn't worth a tinker's curse.

See also: curse, not, worth

a tinker's curse

rude slang That which has little or no value. Fred doesn't give a tinker's curse about what anyone else thinks of him. I was so excited when my grandfather said he'd give me his car, but this old clunker isn't worth a tinker's curse.

See also: curse

the curse

euphemism A menstrual period. Sorry, I don't think I'm going to come swimming. I got the curse yesterday. I get really bad cramps whenever the curse strikes.

See also: curse

curse at someone or something

to swear at someone or something; to use foul language at someone or something. He cursed at the jammed toaster and pounded his fist on the counter in anger. Please don't curse at me.

See also: curse

curse someone for something

to damn someone for doing something; to invoke evil upon someone for doing something. She cursed her mother for ever having borne her. Over and over, she cursed herself for ever having come there.

See also: curse

curse someone or something with something

 

1. to damn someone or something with something, especially a verbal curse. She cursed him with the fervent wish that he rot in hell. She cursed the day he was born with an unprintable oath.

2. to afflict or oppress someone or something with something. His upbringing cursed him with a strong sense of guilt. The political scandal cursed the town with a dismal reputation for years.

See also: curse

*under one's breath

Fig. [spoken] so softly that almost no one can hear it. (*Typically: curse ~; curse some-one or something ~; mutter ~; mutter something ~; say something ~.) John was muttering something under his breath, and I don't think it was very pleasant. I'm glad he said it under his breath. If he had said it out loud, it would have caused an argument.

See also: breath

not give (or care) a tinker's curse (or cuss or damn)

not care at all. informal

In former times, tinkers (itinerant menders of pots, pans, and other metal utensils) had a reputation for using bad language. The expression is often shortened to not give a tinker's .

1984 Patrick O'Brian The Far Side of the World When I was a squeaker nobody gave a tinker's curse whether my daily workings were right or wrong.

See also: curse, give, not

the curse

n. the menses. The curse struck this morning.

See also: curse