General
flat out like a lizard drinking
What does flat out like a lizard drinking mean?
Very busy or working as fast as possible; a play on a lizard flat to the ground while drinking.
"I've been flat out like a lizard drinking all week."
Origin
Australian idiom punning on two senses of 'flat out'.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'flat out like a lizard drinking' mean?
It means extremely busy or working as hard and fast as you possibly can. It's an Aussie way of saying you're run off your feet.
Why do Australians compare being busy to a lizard drinking?
It's a visual pun: a lizard drinking lies flat against the ground, and 'flat out' also means going at full speed, so the phrase doubles up on both senses.
How do you use 'flat out like a lizard drinking' in a sentence?
Usually to describe how hectic your day or week has been, e.g. 'Sorry I didn't call, I've been flat out like a lizard drinking.'
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