You look as if you've been dragged through a hedge backwards In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "You look as if you've been dragged through a hedge backwards", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

author Helen Nguyen calendar 2020-12-14 11:12

Meaning of You look as if you've been dragged through a hedge backwards

Synonyms:

(to be) all over the place

You look as if you've been dragged through a hedge backwards British humorous slang

If you "look as if you've been dragged through a hedge backwards", it means you look very unkempt or messy, especially with disheveled hair. This phrase is used to be humorous instead of negative connotation.

What happened with your hair? You look as if you've been dragged through a hedge backwards.

I think you should brush your hair first because you look as if you've been dragged through a hedge backwards.

The heavy wind made Jim look as if he had been dragged through a hedge backwards.

Other phrases about:

at sixes and sevens

Used to refer to the state of total bewilderment and disorganization.

like nothing on Earth

1. Used to say that something is very unique or distinctive.

2. Very disorganized and untidy.

3. Very strange.

Fibber McGee's closet

Used to refer to a clutter or mess

(a little/bit) rough around the edges

1. Used to describe something imperfect but ready for use or action

2. Used to describe someone or something slightly lacking in refinement, sophistication, manners, etc.

3. Used to describe someone who is a bit sick or unwell, especially because someone is suffer from a hangover

Origin of You look as if you've been dragged through a hedge backwards

This expression was first used in a report of a poultry show (Image source: Internet)

This expression derives from colloquial English. The earliest citation of it is from a no less august Arcadian source thanThe Hereford Journal, February 1857, in a report of a poultry show:

"In the class for any distinct breed came a pen of those curious birds the silk fowls, shown by Mr. Churchill, and a pen of those not less curious the frizzled fowls, sent by the same gentleman, looking as if they had been drawn through a hedge backwards." (Source: phrases.org.uk)

 

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TODAY
to look like a drowned rat

To be very wet

Example:

Because of forgetting bringing an umbrella, I look like a drowned rat when it rains.

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