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Region: US | Usage example: He guards that information tighter than a bull's butt at fly-time.

Tighter than a bull's butt at fly-time

Meaning

Extremely tight, stingy, or uncomfortable.

Usage

Describes stinginess or extreme tension.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Southern farmers described bulls clamping down when flies buzzed.

Recorded in rural American speech in the mid-20th century.

Related Idioms

Softer than a baby's butt

Extremely soft or gentle.

Bite off more than you can chew

Take on more responsibilities than you can handle.

It's raining harder than a cow wetting on a flat rock

It is pouring rain.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.