cock-a-hoop: [16] Cock-a-hoop comes from a 16th- and 17th-century expression set the cock on the hoop ‘make merry’ – but exactly how the expression arose is not clear. One obvious interpretation is that it meant ‘put the tap on the barrel’ – that is, let the wine or beer flow freely – but it has also been suggested that hoop here means ‘measure of grain’ (a sense which originated in the 16th century), the notion being that to put a cockerel on a heap of grain implied prodigality.
双语例句
1. His hands were too weak to cock his revolver.
他的手没劲儿，扳不动左轮手枪的扳机。
来自柯林斯例句
2. This was just an administrative cock-up.
这纯粹是管理上的混乱。
来自柯林斯例句
3. The cock's breast is tinged with chestnut.
这只公鸡胸部羽毛呈浅栗色，带有白色细条纹。
来自柯林斯例句
4. The jury did not believe the witness'cock and bull story.
