Etymology Journal · L
Like a knot on a log
Meaning
- Used to describe someone who is sitting still and doing absolutely nothing. It implies a lack of activity or helpful contribution in a situation where work is needed.
Judgmental, humorous
Used in a sentence
- Stop sitting there like a knot on a log and help me carry these groceries inside.
- The boy just stared at the weeds like a knot on a log while I finished the garden.
- If you are just going to stand there like a knot on a log, please go get me a glass of tea.
The backstory
Likely stems from the literal observation of a tree knot that remains immovable and static on a fallen log. It is a classic piece of American rural imagery from the 19th century.
Heard in
The South
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