flea
flea the flea is often taken as the type of something small and contemptible, or as a sign of dirt and degradation.
as fit as a flea in very good health. Recorded from the late 19th century, an example of the emphasis given by alliteration (compare as fit as a fiddle).
flea bite an insignificant inconvenience or cost (literally, a small red mark caused by the bite of a flea).
a flea in one's ear a sharp reproof administered to someone.
see also big fleas have little fleas, lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas, nothing should be done in haste but gripping a flea.
as fit as a flea in very good health. Recorded from the late 19th century, an example of the emphasis given by alliteration (compare as fit as a fiddle).
flea bite an insignificant inconvenience or cost (literally, a small red mark caused by the bite of a flea).
a flea in one's ear a sharp reproof administered to someone.
see also big fleas have little fleas, lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas, nothing should be done in haste but gripping a flea.
More From encyclopedia.com
NEARBY TERMS
flea