purr
A soft continuous vibrating sound associated with a contented cat and, by analogy, smooth machinery.
Origin
Direct sound imitation.
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Onomatopoeia
Bang, rustle, fizz, thud and other words whose sound helps perform their meaning.
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A small cabinet of curiosities
ding-dong
An alternating ringing sound associated with bells or doorbells.
Origin
Reduplicative onomatopoeia.
yelp
A sudden high cry of pain, surprise or excitement, especially from a dog.
Origin
Echoic formation.
a tough nut to crack
Something difficult to understand, solve or influence.
Origin
Long-standing nut-cracking metaphor.
show your true colours
Display what you are really like, especially after hiding it.
Origin
Associated with maritime flags and identity at sea.
gung-ho
Extremely enthusiastic and eager to act, sometimes excessively so.
Origin
English acquired the expression through US Marine usage during the Second World War, based on a Chinese expression associated with working together.