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Author Archives: Cinnie Noble

Mending Fences

Posted on January 29, 2013 by Cinnie Noble

Some research on the expression “mending fences” indicates that the derivation is from the proverb “Good fences make good neighbours”. It is apparently listed by the Oxford Dictionary of Quotations as a mid-17th century idiom. My source states that Robert … Continue reading →

Posted in Choice in Conflict, Metaphors | 4 Comments

The Conflict Iceberg

Posted on January 22, 2013 by Cinnie Noble

The metaphor of an iceberg has commonly been used as a metaphor about conflict. This is on the basis that there are things above the surface that show themselves and then, there is all that is going on underneath. Compared … Continue reading →

Posted in Consequences, Emotions in Conflict, Facing Conflict | 8 Comments

“Don’t get your panties in a knot”

Posted on January 15, 2013 by Cinnie Noble

I smile when I hear the expression “Don’t get your panties in a knot” and another variation like “Don’t get your knickers in a knot”. My brief research to discover the meaning yielded only that it originated from “some silliness” … Continue reading →

Posted in Emotions in Conflict, Reactions | 2 Comments

Nip it in the bud

Posted on January 8, 2013 by Cinnie Noble

The phrase “nip it in the bud” is apparently derived from the de-budding of plants. The earlier form of the phrase was “nip in the bloome [sic]” and was cited in a romantic piece by Henry Chettle in 1595. It … Continue reading →

Posted in Metaphors, Positive Conflict | 7 Comments

“You make me so angry!”

Posted on January 1, 2013 by Cinnie Noble

There is something that doesn’t quite work about the expression, “You make me so angry” (or sad, disappointed, depressed, etc.). That is, none of us can really make someone an emotion. We may act or speak in ways that result … Continue reading →

Posted in Blame, Emotions in Conflict | 8 Comments