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"Which cheek first?" is that an idiom? I heard that well-known saying many times, and I wonder if it is considered an idiom. Besides. I want some examples of its usage. Actually, I have read it on a native post, not on this site, and I think he used it inappropriately. This is the part of his post where he used it: {Husband: My manager wants me to kiss his ass. Wife: Honey, if your manager wants you to kiss his ass you ask him "which cheek first?"}
Oct 17, 2018 4:35 PM
Answers · 11
4
I agree with Jewel. The statement is similar to the common expression: “If your boss asks you to jump, you respond ‘How high?’” The idea is that you are not in a position to say “no” and need to enthusiastically do anything that is asked of you.
October 17, 2018
3
It is not idiomatic. It's literal, albeit a joke. We have cheeks on not only our face but our buttocks. Which cheek first means which butt (ass) cheek.
October 17, 2018
1
The expression is a play on words. The idiom, "Turn the other cheek" comes from the Bible. However, the two parts of the buttocks are also called "cheeks". Hence a pun and not an idiom. "But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them." — Jesus Christ, English Standard Version (Luke 6:27-31)
October 17, 2018
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