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rosy about the gills
01
healthy or cheerful in appearance
What is the origin of the idiom "rosy about the gills" and when to use it?
The idiom "rosy about the gills" likely originates from the idea that gills in fish are a vital part of their respiratory system, and when fish are healthy, their gills are often a rosy or pink color. Over time, this imagery has been extended to describe the healthy and glowing appearance of people, creating the idiomatic expression we use today to signify someone looking well or in good spirits.
Example
Despite the stressful situation, Mark managed to keep his sense of humor, and he was surprisingly pink about the gills during the entire meeting.
Jenny's face was noticeably rosy around the gills after she received the good news about her promotion at work.
Despite the long journey, Emily arrived at the destination, appearing pink around the gills and ready for the adventure.
After a week of vacation, Sarah returned to the office looking positively rosy about the gills, her relaxed demeanor evident to everyone.
The students came back from recess, looking rosy around the gills and full of energy.
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