rubber arms
n.— «Experienced surfers have a term for those who appear to be trying a catch a wave but never do.…They’re called “rubber arms.” Rubber arms are surfers who turn to catch a wave, making all the paddling movements, but never really go anywhere. Surfers who are rubber arms don’t really want to drop in; the situation is much too intense. Many times, they experience some of the worst wipeouts. This is the price paid for not being fully committed and putting out a halfhearted effort.» —“Listening to your inner surfer” by Gary Warth North County Times (Escondido, California) Apr. 30, 2006. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
Deb in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, says that when her mother was disappointed or annoyed she’d say Wouldn’t that just cork you? The idea here is that in the same way that a cork that stops up a bottle, an unexpected or irritating event metaphorically...
Jane in Denver, Colorado, is a fan of audiobooks, but wonders if there’s a better word than read to denote having experienced such a book by listening. Some people have suggested ear reading or audio reading or simply experiencing a book. Or you...