rocket

views updated May 29 2018

rocket often used as an image of speed; Rocket was the name of the steam locomotive (1829) built by George Stephenson (1781–1848) and his son Robert, the prototype for all future steam locomotives.
up like a rocket, down like a stick proverbial saying, late 19th century, meaning that sudden marked success is likely to be followed by equally sudden failure. The saying derives from Thomas Paine' comment on Edmund Burke' losing the House of Commons debate on the French Revolution to Charles James Fox, ‘As he rose like a rocket, he fell like the stick.’

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable ELIZABETH KNOWLES

Rocket

views updated Jun 27 2018

Rock·et / ˈräkit/ , The, see Richard².

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

rocket

views updated Jun 27 2018

rocket1 cruciferous annual, Eruca sativa. XVI. — F. roquette — It. rochetta, var. of ruchetta, dim. of ruca :- L. ērūca caterpillar, plant with downy stems.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

rocket

views updated May 21 2018

rocket Cruciferous plant, Eruca sativa, with small spear‐shaped leaves and peppery taste, eaten raw in salads or cooked. Also called arugula, rucola, Italian cress.

A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition DAVID A. BENDER