The colorful, doom-laden phrase now means "the critical moment or point in a course of action at which commitment has become irrevocable."

These colorful (though now incongruous) phrases became part of English usage worldwide, and some are still in use.

Another colorful local phrase is, "Don't kick the can."

"I am from Australia and we have a couple of colorful phrases in reaction to claims like that."

His most colorful phrase in the premiere episode is: "Dinner at eight.

Democratic members of the 9/11 commission seized on the colorful phrase.

All they really need are a few colorful phrases and flamboyant gestures.

I put my faith in our mountains'; a very colorful phrase.

"I'm all ears," he said, seeing in his mind's eye Spock's reaction to the colorful phrase.

The folklore of the county is particularly rich and this too gives colorful phrases.