The use of âholidayâ to mean âa missed spotâ appears to be that rarity in English etymology, a word or phrase that actually has a nautical origin. The original use of âholidayâ in the âmissed a spotâ sense, back in the 18th century, was in reference to crew members painting the decks of a ship or âpayingâ (sealing seams with tar or pitch) its hull.
The knee jerk reflex is when a tendon above the kneecap is tapped with a reflex hammer, which causes the whole leg to involuntarily jerk.
Knee-jerk responses tend to have poorer outcomes than those that are well thought out. A reflex test of the knee is the basis for the term knee-jerk reaction.. A knee-jerk reaction is typically impulsive in nature and doesn't allow for someone to think things through. An outburst of anger is an example of a knee-jerk reaction. View slideshow of images above. Watch the Did-You-Know slideshow.