Flat out like a lizard drinking

Meaning
This idiom, primarily used in Australian English, describes someone or something working, moving, or lying down at maximum speed, effort, or exhaustion, often to the point of being stretched out or overwhelmed. It evokes the image of a lizard lying flat while drinking water, suggesting intense activity or complete depletion. The phrase is used in contexts of hard work, rapid action, or physical collapse, carrying a humorous, distinctly Aussie tone that celebrates effort while acknowledging its toll. It reflects Australia’s cultural affinity for vivid, nature-inspired slang and a larrikin sense of humor.
Origin
The phrase emerged in mid-20th-century Australia, rooted in outback culture where lizards were a common sight, often seen lying flat while drinking from scarce water sources. An early use appears in a 1955 *Sydney Morning Herald* article, describing a worker ‘flat out like a lizard drinking’ during a harvest. The idiom gained popularity in the 1960s, reflecting Australia’s growing national identity and love for unique vernacular, as seen in Barry Humphries’ writings. Its use spread through Australian literature and media, notably in films like *Crocodile Dundee* (1986), and was adopted in limited British and American contexts through cultural exchange. The phrase’s colorful imagery and regional charm ensured its enduring use, particularly in informal Australian settings.
Variants
  • Flat out like a lizard drinking
  • Flat out like a lizard
  • Flat like a lizard drinking
  • Flat out like a lizard on a rock
Examples
  • He’s been flat out like a lizard drinking, working double shifts to meet the deadline.
  • The team was flat out like a lizard, racing to finish the project before the client’s visit.
  • Flat like a lizard drinking, she collapsed on the couch after a day of moving furniture.
  • Flat out like a lizard on a rock, the car sped through the desert to beat the storm.
  • They’re flat out like a lizard drinking, preparing the farm for the big sale.
  • Flat out like a lizard, he ran the entire marathon without stopping.

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