English Reference
Idiom idiom

sit on a tack


An expression of contempt or dismissiveness directed at someone, particularly in the case of disagreement.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

If he thinks I will agree to that, he can go sit on a tack.

CONTEXTUAL

When the manager suggested we work through the weekend, the team told him he could sit on a tack.

COMPLEX

Rather than engaging in a polite debate, she dismissed his arrogant proposal by telling him he could sit on a tack.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    change of tack

    A reversal of an opinion.

  2. 02

    get down to brass tacks

    To (start to) consider or deal with the most important details or facts about something.

  3. 03

    hold tack

    To last or hold out.

  4. 04

    sit back

    To relax, to not exert oneself.

  5. 05

    sit in

    To attend a class, educational presentation, meeting, etc. for one time, as a visitor.

  6. 06

    sit in for

    To substitute; to take somebody's place.

  7. 07

    sit in with

    To join (often as an observer, supervisor or outsider) a group working together on a task.

  8. 08

    sit on

    To block, suppress, restrain (something).

Last updated August 10, 2026