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Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—H

House

(1 syl.). In astrology the whole heaven is divided into twelve portions, called “houses,” through which the heavenly bodies pass every twenty-four hours. In casting a man's fortune by the stars, the whole host is divided into two parts (beginning from the east), six above and six below the horizon. The eastern ones are called the ascendant, because they are about to rise; the other six are the descendant, because they have already passed the zenith. The twelve houses are thus awarded:

(1) House of life;

(2) House of fortune and riches;

(3) House of brethren;

(4) House of relatives;

(5) House of children;

(6) House of health.

(7) House of marriage;

(8) House of death (the upper portal);

(9) House of religion;

(10) House of dignities;

(11) House of friends and benefactors;

(12) House of enemies.

House

dwelling.

Like a house afire

Very rapidly. “He is getting on like a house afire” means he is getting on excellently. To bring down the house (in a theatre, etc.) is to receive unusual and rapturous applause.

To keep house.

To maintain a separate establishment. “To go into house-keeping” is to start a private establishment.

To keep a good house.

To supply a bountiful table. To keep open house. To give free entertainment to all who choose to come. “Omnes benigne mensâ occipere.” In French, “Tenir table ouverte.”

To throw the house out of the windows. To throw all things into confusion from exuberance of spirit (á des excès de joic). “Coelum terræ, terram coelo miscere;” or “Omnia confundere.” In French, “Jeter le maison par le fenêtres.”