What phrase or saying was common when you were growing up, but is hardly used now?
I’d start with: “Dim as a Toc H lamp”. My parents would regularly use that phrase to describe someone who was slow on the uptake, but I realise that I haven’t heard it used for forty years or more, and I’m sure I’d get quizzical looks if I used it in conversation. I suppose “Thick as two short planks”, or “Thick as a docker’s sandwich” is the modern-day, non-vulgar equivalent.
I had an elderly aunt who would differentiate her visits to the toilet by saying she would “Spend a Penny”, or “Spend tuppence”. I occasionally hear people saying they’re off to spend a penny, but I never hear the phrase “Spend tuppence” used these days.
What phrases or sayings would you offer?