House

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 occipĕre.” In French, “Tenir table ouverte.”

To throw the house out of the windows. To throw all things into confusion from exuberance of spirit (à des excès de joie). “Cœlum terrœ, terram cœlo miscēre;;” or “Omnia confundĕre.” In French, “Jeter le maison par le fenêtres.”