Wizarding Expressions

"No such thing as conjuring a sandwich."

The wizarding equivalent to "No such thing as a free lunch". Based on the idea of Gamp's Law of Elemental Transfiguration in that food cannot be created out of thin air. Essentially, nothing worthwhile is ever free, or good deals always have a price.

In context...Cards on the Table

"Secrets are like manticores. They might kill your chickens if you let it out, but you'll die trying to keep it in your cottage."

Based on an old Wizarding fairy tale, this saying cautions readers from keeping secrets even if telling the truth might cause you trouble. Keeping the secret could be even worse.

In context... Little Red Pays a House Call

"Too many witches around the cauldron."

Essentially, too many people trying to make decisions, just like 'too many cooks in the kitchen'.

"We've got a gas leak."

In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Muggles mistake the Killing Curse (which leaves no sign, other than the victim being dead) used on a family of Muggles for a gas leak. The expression "we've got a gas leak" has entered into use among Aurors and Hitwizards to mean one or more Muggles have been killed, and Dark wizards are suspected of the murders.

"Dawlish is on it."

A reference to Auror John Dawlish who, despite his excellent qualifications (all "Outstanding"s on his N.E.W.T.s), was overcome not only by Albus Dumbledore (twice), but also Rubeus Hagrid and Augusta Longbottom. On Level Two, "Dawlish is on it" is used to mean "It's about to be bungled."

"Late to the battle, early to the grave."

An Auror proverb, stressing the importance of being on time. Its exact origin is unknown, but it was definitely in use by the end of the First Wizarding War. Possibly coined by Alastor Moody.

"Crouched"

Capitalized and used as a transitive verb ("Yeah, Bob got Crouched"), this phrase is used in the Ministry to mean someone was transferred between departments, usually as a punitive measure or to avoid promoting him. It is a reference to Bartemius Crouch, Sr., who, after a loss of public favor, went from being Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement to Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation, instead of the previously expected promotion to Minister for Magic.