Not all Old Sayings mean the same thing to everyone. For instance, there's that old chestnut "Now you have opened a whole new can of worms!"
To a little robin, that would mean a great big meal and something to celebrate.
However, to Batman's boy friend, Robin, it means "We're in a world of hurt"...unless he's a masochist. And, none of the 500 or so comic books I've read, he's never given me that impression.
I think I'll go back and reread those and keep this in mind.
-I.B. Moleturd