spread oneself too thin

[Ume]

1)
My dictionary says that "spread oneself too thin" is an American phrase. What do non-Americans say instead? Don't they use that phrase?


2)
Is "in sport (for sport)" common? Would it be okay to use "for fun" instead?
- He said it just in sport.
- Man is the only animal who kills for sport.

3)
What do you add to emphasize "cold" and "hot"?
- It was (______) cold.
Fleezing? Anything else?
- It was (______) hot.
Blisteringly? Anything else?

 

[maxiogee]

1) My dictionary says that "spread oneself too thin" is an American phrase. What do non-Americans say instead? Don't they use that phrase?

It is gaining currency in BE also. "He was overstretched" would do also/

 

[Cracker Jack]

1)
My dictionary says that "spread oneself too thin" is an American phrase. What do non-Americans say instead? Don't they use that phrase?

Just wondering. Which is correct ''too thin'' or ''too thinly?'' I often hear the latter.

 

[LegoMan]

1. There are some words and phrases that are distinctly American and some that are very much British. However, I think the majority of educated English speakers would understand "spread oneself too thin" when used in context, as with most idioms. I speak as someone from New Zealand, where the English spoken here has both American and British influences, although slightly more British.

 

[You little ripper!]

Umeboshi, the expression spread oneself too thin is very common also in Australia.

 

[Ume]

maxiogee,
Cracker Jack,
LegoMan,
Charles Constante,

Thank you for your responses.