Phrase of the hour
See a man about a dog
Leave while deliberately withholding the real reason, often as a euphemism for going to the toilet. Informal euphemism. The usual modern inference in…
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Plain-English meanings.
Folklore labelled honestly.
Folklore labelled honestly.
Start with a letter
Browse the cabinet
Pulled from the drawers
A few curious finds
Spend a penny
Use the toilet, especially to urinate. Historically associated particularly with women's pay cubicles because men's urinals were often free. Regional…
Meaning & originKeep the ball rolling
Maintain momentum by causing an activity, discussion, plan, or process to continue rather than stall or stop. Informal but suitable in many…
Meaning & originJump out of the frying pan into the fire
To flee one mess for a worse one, no win.
Meaning & originBlow off steam
To vent pent-up energy or frustration, letting it burst out.
Meaning & originRide shotgun
To sit in the front passenger seat of a vehicle. It can also mean accompanying, assisting, supervising, or protecting someone or something.
Meaning & originHold your own
To stand firm or compete well, keeping your ground.
Meaning & originMany a little makes a mickle
Many small amounts or efforts, accumulated patiently, eventually make a substantial whole. The title preserves the historically meaningful form. 'Many…
Meaning & originDon't take any wooden nickels
A friendly but cautionary farewell meaning: stay alert, avoid being cheated, and do not accept anything worthless or deceptive. Usually humorous and…
Meaning & originLanguage has legends. Evidence matters.
Colourful story or documented history?
Phrase origins are full of irresistible myths. We separate what historical sources can show from what remains disputed, and link the references behind researched entries.