Phrase of the hour
Not worth the candle
Not worth the effort or cost, a dim gain.
Uncover the storyA curious dictionary of everyday English
Every odd phrase has
a story to tell.
Discover what peculiar British and American expressions mean, where they came from, and how people actually use them.
1,655
curious expressions
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2,736
research references
Plain-English meanings.
Folklore labelled honestly.
Folklore labelled honestly.
Start with a letter
Browse the cabinet
Pulled from the drawers
A few curious finds
Curry favour
Seek someone's approval or an advantage through calculated flattery or ingratiating behaviour. Usually disapproving. American English spells the noun…
Meaning & originA black day
A day marked by disaster, defeat, tragedy or heavy loss; commonly said of accidents, military defeats, sackings and market crashes ('a black day for…
Meaning & originDown to earth
Practical, realistic and unpretentious; used of people who behave sensibly and without airs, or of advice and explanations that are plain and useful…
Meaning & originEvery man for himself
A scramble where each fights alone, no help given.
Meaning & originUp to the mark
Good enough or on par, up there.
Meaning & originPlay hooky
Stay away from school or another obligation without permission. Current informal expression Regional use: United States, later North American English.
Meaning & originPlay it by ear
To handle something without a set plan, adapting as it unfolds.
Meaning & originThe letter of the law
The exact written wording of a rule, as opposed to the intention behind it. The phrase is nearly always used in contrast with 'the spirit of the law'…
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.