A 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.

725 curious expressions
409 source-backed entries
855 research references
Plain-English meanings.
Folklore labelled honestly.

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Good riddance

An expression of relief or satisfaction that an unwanted person or thing has gone. Blunt and often insulting when directed at a person. The extended…

Meaning & origin

Neck and crop

Completely and often with abrupt or forceful dispatch, especially when someone is thrown out or falls headlong. Dated and chiefly British. It most…

Meaning & origin

Language 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.

How we research phrases