Phrase of the hour
Spare the rod and spoil the child
The traditional claim that a child will be badly formed without firm correction or discipline. Historically associated with corporal punishment and…
Uncover the storyA curious dictionary of everyday English
Discover what peculiar British and American expressions mean, where they came from, and how people actually use them.
Phrase of the hour
The traditional claim that a child will be badly formed without firm correction or discipline. Historically associated with corporal punishment and…
Uncover the storyStart with a letter
Pulled from the drawers
Extremely happy, elated, or euphoric.
Meaning & originNabbed pilfering or stealing, caught cold.
Meaning & originCompletely satisfactory; loud, clear, and working well. Recognisable but less common outside radio or pop-culture contexts Regional use: United States…
Meaning & originTo rush in frantic chaos, aimless and wild.
Meaning & originPut in maximum effort, go hard, or proceed with full enthusiasm. Current, informal, and energetic Regional use: Canada, especially Western Canada and…
Meaning & originWithout punishment, payment, injury, or other adverse consequence. The first element is scot, not Scott. It can concern harm as well as formal…
Meaning & originWhile concealing one's true identity, allegiance or intentions behind a deceptive appearance. Colour is British spelling and color American. The…
Meaning & originHistorically, obviously false, counterfeit, suspicious, or highly unusual. The expression is dated and should not be applied to a person: it has also…
Meaning & originLanguage has legends. Evidence matters.
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.