Phrase of the hour
The long arm of the law
The power of the police and the courts to pursue offenders anywhere, however far or for however long they run. The phrase treats the law as a body…
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Discover what peculiar British and American expressions mean, where they came from, and how people actually use them.
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Plain-English meanings.
Folklore labelled honestly.
Folklore labelled honestly.
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The upper crust
The social elite - the aristocracy, or the wealthiest and most privileged class of a community. The phrase is nearly always 'the upper crust', and it…
Meaning & originNe plus ultra
The utmost point of excellence or development; the acme or ultimate example of a quality, as when a tasting menu is called the last word in…
Meaning & originMilk it
To exploit a situation, advantage, or minor misfortune as fully as possible, squeezing out every last drop of benefit, sympathy, or money. It usually…
Meaning & originSquare the circle
To try an impossible task, seeking what can't be.
Meaning & originCross the Rubicon
To take a step from which there is no turning back - resigning, publishing, proposing, declaring - so that everything after it follows from the…
Meaning & originToo many cooks spoil the broth
When too many people take charge of one task, especially too many leaders or decision-makers, the result suffers. Applied to committees, teams, and…
Meaning & originRough and ready
Describes a person, thing, or method that is crude, unpolished, or improvised, yet practical, vigorous, and effective enough for the purpose. It…
Meaning & originSweetheart deal
An arrangement, usually struck in secret, that gives unusually favourable terms to one side at the expense of others who ought to have been protected…
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.