Phrase of the hour
You can't make an omelette without breaking eggs
Achieving something worthwhile often requires sacrifice or mess.
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.
725
curious expressions
409
source-backed entries
855
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
In the bag
Certain to succeed or be secured, wrapped up like game bagged by a hunter-no doubt left, just waiting to claim it.
Meaning & originDon't rest on your laurels
Keep pushing, don't coast.
Meaning & originSet your teeth on edge
Cause an unpleasant physical sensation in the teeth or make someone acutely irritated or uncomfortable. It can describe either a literal dental…
Meaning & originTurn the other cheek
Refuse to retaliate after insult or injury, choosing restraint instead of revenge or escalation. It advocates non-retaliation, not passive acceptance…
Meaning & originA soft answer turns away wrath
A calm, gentle reply can defuse another person's anger and prevent a quarrel from escalating. Traditional and slightly formal. It describes…
Meaning & originTake the mickey
To tease or mock gently, poking fun.
Meaning & originAll's well that ends well
A successful outcome can make earlier difficulties seem acceptable or unimportant. Often expresses relief, but it can minimise real harm; speakers…
Meaning & originEat like a horse
To eat a huge amount, hearty and big.
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.