Phrase of the hour
Go for broke
Risk everything in an all-out attempt to succeed. Current informal idiom Regional use: Hawaii, then the wider United States.
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
Risk everything in an all-out attempt to succeed. Current informal idiom Regional use: Hawaii, then the wider United States.
Uncover the storyStart with a letter
Pulled from the drawers
No harm, inconvenience, or important loss to me; therefore not something I mind. Informal and sometimes dismissive. It expresses personal indifference…
Meaning & originHurry up or get moving. Very informal. The literal farming reference makes the phrase earthy but not normally obscene. Regional use: New Zealand; also…
Meaning & originSomething uncertain or unresolved, still open to change or decision. It conveys ambiguity or suspense-plans, outcomes, emotions-hanging in limbo, with…
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 & originYour characteristic appearance, manner or style, especially as the basis of a first impression. Informal and nautical in flavour. It can signal…
Meaning & originTo avoid addressing a topic directly, often by speaking vaguely or focusing on irrelevant details instead of getting to the point. This phrase…
Meaning & originLose pep or drive, all spent.
Meaning & originDon't expect it soon or at all, a slim chance.
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.