Phrase of the hour
The be-all and end-all
The most important, decisive or comprehensive part of something, treated as if nothing else matters. Often appears in negative statements that reject…
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.
1,963
curious expressions
1,647
source-backed entries
3,553
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
A knee-jerk reaction
An automatic, unthinking response, especially a predictable opinion or objection formed out of habit or emotion rather than examination of the facts…
Meaning & originSlippery as an eel
Impossible to pin down or hold to account: describing someone evasive, devious or adept at wriggling out of commitments, questions or blame. It…
Meaning & originWalk on eggshells
To act with extreme caution or sensitivity around someone, fearing their reaction, as if treading on fragile shells that might crack.
Meaning & originWhiter than white
Describes a person or organisation whose conduct is supposed to be completely honest and morally beyond reproach. In practice it is nearly always used…
Meaning & originUp to your neck
Deep in a mess or load, swamped.
Meaning & originSit on the fence
To avoid committing to either side of a dispute, contest, or decision; to remain neutral or undecided. Usually mildly critical, implying…
Meaning & originThe letter of the law
The exact written wording of a rule, as opposed to the intention behind it. The phrase is nearly always used in contrast with 'the spirit of the law'…
Meaning & originPandora's box
A source of troubles that, once opened, cannot be closed again - a situation, decision, or line of inquiry that looks containable and releases far…
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.