Phrase of the hour
Full of beans
Bursting with energy or enthusiasm, lively as if fueled by a jolt.
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 pink
In top health or shape, glowing with vigor.
Meaning & originNo rose without a thorn
Even the most attractive opportunity or pleasant circumstance has some drawback, difficulty, or pain. More literary than every rose has its thorn. It…
Meaning & originIn hot water
In trouble or a difficult situation, often due to one's own actions, facing consequences with a sense of being scalded or trapped. It evokes…
Meaning & originGo out on a limb
To take a bold risk or stand alone, venturing into uncertainty.
Meaning & originCurry favour
Seek someone's approval or an advantage through calculated flattery or ingratiating behaviour. Usually disapproving. American English spells the noun…
Meaning & originHave bigger fish to fry
To have more important things to deal with.
Meaning & originUp the duff
Pregnant. This British and Australian slang expression is informal and can sound coarse, dismissive, or offensive depending on the speaker and…
Meaning & originHunky-dory
Fine, satisfactory, or proceeding without trouble. Current, light-hearted, and slightly old-fashioned Regional use: United States.
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.