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.
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Plain-English meanings.
Folklore labelled honestly.
Folklore labelled honestly.
Start with a letter
Browse the cabinet
Pulled from the drawers
A few curious finds
No skin off my nose
No harm, inconvenience, or important loss to me; therefore not something I mind. Informal and sometimes dismissive. It expresses personal indifference…
Meaning & originRattle your dags
Hurry up or get moving. Very informal. The literal farming reference makes the phrase earthy but not normally obscene. Regional use: New Zealand; also…
Meaning & originUp in the air
Something uncertain or unresolved, still open to change or decision. It conveys ambiguity or suspense-plans, outcomes, emotions-hanging in limbo, with…
Meaning & originQueer as a three-dollar bill
Historically, obviously false, counterfeit, suspicious, or highly unusual. The expression is dated and should not be applied to a person: it has also…
Meaning & originCut of your jib
Your characteristic appearance, manner or style, especially as the basis of a first impression. Informal and nautical in flavour. It can signal…
Meaning & originBeat around the bush
To avoid addressing a topic directly, often by speaking vaguely or focusing on irrelevant details instead of getting to the point. This phrase…
Meaning & originRun out of steam
Lose pep or drive, all spent.
Meaning & originDon't hold your breath
Don't expect it soon or at all, a slim chance.
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.