Phrase of the hour
Bona fide
Genuine, authentic, or made in good faith without fraud or deception. It works as an adjective ('a bona fide offer') and, especially in legal English…
Uncover the storyA curious dictionary of everyday English
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Discover what peculiar British and American expressions mean, where they came from, and how people actually use them.
1,789
curious expressions
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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
One-trick pony
A person, group or product whose ability or appeal rests on a single talent, skill or feature, with little range beyond it. It is usually said with…
Meaning & originUnder lock and key
Securely locked up or fastened away, whether in a literal room, safe, cabinet or prison, or figuratively for anything kept strictly controlled: 'the…
Meaning & originNip it in the bud
To stop something early before it grows or worsens, cutting off trouble at its source with swift, decisive action.
Meaning & originMoney doesn't grow on trees
A warning that money is not easily obtained and should not be spent or requested carelessly; said especially to someone, often a child, who treats…
Meaning & originDon't shoot the messenger
Spare the bearer of bad news, not their fault.
Meaning & originTop billing
The most prominent place in a list of credits, on a poster or in advertising; by extension the status of star treatment, being named first and biggest…
Meaning & originWhat is your good name?
What is your name?, asked respectfully or formally. Respectful in its home context. Some speakers use it for a formal name as distinct from a…
Meaning & originScot-free
Without punishment, payment, injury, or other adverse consequence. The first element is scot, not Scott. It can concern harm as well as formal…
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.