Phrase of the hour
Up the wall
Driven mad or wild, all frayed.
Uncover the storyA curious dictionary of everyday English
Every odd phrase has
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Discover what peculiar British and American expressions mean, where they came from, and how people actually use them.
1,901
curious expressions
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3,378
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Plain-English meanings.
Folklore labelled honestly.
Folklore labelled honestly.
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Browse the cabinet
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A few curious finds
Hold your horses
To wait, slow down, or exercise patience before acting or proceeding, often used as a gentle command to curb impulsive behavior. It implies reining in…
Meaning & originTooth and nail
With every available means and the greatest possible determination, energy or ferocity. Usually follows fight, battle, resist or defend, but can…
Meaning & originGet your ducks in a row
Become thoroughly organised and prepared by arranging the necessary details before acting.
Meaning & originBetween wind and water
At the most exposed or vulnerable point, where an attack or criticism can do serious harm. Dated and often used with 'hit' or 'strike.' It means at a…
Meaning & originOn your beam-ends
In a desperate position with no resources left, usually money, options, or time running out. The image is a ship heeled so far over that its beams…
Meaning & originThe milk of human kindness
Innate compassion, sympathy or gentleness regarded as part of human nature. Nearly always used with a qualifier or in the negative - someone can have…
Meaning & originKick against the pricks
Resist authority or unavoidable pressure in a way that only hurts oneself. Potentially distracting today because prick has acquired other senses. The…
Meaning & originA rearguard action
A defensive struggle fought to slow a defeat that can no longer be prevented, or to cover a retreat. Figuratively it describes resistance to…
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.