Phrase of the hour
The black market
Illegal trade in goods, currency or services that are restricted, rationed or taxed, and the hidden system that supplies them: buying fuel on the…
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.
1,963
curious expressions
1,647
source-backed entries
3,553
research references
Plain-English meanings.
Folklore labelled honestly.
Folklore labelled honestly.
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Browse the cabinet
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A few curious finds
Back to school
Literally, returning to school after a vacation. As a merchandising term it names the shopping season just before the school year starts; as a…
Meaning & originShipping
Fandom slang for endorsing or hoping for a romantic pairing between two fictional characters or, more riskily, real people; a ship is the pairing…
Meaning & originThe cat's pyjamas
Something or someone excellent, stylish or delightful; the finest of its kind. The expression is dated 1920s slang and survives mainly in playful…
Meaning & originToe the line
To conform to a rule, standard or authority, especially where obedience is expected or enforced rather than freely chosen. It frequently carries a…
Meaning & originNow-now
Very soon or a short time ago, with the direction in time supplied by context. Context matters: it can point shortly forward or shortly backward. Just…
Meaning & originCut to the quick
To hurt or distress someone very deeply, especially in their feelings rather than their body. The image is a cut that goes past dead outer skin into…
Meaning & originThink on your feet
To reason and react quickly and effectively without any preparation - to improvise soundly while events press on, as in hostile questioning…
Meaning & originTie the knot
To get married. An informal, light-hearted expression common in wedding announcements and conversation, very often in the past tense ('they finally…
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.