Phrase of the hour
Laughing all the way to the bank
Making money easily or unexpectedly, reveling in profit with smug glee.
Uncover the storyA curious dictionary of everyday English
Discover what peculiar British and American expressions mean, where they came from, and how people actually use them.
Phrase of the hour
Making money easily or unexpectedly, reveling in profit with smug glee.
Uncover the storyStart with a letter
Pulled from the drawers
Dismiss, reject or drive someone away abruptly and decisively. Informal and forceful. In sport it commonly means eliminate from a competition…
Meaning & originA sum of money saved and set aside, especially for retirement, an emergency, or some future purpose. The term often implies a growing reserve that is…
Meaning & originTo be dismissed from a job, usually unceremoniously. The phrase is informal and common in British and Australian English; in American English 'get…
Meaning & originGive someone a sudden severe fright or shock. Informal and emphatic. Often used immediately after a startling noise or unexpected appearance. Regional…
Meaning & originA quiet or reserved person may have substantial intelligence, feeling, or complexity beneath the surface. Now usually approving, though older examples…
Meaning & originTo keep something secret, tucked away.
Meaning & originDoing something foolishly against your own interests.
Meaning & originCompletely worthless, trivial or beneath serious attention; fit only to be dismissed. An informal American put-down applied to things, ideas and…
Meaning & originLanguage has legends. Evidence matters.
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.