Phrase of the hour
Scarlet woman
A dated, disapproving label for a woman regarded as immoral or promiscuous; in full 'the scarlet woman of Babylon', the Whore of Babylon of Revelation…
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Plain-English meanings.
Folklore labelled honestly.
Folklore labelled honestly.
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Astroturfing
The deceptive practice of manufacturing the appearance of grassroots support for a product, policy or cause, masking the real sponsor so that paid or…
Meaning & originMagnum opus
The greatest single work of an artist, writer, composer, or builder; a masterpiece regarded as the crowning achievement of a career. It is a formal…
Meaning & originPenny dreadful
A cheap, sensational serial story or magazine of Victorian Britain, sold at a penny an instalment and packed with crime, horror and adventure; the…
Meaning & originStraight from the horse's mouth
Directly from the original, authoritative, or best-informed source.
Meaning & originTurn the other cheek
Refuse to retaliate after insult or injury, choosing restraint instead of revenge or escalation. It advocates non-retaliation, not passive acceptance…
Meaning & originMethod in the madness
A rational plan or purpose concealed beneath apparently strange or chaotic behaviour. Usually reassuring or humorous. British English favours method…
Meaning & originTurncoat
A person who abandons their party, cause or allegiance and joins the opposing side, especially for personal advantage, and is therefore regarded as a…
Meaning & originUnder the sun
Used for emphasis after words like everything, nothing, anything or any to mean 'in existence' or 'imaginable'. Standing alone it means 'in the world…
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.