Phrase of the hour
Money burns a hole in your pocket
Cash you itch to spend fast.
Uncover the storyA curious dictionary of everyday English
Every odd phrase has
a story to tell.
Discover what peculiar British and American expressions mean, where they came from, and how people actually use them.
725
curious expressions
409
source-backed entries
855
research references
Plain-English meanings.
Folklore labelled honestly.
Folklore labelled honestly.
Start with a letter
Browse the cabinet
Pulled from the drawers
A few curious finds
Dog days of summer
The hottest, most oppressive part of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, often associated with lethargy or a seasonal lull. The exact dates vary by…
Meaning & originMany a little makes a mickle
Many small amounts or efforts, accumulated patiently, eventually make a substantial whole. The title preserves the historically meaningful form. 'Many…
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 & originCaught with chaff
Fooled or nabbed by a trick, taken in.
Meaning & originNot my cup of tea
Not to your liking or style, unappealing.
Meaning & originSalt of the earth
A genuinely good, honest person, solid and humble.
Meaning & originCaught with your hand in the till
Nabbed pilfering or stealing, caught cold.
Meaning & originNot just whistling Dixie
Speaking seriously or accurately rather than idly boasting, with emphasis that a claim has real substance behind it. Often best avoided in neutral…
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.