Phrase of the hour
Under lock and key
Securely locked up or fastened away, whether in a literal room, safe, cabinet or prison, or figuratively for anything kept strictly controlled: 'the…
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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source-backed entries
3,378
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
Catawampus
Askew, out of alignment, or in a confused and irregular state. Current but regional, jocular, and semantically flexible Regional use: United States…
Meaning & originCouch potato
A person who spends long hours slumped in front of the television to the neglect of exercise and other activity; by extension, anyone who is…
Meaning & originGive a wide berth
To steer clear or avoid, keeping distance.
Meaning & originKick up a fuss
To create a noisy or emotional disturbance, usually in protest or complaint, drawing attention to a grievance with exaggerated reaction. It suggests…
Meaning & originHats off to someone
Used to praise, congratulate or give credit to someone for an achievement or admirable act ('hats off to the crews who brought the harvest in before…
Meaning & originWeather the storm
To survive a difficult period, crisis, or controversy without lasting damage; to keep operating despite serious problems. Very common in business and…
Meaning & originIn the driver's seat
In charge or control.
Meaning & originNothing ventured, nothing gained
A proverb stating that success requires taking risks: if you never attempt anything uncertain, you will never achieve anything worthwhile. It is used…
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.