A 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.

1,555 curious expressions
1,239 source-backed entries
2,515 research references
Plain-English meanings.
Folklore labelled honestly.

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Emotional labour

Work that requires managing your own emotions, and the feelings you display to others, as part of doing the job - for example a flight attendant who…

Meaning & origin

Sour grapes

Pretended disdain for something you wanted but could not get; dismissing a goal as worthless only after failing to reach it. It is almost always an…

Meaning & origin

Young at heart

Having the energy, enthusiasm, and playful outlook associated with youth even though one is middle-aged or older; also applied to products…

Meaning & origin

A labour of love

Work undertaken chiefly from affection, commitment or enjoyment rather than for reward. Labour is British spelling and labor American. The work can be…

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.

How we research phrases