Phrase of the hour
Spare the rod and spoil the child
The traditional claim that a child will be badly formed without firm correction or discipline. Historically associated with corporal punishment and…
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.
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
On cloud nine
Extremely happy, elated, or euphoric.
Meaning & originCaught with your hand in the till
Nabbed pilfering or stealing, caught cold.
Meaning & originFive by five
Completely satisfactory; loud, clear, and working well. Recognisable but less common outside radio or pop-culture contexts Regional use: United States…
Meaning & originRun around like a headless chicken
To rush in frantic chaos, aimless and wild.
Meaning & originGive'r
Put in maximum effort, go hard, or proceed with full enthusiasm. Current, informal, and energetic Regional use: Canada, especially Western Canada and…
Meaning & originScot-free
Without punishment, payment, injury, or other adverse consequence. The first element is scot, not Scott. It can concern harm as well as formal…
Meaning & originUnder false colours
While concealing one's true identity, allegiance or intentions behind a deceptive appearance. Colour is British spelling and color American. The…
Meaning & originQueer as a three-dollar bill
Historically, obviously false, counterfeit, suspicious, or highly unusual. The expression is dated and should not be applied to a person: it has also…
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.