Phrase of the hour
Caught with your pants down
Caught unexpectedly while unprepared, exposed or in an embarrassing or compromising situation. The expression is informal.
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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 the back foot
At a disadvantage or retreating, off balance.
Meaning & originKindly revert
Please reply or respond, usually to a message or request. Formal and regionally standard. Revert back is common locally, though editors elsewhere may…
Meaning & originGive no quarter
Show no mercy, leniency or concession; historically, refuse to spare a defeated enemy. The historical literal sense can imply killing captives and is…
Meaning & originKick against the pricks
Resist authority or unavoidable pressure in a way that only hurts oneself. Potentially distracting today because prick has acquired other senses. The…
Meaning & originJump through hoops
To go through excessive effort or obstacles to achieve something, often at someone else's demand, suggesting a performance of agility or submission…
Meaning & originThe bitter end
The final limit or conclusion, especially when reaching it is difficult or unpleasant. Commonly implies persistence through adversity, but it can also…
Meaning & originTopsy-turvy
Upside down, inverted or in a state of thorough confusion where the normal order has been disrupted. May describe literal inversion or figurative…
Meaning & originNot all there
Not thinking clearly, not fully aware, or, as an insult, supposedly lacking intelligence or sound judgment. Informal and sometimes offensive. It may…
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.