Phrase of the hour
What's done is done
A past action cannot now be changed and should be accepted or left behind. Can express mature acceptance or an attempt to avoid accountability…
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
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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
Wear and tear
Damage, deterioration or strain caused by ordinary, repeated use rather than by a single accident. Common in leases, warranties and insurance…
Meaning & originBreak the ice
Make a beginning that overcomes initial difficulty, reserve, or social awkwardness.
Meaning & originCock a snook
Make a derisive gesture, or openly show contempt for a person or rule. Informal and defiant. The literal gesture is also known as thumbing one's nose…
Meaning & originKeep your pecker up
Remain cheerful, courageous, or determined despite difficulty. This chiefly British expression is old-fashioned and easily misunderstood…
Meaning & originGo out on a limb
To take a bold risk or stand alone, venturing into uncertainty.
Meaning & originIn a nutshell
Summed up short and sweet, the core.
Meaning & originSmart aleck
Someone irritatingly smug about being clever or knowledgeable. Current informal and mildly insulting Regional use: United States, with early Western…
Meaning & originTake a rain check
To postpone an offer or plan for later, holding off with a promise to revisit.
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.