Phrase of the hour
The root of all evil
The fundamental underlying cause from which serious wrongdoing, corruption, or broader trouble grows. The biblical subject is covetousness or love of…
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
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
Strange bedfellows
An unlikely, surprising or uneasy pairing of people, groups or ideas, often created by necessity or shared interest. Often used in political…
Meaning & originSpend a penny
Use the toilet, especially to urinate. Historically associated particularly with women's pay cubicles because men's urinals were often free. Regional…
Meaning & originA stone's throw
Very close, just a short distance.
Meaning & originMany a little makes a mickle
Many small amounts or efforts, accumulated patiently, eventually make a substantial whole. The title preserves the historically meaningful form. 'Many…
Meaning & originGive the slip
To escape or dodge someone slyly, slipping away unnoticed.
Meaning & originDon't shoot the messenger
Spare the bearer of bad news, not their fault.
Meaning & originDollars to doughnuts
A wager or assertion made with overwhelming confidence. Somewhat old-fashioned but still transparent Regional use: United States and Canada.
Meaning & originFirst come, first served
People are dealt with in the order in which they arrive or apply. Often used attributively before basis, with or without hyphens depending on house…
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.