Phrase of the hour
Off the cuff
Spoken, decided, or done without advance preparation; impromptu rather than rehearsed.
Uncover the storyA curious dictionary of everyday English
Discover what peculiar British and American expressions mean, where they came from, and how people actually use them.
Phrase of the hour
Spoken, decided, or done without advance preparation; impromptu rather than rehearsed.
Uncover the storyStart with a letter
Pulled from the drawers
Shift responsibility, blame, or an unwelcome decision to someone else. Informal and usually critical, because it implies avoidance rather than…
Meaning & originYou have broad freedom and opportunity to pursue what life can offer. Possessive forms vary with the subject. The pearl explanation is a useful modern…
Meaning & originSomething so absurd or impossible it'll never happen.
Meaning & originBroken, malfunctioning, or in an unsatisfactory state. Current informal idiom Regional use: United States, later widespread.
Meaning & originOne's first responsibility is to care for people and needs close at hand, especially family. Can defend reasonable local responsibility or excuse…
Meaning & originA murder or other grave wrongdoing will eventually be discovered. Archaic in casual speech. It may be extended to concealed wrongdoing that is not…
Meaning & originNone of your concern or business. Informal, playful, and mildly dismissive Regional use: United States, later wider English.
Meaning & originRushed or swamped, no stop.
Meaning & originLanguage has legends. Evidence matters.
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.