Phrase of the hour
Like a bat out of hell
Moving with wild, reckless speed, tearing off.
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.
1,465
curious expressions
1,149
source-backed entries
2,335
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
Dressing down
A harsh scolding or formal reprimand, usually delivered by someone in authority to a subordinate who has made a mistake. As a verb phrase, 'to dress…
Meaning & originTalk turkey
Speak frankly and directly, especially when discussing practical terms, serious business, or a negotiation.
Meaning & originThe ick
A sudden feeling of disgust or repulsion toward someone you are dating or attracted to, usually triggered by something trivial such as the way they…
Meaning & originKaty, bar the door
Watch out or prepare for sudden danger, disorder, or fierce competition. Dated, colourful warning Regional use: United States, especially Southern and…
Meaning & originCopper-bottomed
Completely reliable, secure or trustworthy; unlikely to fail under pressure. Informal but common in business and political language. It may describe…
Meaning & originOne fell swoop
A single sudden action that affects or disposes of everything concerned. Fell is an archaic adjective meaning fierce or deadly. 'One foul swoop' and…
Meaning & originPut your money where your mouth is
To back your words with action or cash, proving it.
Meaning & originEat out of house and home
To gobble all the food or drain a place.
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.