Phrase of the hour
Take the bull by the horns
To face a challenge boldly, grabbing it head-on.
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
To face a challenge boldly, grabbing it head-on.
Uncover the storyStart with a letter
Pulled from the drawers
To try an impossible task, seeking what can't be.
Meaning & originDescribes a situation that is risky, precarious or uncertain, where the outcome hangs on a very narrow margin and could easily have gone the other…
Meaning & originCash you itch to spend fast.
Meaning & originA sarcastic retort meaning that whatever has just been predicted or promised is so unlikely that it will never happen; used to mock over-optimistic…
Meaning & originStrong, healthy and energetic, particularly when describing an older person who remains vigorous. Old-fashioned and frequently applied to older…
Meaning & originA person or thing that is an easy, helpless target for attack, criticism, or exploitation, having little or no means of defense or escape. It is…
Meaning & originTo take the blame or bear the responsibility when something goes wrong, especially on behalf of others who were equally or more at fault. It is…
Meaning & originHaving something certain now beats chasing uncertain gains later.
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.