Phrase of the hour
Blue chip
A blue chip is a share in a large, established, financially dependable company, and by extension any first-class, reliably valuable asset or person…
Uncover the storyA curious dictionary of everyday English
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Discover what peculiar British and American expressions mean, where they came from, and how people actually use them.
1,789
curious expressions
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Plain-English meanings.
Folklore labelled honestly.
Folklore labelled honestly.
Start with a letter
Browse the cabinet
Pulled from the drawers
A few curious finds
Hammer and tongs
With great energy, force or aggression, as in working, arguing or attacking without restraint. Usually modifies a vigorous activity and often follows…
Meaning & originKarma
In Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain thought, the principle by which a person's actions bring corresponding consequences, in this life or a future rebirth; in…
Meaning & originHurly-burly
Noisy disorder, uproar or tumult created by confused activity, argument or conflict. More colourful than commotion or confusion and often suggests…
Meaning & originIt takes two to tango
Used to say that certain situations, especially quarrels and shared undertakings, require two willing participants, so responsibility or blame cannot…
Meaning & originA wolf in sheep's clothing
Someone hiding bad intent behind a gentle facade, deceptive.
Meaning & originClutch at straws
To resort to desperate remedies or arguments that have almost no chance of working, because no real options remain. Typically said of fading hopes - a…
Meaning & originStick your neck out
To take a bold risk or chance, exposed.
Meaning & originMake a mountain out of a molehill
To exaggerate a small problem into something much bigger than it is, often out of anxiety, drama, or misperspective, blowing minor issues out of…
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.