Phrase of the hour
Brownie points
Notional credit earned by doing small favours or by flattering someone in authority, especially at work or school; the points are imaginary and…
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Plain-English meanings.
Folklore labelled honestly.
Folklore labelled honestly.
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Young at heart
Having the energy, enthusiasm, and playful outlook associated with youth even though one is middle-aged or older; also applied to products…
Meaning & originThere's no such thing as a free lunch
Nothing is genuinely cost-free; anything given away is paid for by someone, somehow, whether through higher prices, taxes, trade-offs, or hidden…
Meaning & originTaken aback
Startled or disconcerted by something unexpected, often to the point of being momentarily lost for words. Almost always appears in the passive ('I was…
Meaning & originThe Golden Fleece
A prize that justifies an epic quest - the goal whose pursuit gathers a crew, survives monsters, and usually costs more than the object is worth. Used…
Meaning & originA flash in the pan
A conspicuous early success or display that quickly fails to produce lasting results. Usually dismissive. The pan is part of a firearm's ignition…
Meaning & originPut your money where your mouth is
To back your words with action or cash, proving it.
Meaning & originA sound bite
A brief extract, originally an audio or television clip of someone speaking, short enough to drop into a news bulletin; by extension any pithy…
Meaning & originSoft launch
In dating and social media slang, to hint at a new relationship online without officially confirming it, for example posting a photo of a partner's…
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.