A 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.

725 curious expressions
409 source-backed entries
855 research references
Plain-English meanings.
Folklore labelled honestly.

Start with a letter

Browse the cabinet

See the full catalogue

Pulled from the drawers

A few curious finds

Show me another

Out to lunch

Oblivious, inattentive, irrational, or detached from what is happening. Current informal expression; can sound insulting when applied to a person…

Meaning & origin

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 & origin

Safe and sound

Completely out of danger and found or returned without physical injury, loss, or damage. Sound retains its old whole or uninjured sense in this…

Meaning & origin

Language 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.

How we research phrases