Phrase of the hour
Read the Riot Act
Deliver a severe reprimand and warn that further misconduct will bring punishment. Usually figurative and often capitalized because of the historical…
Uncover the storyA curious dictionary of everyday English
Every odd phrase has
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Discover what peculiar British and American expressions mean, where they came from, and how people actually use them.
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Plain-English meanings.
Folklore labelled honestly.
Folklore labelled honestly.
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Whoop it up
Celebrate or enjoy oneself loudly and energetically, or stir up noisy enthusiasm for a person, event, or cause. Informal. The phrase can describe…
Meaning & originMake hay while the sun shines
To seize an opportunity while conditions are favorable, acting fast before chances fade.
Meaning & originHeavens to Betsy
A mild, old-fashioned exclamation expressing surprise, alarm, disbelief, or exasperation without using a stronger oath. Playful, theatrical, or…
Meaning & originHoly mackerel
An exclamation of surprise, alarm, or amazement. Mild, comic, and somewhat old-fashioned Regional use: United States, later wider English.
Meaning & originMind your Ps and Qs
Be careful about your manners, conduct, or details; behave properly and avoid mistakes.
Meaning & originFly by the seat of your pants
To act or navigate by instinct alone, with no plan or tools.
Meaning & originCharity begins at home
One's first responsibility is to care for people and needs close at hand, especially family. Can defend reasonable local responsibility or excuse…
Meaning & originThe more the merrier
An occasion or shared activity is likely to be more enjoyable when additional people join. Usually friendly and inclusive, though it can be ironic…
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.