Phrase of the hour
On the horns of a dilemma
Stuck picking between two bad options, torn.
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.
1,896
curious expressions
1,580
source-backed entries
3,356
research references
Plain-English meanings.
Folklore labelled honestly.
Folklore labelled honestly.
Start with a letter
Browse the cabinet
Pulled from the drawers
A few curious finds
In the doghouse
In disgrace or out of favor, sidelined for a misstep.
Meaning & originBetween wind and water
At the most exposed or vulnerable point, where an attack or criticism can do serious harm. Dated and often used with 'hit' or 'strike.' It means at a…
Meaning & originNo room to swing a cat
Said of a place far too cramped for comfort, with barely space to move about - a ship's berth, a bedsit, a packed office. A humorous hyperbole about…
Meaning & originRub shoulders with
To meet, mix or spend time with people, especially those who are famous, powerful or from a very different walk of life. Suggests casual, close-range…
Meaning & originPlatonic
Loving or affectionate without sex - the friendship that is warm, deep, sometimes passionate, and deliberately stops short of the physical. Applied to…
Meaning & originWhistle-stop tour
A campaign swing built on many brief appearances in many small towns, classically delivered from the rear platform of a train that halts just long…
Meaning & originSing for your supper
To work, perform, or provide a service in order to earn something you want, especially a meal, hospitality, or a favour, rather than receiving it for…
Meaning & originHoist with your own petard
Harmed or defeated by the very scheme or device intended to harm another. Hoist is Shakespeare's past participle. Both with and by occur today, though…
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.