Phrase of the hour
Damp squib
A disappointing event or effort that produces far less effect than expected. Do not list 'damp squid' as a standard variant; it is a common…
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.
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Plain-English meanings.
Folklore labelled honestly.
Folklore labelled honestly.
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Off your high horse
To drop arrogance or pride, coming down to earth.
Meaning & originYou've got rocks in your head
You are showing very poor judgment or proposing something the speaker considers foolish. A blunt insult to someone's judgment or intelligence. It can…
Meaning & originHave a screw loose
Behave or think in a way the speaker considers eccentric, irrational, or mentally unsound. Informal and potentially offensive. It is often used as…
Meaning & originIn a pickle
Stuck in a messy or tricky situation, tangled up with no clear fix.
Meaning & originKnock for a loop
Defeat, disrupt, astonish, or emotionally overwhelm someone so thoroughly that normal composure or plans are lost. Informal. It can describe physical…
Meaning & originCut of your jib
Your characteristic appearance, manner or style, especially as the basis of a first impression. Informal and nautical in flavour. It can signal…
Meaning & originHold the line
To stand firm or keep steady, resisting pressure.
Meaning & originKnock on wood
Said, often while tapping wood, after mentioning good fortune or a hope for the future, as a playful or superstitious attempt to avoid bad luck. The…
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.