Phrase of the hour
Skeleton in the closet
A hidden secret or shameful past kept out of sight, lurking like a grim relic that could ruin a reputation if revealed.
Uncover the storyA 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.
Folklore labelled honestly.
Start with a letter
Browse the cabinet
Pulled from the drawers
A few curious finds
Take the sting out
To soften a blow or hurt, ease it.
Meaning & originRank and file
The ordinary members of an organisation or group, as distinct from its leaders and senior officers. Can refer collectively to enlisted military…
Meaning & originKick the habit
To quit a bad routine or vice, shaking it off.
Meaning & originA chip off the old block
A person much like their parent, sharing traits.
Meaning & originGive someone the third degree
Question someone intensely, aggressively, or at exhausting length. Current; now often hyperbolic rather than literal Regional use: United States…
Meaning & originOver-egg the pudding
Spoil something by embellishing it, exaggerating it or adding more than is needed. The hyphenated spelling 'over-egg' is standard in major British…
Meaning & originBeat around the bush
To avoid addressing a topic directly, often by speaking vaguely or focusing on irrelevant details instead of getting to the point. This phrase…
Meaning & originWithout let or hindrance
Freely, with no legal or practical obstruction, delay, restraint or interference. Formal and legalistic. 'Let' means impediment here; it does not mean…
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.