Phrase of the hour
For love or money
Under any circumstances or by any inducement, most often used after a negative. Usually appears in a negative clause. Outside that construction it may…
Uncover the storyA curious dictionary of everyday English
Discover what peculiar British and American expressions mean, where they came from, and how people actually use them.
Phrase of the hour
Under any circumstances or by any inducement, most often used after a negative. Usually appears in a negative clause. Outside that construction it may…
Uncover the storyStart with a letter
Pulled from the drawers
In charge or control.
Meaning & originSharp, alert, and quick to act, right on top of things.
Meaning & originPut in maximum effort, go hard, or proceed with full enthusiasm. Current, informal, and energetic Regional use: Canada, especially Western Canada and…
Meaning & originIn a state of open, bitter hostility or severe mutual distrust. Stronger than disagree. It describes entrenched hostility and usually takes with…
Meaning & originRisk everything in an all-out attempt to succeed. Current informal idiom Regional use: Hawaii, then the wider United States.
Meaning & originTo stand up or hold true, solid as fact.
Meaning & originAn expression of relief or satisfaction that an unwanted person or thing has gone. Blunt and often insulting when directed at a person. The extended…
Meaning & originAn outdoor party in a secluded place, often involving underage drinking. Current regional term, often in policing or community contexts Regional use…
Meaning & originLanguage has legends. Evidence matters.
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.