Phrase of the hour
Monkey's wedding
A sunshower: rain falling while the sun is shining. Informal but widely recognisable in South Africa. Jackal's wedding is a related regional…
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Plain-English meanings.
Folklore labelled honestly.
Folklore labelled honestly.
Start with a letter
Browse the cabinet
Pulled from the drawers
A few curious finds
Cold feet
A sudden loss of courage or confidence that makes someone hesitate or withdraw from a planned action.
Meaning & originAt the drop of a hat
Instantly and without hesitation, at the slightest signal or provocation. Usually describes a readiness or eagerness to act - travel, argue, resign…
Meaning & originA baker's dozen
Thirteen items rather than the usual twelve; a group or quantity of thirteen. It is used when something comes in an unexpectedly generous count, and…
Meaning & originUnderstood the assignment
Praise meaning someone grasped exactly what a situation demanded and delivered it impressively, meeting or beating expectations. Said of outfits…
Meaning & originStag and doe
A ticketed party held to raise money for an engaged couple's wedding. Current regional social-custom term Regional use: Canada, predominantly Ontario…
Meaning & originA shot across the bow
A warning that stronger action will follow unless the recipient changes course. The phrase covers everything from a regulatory letter to a shock…
Meaning & originWhat in Sam Hill?
An emphatic but softened way to ask what, who, where, or how in the world. Dated, comic, and mildly emphatic Regional use: United States and Canada.
Meaning & originSpend a penny
Use the toilet, especially to urinate. Historically associated particularly with women's pay cubicles because men's urinals were often free. Regional…
Meaning & origin
Language 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.