Phrase of the hour
Donkey's years
A very long time. Usually appears after 'for' or 'in'. The shortened 'donkey's' is informal British usage. Regional use: United Kingdom, Ireland and…
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Plain-English meanings.
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Steelman
The strongest, most charitable version of an opponent's argument, reconstructed before responding to it. To 'steel man' a position is to actively…
Meaning & originMore haste, less speed
Rushing a task often delays success by causing mistakes or wasted effort. Usually offered as practical advice. The apparent paradox is clearer when…
Meaning & originJump the gun
To act prematurely or start something before the proper time, often leading to mistakes or embarrassment due to impatience or misjudgment. It implies…
Meaning & originTake it with a grain of salt
Treat a statement cautiously rather than accepting it as wholly accurate, complete or sincere. 'A grain of salt' is the usual North American wording…
Meaning & originLike a dog with two tails
Over-the-top happy or thrilled, all wag.
Meaning & originFit as a fiddle
To be in excellent physical health or condition, often with an emphasis on vitality and energy. It's commonly used to describe someone who appears…
Meaning & originA sair fecht
A hard struggle, or a wry acknowledgement that life is difficult. Regional and often wry. The phrase can express real hardship without inviting a…
Meaning & originThrow shade
To insult someone subtly or indirectly, often through a cutting remark, a dismissive tone or a nonverbal gesture such as a side-eye, rather than an…
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.