Phrase of the hour
Cry wolf
To raise false alarms, calling danger too often.
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Plain-English meanings.
Folklore labelled honestly.
Folklore labelled honestly.
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Feel your oats
Feel unusually lively, confident, frisky, or self-important. Current but somewhat folksy Regional use: United States, later wider North American…
Meaning & originChildren should be seen and not heard
Children are expected to remain quiet and not interrupt adults. Now usually quoted critically, humorously, or as an example of authoritarian and…
Meaning & originThe ick
A sudden feeling of disgust or repulsion toward someone you are dating or attracted to, usually triggered by something trivial such as the way they…
Meaning & originThird time lucky
Said to express or encourage the belief that a third attempt will succeed where the first two failed - sometimes as genuine confidence, sometimes as a…
Meaning & originIn like Flynn
Certain to succeed, gain entry, or be favourably placed. Dated but familiar Regional use: United States, especially West Coast and wartime service…
Meaning & originCock a snook
Make a derisive gesture, or openly show contempt for a person or rule. Informal and defiant. The literal gesture is also known as thumbing one's nose…
Meaning & originEat like a pig
Eat a large amount, or eat in a way the speaker considers greedy, hurried, or messy. Informal and disapproving when aimed at someone else. It may…
Meaning & originAbove board
Honest and open in dealings, with nothing hidden or shady.
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.