Phrase of the hour
Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it
A warning that people or societies that forget or refuse to learn from past events will be forced to live through the same mistakes again. It is…
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.
1,355
curious expressions
1,039
source-backed entries
2,115
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
Kick up your heels
To let loose and have fun, cutting free.
Meaning & originOn a sticky wicket
In an awkward, difficult, or vulnerable position - one where any move may make things worse. Usually in the phrases 'be (batting) on a sticky wicket'…
Meaning & originPay through the nose
To pay an extremely high or excessive price for something; to be charged far more than it is worth. Usually said with irritation or resignation about…
Meaning & originDon't teach your grandmother to suck eggs
Don't tell an expert what they know, it's daft.
Meaning & originWet behind the ears
Inexperienced or naive, still green and untested.
Meaning & originCatawampus
Askew, out of alignment, or in a confused and irregular state. Current but regional, jocular, and semantically flexible Regional use: United States…
Meaning & originAny port in a storm
Said of accepting whatever refuge, help, or option is available when in difficulty, even an unappealing one, because waiting for something better is…
Meaning & originBated breath
Breathing held or subdued because of suspense, fear or intense expectation. Bated, not baited, is the standard spelling. It most often follows with…
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.