Phrase of the hour
Jump out of the frying pan into the fire
To flee one mess for a worse one, no win.
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.
725
curious expressions
409
source-backed entries
855
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
Every dog has its day
Everyone gets a chance at success or revenge eventually, no matter how unlikely.
Meaning & originGive someone the cold shoulder
Deliberately ignore someone or treat them with conspicuous unfriendliness or lack of interest.
Meaning & originGive the game away
Reveal a secret, hidden intention, plan, or surprise, often inadvertently, so that a deception is exposed or the intended surprise is spoiled. The…
Meaning & originFor 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…
Meaning & originDon't put all your eggs in one basket
A caution against risking everything on a single venture, urging diversification to avoid total loss if it fails.
Meaning & originHammer and tongs
With great energy, force or aggression, as in working, arguing or attacking without restraint. Usually modifies a vigorous activity and often follows…
Meaning & originMan does not live by bread alone
People need intellectual, emotional, or spiritual nourishment as well as material necessities. Traditional man is generic; people do not live by bread…
Meaning & originBetter late than never
Doing something after the ideal time is preferable to not doing it at all. Often said lightly after a delay. It can sound inadequate when the delay…
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.