Phrase of the hour
On the skids
Slipping down or failing.
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
Reap what you sow
Experience consequences that correspond to one's earlier actions. Often negative, but the underlying agricultural analogy permits beneficial…
Meaning & originLike all get-out
To an extreme or remarkable degree. Regional, informal, and somewhat old-fashioned Regional use: United States, now especially associated with…
Meaning & originHurly-burly
Noisy disorder, uproar or tumult created by confused activity, argument or conflict. More colourful than commotion or confusion and often suggests…
Meaning & originPut the wind up
To spook or rattle someone, all nerves.
Meaning & originDon't bite the hand that feeds you
Don't harm or turn on your benefactor.
Meaning & originA bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
Having something certain now beats chasing uncertain gains later.
Meaning & originThe blind leading the blind
People who lack knowledge or ability trying to guide others who are equally uninformed. Common but potentially insensitive if used carelessly around…
Meaning & originNeither use nor ornament
Completely useless, being neither practical nor even decorative. When applied to a person it is blunt and potentially insulting. Regional use: United…
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.