Phrase of the hour
The silent majority
The mass of ordinary people who do not state their views publicly, especially voters presumed to hold mainstream opinions while louder minorities…
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Plain-English meanings.
Folklore labelled honestly.
Folklore labelled honestly.
Start with a letter
Browse the cabinet
Pulled from the drawers
A few curious finds
Nail your colours to the mast
To declare your allegiance to a person, party or position openly and irrevocably, committing yourself to it whatever the consequences. It implies…
Meaning & originA feather in your cap
An achievement, honour, or distinction that someone can be proud of and that enhances their reputation.
Meaning & originAn albatross around your neck
A heavy burden of guilt, shame, or misfortune that someone cannot shake off, especially one created by their own actions. Usually said of a lasting…
Meaning & originCaught with your hand in the till
Nabbed pilfering or stealing, caught cold.
Meaning & originMercurial
Lively, quick-witted, and quick to change - a temperament that shifts like the god's own sandals between brilliance, charm, and sudden reversal…
Meaning & originLike turkeys voting for Christmas
Doing something foolishly against your own interests.
Meaning & originKnight in shining armour
A person, usually a man, who heroically rescues or champions someone in trouble, especially one who turns up unexpectedly and sorts everything out…
Meaning & originHappy as a clam
Very contented, comfortable, and satisfied. Current and widely understood Regional use: United States, probably associated early with the Northeast…
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.