Phrase of the hour
Bush party
An outdoor party in a secluded place, often involving underage drinking. Current regional term, often in policing or community contexts Regional use…
Uncover the storyA curious dictionary of everyday English
Discover what peculiar British and American expressions mean, where they came from, and how people actually use them.
Phrase of the hour
An outdoor party in a secluded place, often involving underage drinking. Current regional term, often in policing or community contexts Regional use…
Uncover the storyStart with a letter
Pulled from the drawers
To suddenly lose one's temper or become uncontrollably angry, often in an exaggerated or unexpected outburst. It's typically used to describe…
Meaning & originCompletely irrational, wildly unreasonable, or apparently out of touch with reality. A strong informal expression. It is less harmful when aimed at a…
Meaning & originBeing controlled or dominated by someone, submissive to their will like a digit pressed firmly down, with no room to wriggle free.
Meaning & originTo admit a humiliating mistake and take the bitter hit, swallowing pride like a tough, unpalatable bird-grudgingly accepting defeat.
Meaning & originTo chat idly or casually, passing time with aimless talk.
Meaning & originCunning or sharp, sneaky smart.
Meaning & originNo possibility at all, doomed to fail.
Meaning & originVery soon or a short time ago, with the direction in time supplied by context. Context matters: it can point shortly forward or shortly backward. Just…
Meaning & originLanguage has legends. Evidence matters.
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.