Phrase of the hour
The apple doesn't fall far from the tree
A child tends to grow up resembling their parents in character, behaviour or appearance, for better or worse. It is usually said of a conspicuous…
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
A child tends to grow up resembling their parents in character, behaviour or appearance, for better or worse. It is usually said of a conspicuous…
Uncover the storyStart with a letter
Pulled from the drawers
To bell the cat is to undertake or volunteer for a dangerous, near-impossible task on behalf of others, especially one that everyone agrees would be…
Meaning & originA conspicuous early success or display that quickly fails to produce lasting results. Usually dismissive. The pan is part of a firearm's ignition…
Meaning & originAn elusive, hard-to-describe quality that makes someone or something distinctive and appealing, almost always in a positive way. It is a slightly…
Meaning & originSomeone has at last understood or realized something, typically after a stretch of puzzlement during which the answer was in front of them. Almost…
Meaning & originTo prepare a lavish celebration, especially serving the best food and drink, in order to welcome someone home after a long absence. Very often used…
Meaning & originYou are in disgrace or universally unpopular: 'one more scandal like that and his name is mud'. Said of someone whose reputation has collapsed through…
Meaning & originSaid of someone who tries a new activity for the first time and adapts to it instantly and naturally, as if born to it, with no awkward learning…
Meaning & originTo earn money or achieve success, especially to support a household; to win a prize or secure the desired result. Common in sports and business talk…
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.