Phrase of the hour
Sing like a canary
To spill secrets or confess freely, chirping out everything.
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.
1,025
curious expressions
709
source-backed entries
1,455
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
Benching
Keeping a romantic prospect in reserve by maintaining just enough sporadic contact to keep them interested, while never committing to dates or a…
Meaning & originFair crack of the whip
A fair opportunity to take part, compete or prove one's ability. Informal. Fair go is the shorter and especially characteristic Australian equivalent…
Meaning & originFish or cut bait
Decide to act or step aside, no dallying.
Meaning & originUp your sleeve
Held secretly in reserve, ready to pull out.
Meaning & originThe bitter end
The final limit or conclusion, especially when reaching it is difficult or unpleasant. Commonly implies persistence through adversity, but it can also…
Meaning & originHit the nail on the head
To describe or address something with perfect accuracy, pinpointing the truth or solution without error or excess. It evokes a carpenter's precise…
Meaning & originGive it a whirl
To try something out, giving it a spin.
Meaning & originOn your high horse
Behaving in an arrogant, disapproving or self-righteous way, as though morally or socially above everyone else. The phrase is nearly always critical…
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.