Phrase of the hour
Forbidden fruit
Something desired precisely because it is off-limits - a pleasure whose attraction comes largely from being illicit. The phrase explains the pull of…
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Plain-English meanings.
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Catamaran
A boat or ship with two parallel hulls joined by a deck or bridge, prized for speed, stability, and deck space; used of everything from small sailing…
Meaning & originThe pen is mightier than the sword
Writing, ideas, and persuasion ultimately accomplish more than violence or force. Invoked to praise authors, journalists, lawyers, and diplomats, or…
Meaning & originIn the lap of luxury
Living in grand comfort or wealth, pampered.
Meaning & originHard and fast
Strictly fixed, definite and not open to alteration, evasion or flexible interpretation. Most common before rule, distinction, deadline or boundary…
Meaning & originWolf in sheep's clothing
Someone who presents a harmless, kind or trustworthy appearance while concealing hostile, greedy or predatory intentions. Almost always a warning that…
Meaning & originBy and large
Generally, on the whole or after considering the main aspects. A sentence adverb usually set off by commas. 'By in large' is a mishearing, not a…
Meaning & originA straw poll
An informal, unofficial vote used to gauge the direction of opinion rather than settle anything; common in politics, committees and forecasting. Straw…
Meaning & originSaturnine
Cold, gloomy, and slow to smile - temperamentally heavy, as if born under a leaden sky. It is jovial's standing antonym: where the jovial host laughs…
Meaning & origin
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