Phrase of the hour
More than meets the eye
Having more significance, complexity, or hidden detail than is apparent at first glance. Said of people, situations, agreements, or works of art whose…
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1,973
curious expressions
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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
Jump the shark
To reach a conspicuous moment when a television series or other long-running enterprise is perceived to sacrifice credibility or quality for a…
Meaning & originVirtue signalling
The public expression of a moral or political position undertaken chiefly to display one's own goodness or gain social approval, rather than to…
Meaning & originEnshittification
The steady decay of an online platform or service, which first courts users, then degrades their experience to benefit business customers, and finally…
Meaning & originDutch uncle
A person who rebukes or lectures frankly, severely and at length, usually with the best of intentions. Nearly always found in the phrase to talk to…
Meaning & originJump through hoops
To go through excessive effort or obstacles to achieve something, often at someone else's demand, suggesting a performance of agility or submission…
Meaning & originBallpark figure
A rough number - an estimate good enough to work with, offered without any pretence of precision. The phrase invites negotiation: a ballpark figure is…
Meaning & originHale and hearty
Strong, healthy and energetic, particularly when describing an older person who remains vigorous. Old-fashioned and frequently applied to older…
Meaning & originHave a dekko
Have a look or inspect something briefly. Informal. Spellings vary because the term was transliterated and transmitted orally. Regional use: British…
Meaning & origin
Language 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.