Phrase of the hour
You can't polish a turd
Some things can't be fixed or prettied up, flaws stay.
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.
725
curious expressions
409
source-backed entries
855
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
Swing the lead
Avoid work or duty by pretending to be ill, incapable or busier than one is. Disapproving. It alleges deliberate shirking, so it can be unfair or…
Meaning & originTickety-boo
In good order, satisfactory or progressing well. Informal and cheerful. Hyphenation and spelling vary considerably. Regional use: British and…
Meaning & originCharity begins at home
One's first responsibility is to care for people and needs close at hand, especially family. Can defend reasonable local responsibility or excuse…
Meaning & originYou can't take it with you
Stuff stays when you go, no haul.
Meaning & originHorse of a different color
A person, thing, argument, or situation that is fundamentally different from the one previously discussed or expected. Informal but widely understood…
Meaning & originIn the black
Making profit or clear, in good.
Meaning & originStool pigeon
An informer, especially one working for the police against other offenders. Dated but understood in crime contexts Regional use: United States, later…
Meaning & originOn the pig's back
Doing great or riding high, all luck.
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.