Phrase of the hour
Put the screws on
To press or squeeze hard, forcing it.
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
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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
Talk the hind leg off a donkey
Talk at exhausting length, especially with little pause for anyone else. Informal and humorous. Singular and plural leg forms both occur. Regional…
Meaning & originQueen Anne is dead
A sarcastic response meaning that the supposed news is stale, obvious or universally known. A sarcastic rejoinder. It can sound needlessly sharp when…
Meaning & originThe blind leading the blind
People who lack knowledge or ability trying to guide others who are equally uninformed. Common but potentially insensitive if used carelessly around…
Meaning & originIn the pink
In top health or shape, glowing with vigor.
Meaning & originKick the habit
To quit a bad routine or vice, shaking it off.
Meaning & originHair of the dog
An alcoholic drink taken in the belief that it will ease a hangover caused by earlier drinking.
Meaning & originKick the bucket
To die. The expression is informal and can sound flippant when used about a recent or painful death.
Meaning & originYou've got rocks in your head
You are showing very poor judgment or proposing something the speaker considers foolish. A blunt insult to someone's judgment or intelligence. It can…
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.