Phrase of the hour
We're all Jock Tamson's bairns
We share a common humanity and none of us is inherently above the others. Affirming and egalitarian. It may refer to all humanity or, in a narrower…
Uncover the storyA curious dictionary of everyday English
Discover what peculiar British and American expressions mean, where they came from, and how people actually use them.
Phrase of the hour
We share a common humanity and none of us is inherently above the others. Affirming and egalitarian. It may refer to all humanity or, in a narrower…
Uncover the storyStart with a letter
Pulled from the drawers
To declare your allegiance to a person, party or position openly and irrevocably, committing yourself to it whatever the consequences. It implies…
Meaning & originA person who closely resembles a parent in character, temperament, or ability, and sometimes in appearance. Usually said of a son or daughter who has…
Meaning & originShow your feelings openly and make little effort to conceal your emotional vulnerability.
Meaning & originA single favourable sign does not prove that the wider situation has turned; one good result, one good day, or one data point cannot stand for the…
Meaning & originTo okay or let go, all clear.
Meaning & originOf a satisfactory or acceptable standard: 'the second rehearsal wasn't up to snuff'. Usually negated ('not up to snuff') to criticize quality or…
Meaning & originNot worth the effort or cost, a dim gain.
Meaning & originCompletely and often with abrupt or forceful dispatch, especially when someone is thrown out or falls headlong. Dated and chiefly British. It most…
Meaning & originLanguage has legends. Evidence matters.
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.