Phrase of the hour
On the skids
Slipping down or failing.
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
Not worth a tinker's damn
Worth absolutely nothing, or so unimportant that it merits no concern.
Meaning & originEvery cloud has a silver lining
A hopeful reassurance that even in bad situations, there's a positive aspect or potential for good to emerge, encouraging resilience and optimism. It…
Meaning & originRoot, hog, or die
Fend for yourself and work for what you need, or face failure. Obscure, severe, and strongly historical Regional use: United States, especially rural…
Meaning & originScraping the barrel
Using the last or worst options, down to dregs.
Meaning & originCut and dried
Already settled, prepared or decided, often in a routine way that allows little originality or debate. Commonly used in the negative, as in not cut…
Meaning & originCut of your jib
Your characteristic appearance, manner or style, especially as the basis of a first impression. Informal and nautical in flavour. It can signal…
Meaning & originKeep it under your hat
To keep something secret, tucked away.
Meaning & originNot worth a plugged nickel
Worth very little or nothing.
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.