Phrase of the hour
A stage whisper
A whisper deliberately loud enough to be overheard, speech meant to look private while actually intended for nearby listeners; also the theatrical…
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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
The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
A person sincerely intends to do something but lacks the physical strength, discipline or resolve. Frequently self-deprecating. Flesh can mean bodily…
Meaning & originNot know someone from Adam
To have no idea who someone is; to be completely unable to identify or recognize a person. It usually emphasizes that the person is a total stranger…
Meaning & originYou can't have it both ways
You must pick one, not both, no double dip.
Meaning & originTake the mickey
To tease or mock gently, poking fun.
Meaning & originSick to the back teeth
Fed up past full.
Meaning & originBack to square one
Back at the starting point after an attempt has failed or previous progress has been lost, requiring the work to begin again.
Meaning & originThe silent majority
The mass of ordinary people who do not state their views publicly, especially voters presumed to hold mainstream opinions while louder minorities…
Meaning & originNe plus ultra
The utmost point of excellence or development; the acme or ultimate example of a quality, as when a tasting menu is called the last word in…
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.