Phrase of the hour
Like a lamb to the slaughter
Without resistance or awareness, into danger, defeat, or an unpleasant situation. Usually ominous and sometimes melodramatic. Lambs to the slaughter…
Uncover the storyA curious dictionary of everyday English
Every odd phrase has
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Discover what peculiar British and American expressions mean, where they came from, and how people actually use them.
725
curious expressions
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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
Queer street
A difficult or precarious situation, especially financial trouble. The expression is dated and may be misunderstood because queer now has prominent…
Meaning & originGive up the ghost
To die or cease functioning, letting go of life or effort.
Meaning & originIn the twinkling of an eye
In an extremely short time, emphasizing that a change or action happened almost instantly. Literary but readily understood. In a modern neutral…
Meaning & originBy and large
Generally, on the whole or after considering the main aspects. A sentence adverb usually set off by commas. 'By in large' is a mishearing, not a…
Meaning & originWhen push comes to shove
When it gets tough or critical, forcing action.
Meaning & originThe world is your oyster
You have broad freedom and opportunity to pursue what life can offer. Possessive forms vary with the subject. The pearl explanation is a useful modern…
Meaning & originRun rings around
To outdo or outpace easily, circling.
Meaning & originDon't hold your breath
Don't expect it soon or at all, a slim chance.
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.