Phrase of the hour
Not a patch on
Way below or less than, no match.
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
Eat, drink and be merry
Enjoy food, drink, and present pleasures, sometimes because the future is uncertain. Can celebrate present enjoyment or criticize short-sighted…
Meaning & originX marks the spot
A precise indicator of where something important lies.
Meaning & originDon't look a gift horse in the mouth
Don't question or critique a free gift, taking it as is.
Meaning & originA thorn in your side
A person or problem that causes persistent trouble or irritation. Side and flesh versions coexist, but they have distinct biblical textual histories…
Meaning & originOn a wing and a prayer
Barely scraping by with slim hope, relying on luck.
Meaning & originRun a mile
To flee fast or dodge hard.
Meaning & originA labour of love
Work undertaken chiefly from affection, commitment or enjoyment rather than for reward. Labour is British spelling and labor American. The work can be…
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 & 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.