Phrase of the hour
Like a bolt from the blue
A sudden, shocking surprise, out of nowhere.
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
Under false colours
While concealing one's true identity, allegiance or intentions behind a deceptive appearance. Colour is British spelling and color American. The…
Meaning & originEat your words
To retract a bold claim or boast, swallowing it back.
Meaning & originKeep your eyes peeled
To stay sharply alert or watchful, scanning for signs.
Meaning & originYou can't polish a turd
Some things can't be fixed or prettied up, flaws stay.
Meaning & originOn the wrong side of the tracks
From a poor or rough part, low-class.
Meaning & originBurn the candle at both ends
To overwork or exhaust yourself, pushing too hard.
Meaning & originNone of your beeswax
None of your concern or business. Informal, playful, and mildly dismissive Regional use: United States, later wider English.
Meaning & originBated breath
Breathing held or subdued because of suspense, fear or intense expectation. Bated, not baited, is the standard spelling. It most often follows with…
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.