Phrase of the hour
The apple doesn't fall far from the tree
A child tends to grow up resembling their parents in character, behaviour or appearance, for better or worse. It is usually said of a conspicuous…
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.
1,295
curious expressions
979
source-backed entries
1,995
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
Bell the cat
To bell the cat is to undertake or volunteer for a dangerous, near-impossible task on behalf of others, especially one that everyone agrees would be…
Meaning & originA flash in the pan
A conspicuous early success or display that quickly fails to produce lasting results. Usually dismissive. The pan is part of a firearm's ignition…
Meaning & originJe ne sais quoi
An elusive, hard-to-describe quality that makes someone or something distinctive and appealing, almost always in a positive way. It is a slightly…
Meaning & originThe penny dropped
Someone has at last understood or realized something, typically after a stretch of puzzlement during which the answer was in front of them. Almost…
Meaning & originKill the fatted calf
To prepare a lavish celebration, especially serving the best food and drink, in order to welcome someone home after a long absence. Very often used…
Meaning & originYour name is mud
You are in disgrace or universally unpopular: 'one more scandal like that and his name is mud'. Said of someone whose reputation has collapsed through…
Meaning & originTake to something like a duck to water
Said of someone who tries a new activity for the first time and adapts to it instantly and naturally, as if born to it, with no awkward learning…
Meaning & originBring home the bacon
To earn money or achieve success, especially to support a household; to win a prize or secure the desired result. Common in sports and business talk…
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.