Phrase of the hour
Jovial
Cheerful and good-humoured - hearty, merry, quick to laugh. The word describes a whole settled temperament rather than a passing mood, and it still…
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2,006
curious expressions
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Plain-English meanings.
Folklore labelled honestly.
Folklore labelled honestly.
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On the mend
Recovering from illness, injury or a difficult patch; visibly improving in health or condition. The phrase treats getting better as a process of…
Meaning & originA good egg
A decent, kind, dependable person - someone likeable and trustworthy; a good fellow. It also worked as an exclamation of approval ('Good egg!'). Warm…
Meaning & originA slap on the wrist
A punishment so mild it barely registers - a token fine, a symbolic suspension, a stern letter. The phrase is nearly always a complaint that the…
Meaning & originIn the doldrums
In low spirits, inactivity, or a period of stagnation. The Doldrums can also name the equatorial belt of light and variable winds and calms.
Meaning & originA cloud on the horizon
A sign of trouble or difficulty that has not yet arrived but can be seen coming; a looming problem that threatens an otherwise good situation. Very…
Meaning & originMercurial
Lively, quick-witted, and quick to change - a temperament that shifts like the god's own sandals between brilliance, charm, and sudden reversal…
Meaning & originWhat's the craic?
What is happening, what is the news or how are things? In this question craic usually means news or happenings. In good craic it means enjoyable…
Meaning & originSaved by the bell
Rescued at the last possible moment from defeat, danger, embarrassment, an unwanted answer, or another difficult situation. Current and informal. In…
Meaning & origin
Language 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.