Phrase of the hour
Like a moth to a flame
Drawn irresistibly to something risky, pulled in.
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.
2,006
curious expressions
1,690
source-backed entries
3,678
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
The course of true love never did run smooth
A proverb asserting that genuine romantic love rarely proceeds without obstacles - separation, family opposition, mismatched ages, ranks or fortunes…
Meaning & originIn the firing line
In the position most exposed to attack, blame, or dismissal; the person or group at whom criticism is aimed. British English prefers 'in the firing…
Meaning & originYou're pulling my leg
Teasing or tricking someone with a tall tale, yanking them along with playful deceit.
Meaning & originRun a mile
To flee fast or dodge hard.
Meaning & originMonkey's wedding
A sunshower: rain falling while the sun is shining. Informal but widely recognisable in South Africa. Jackal's wedding is a related regional…
Meaning & originJump through hoops
To go through excessive effort or obstacles to achieve something, often at someone else's demand, suggesting a performance of agility or submission…
Meaning & originFull of beans
Bursting with energy or enthusiasm, lively as if fueled by a jolt.
Meaning & originUp a gum tree
In a tricky or stuck spot, no way out.
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.