Phrase of the hour
Good riddance
An expression of relief or satisfaction that an unwanted person or thing has gone. Blunt and often insulting when directed at a person. The extended…
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curious expressions
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Plain-English meanings.
Folklore labelled honestly.
Folklore labelled honestly.
Start with a letter
Browse the cabinet
Pulled from the drawers
A few curious finds
Do the needful
Take whatever action is necessary in the circumstances. Formal and efficient within its regional professional norm. International recipients may…
Meaning & originTwo solitudes
English- and French-speaking communities living alongside one another with limited understanding or sympathy. Current in historical, political, and…
Meaning & originWhen the going gets tough
When things turn hard or tight, a test.
Meaning & originDon't hold your breath
Don't expect it soon or at all, a slim chance.
Meaning & originFair crack of the whip
A fair opportunity to take part, compete or prove one's ability. Informal. Fair go is the shorter and especially characteristic Australian equivalent…
Meaning & originSackcloth and ashes
An outward display of deep remorse, penitence, mourning, or public self-reproach. Often humorous or exaggerated when applied to public apologies…
Meaning & originCome the raw prawn
Attempt to deceive, impose upon or treat someone unfairly. Informal and confrontational, often used in a warning not to try a trick. Regional use…
Meaning & originNot worth a tinker's damn
Worth absolutely nothing, or so unimportant that it merits no concern.
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.