Phrase of the hour
Drugstore cowboy
A person dressed like an experienced cowboy without having the experience, or a fashionable young loafer who lingers in public places. Dated and…
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.
825
curious expressions
509
source-backed entries
1,055
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 the gun
Under strong pressure, attack or an urgent deadline. The expression is informal and especially common in North American English.
Meaning & originBreadcrumbing
Sending someone small, intermittent signals of romantic interest, such as occasional flirty messages, likes, or emojis, to keep them emotionally…
Meaning & originFlat out like a lizard drinking
Working extremely hard, very busy, or moving at top speed. The Australian simile is deliberately comic.
Meaning & originJack of all trades
Someone skilled in many areas but not a master of any, versatile yet shallow.
Meaning & originThe be-all and end-all
The most important, decisive or comprehensive part of something, treated as if nothing else matters. Often appears in negative statements that reject…
Meaning & originWhen the dust settles
After chaos or fuss calms down, clear again.
Meaning & originMotte and bailey
A rhetorical trick in which someone advances a bold, controversial claim (the 'bailey') but, when challenged, retreats to a bland, easily defended…
Meaning & originBetween wind and water
At the most exposed or vulnerable point, where an attack or criticism can do serious harm. Dated and often used with 'hit' or 'strike.' It means at a…
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.