Phrase of the hour
Night owl
A person who habitually stays up late and feels most alert or active at night, typically at the cost of early mornings. The term is neutral and often…
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.
1,973
curious expressions
1,657
source-backed entries
3,581
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
Break the ice
Make a beginning that overcomes initial difficulty, reserve, or social awkwardness.
Meaning & originGood Samaritan
Someone who helps a stranger in distress, at cost or risk to themselves, with no expectation of reward - the passer-by who stops. The phrase carries…
Meaning & originWhen the cows come home
A long, vague wait, maybe never.
Meaning & originPass the buck
Shift responsibility, blame, or an unwelcome decision to someone else. Informal and usually critical, because it implies avoidance rather than…
Meaning & originTurn up trumps
Produce an unexpectedly good result or prove especially helpful when needed. Informal and approving. Come up trumps is a very common modern form…
Meaning & originThe thin end of the wedge
The first small stage of something that will grow into a much larger and usually unwelcome development. Typically deployed to argue that a…
Meaning & originThe whole ball of wax
Everything involved in a matter: the complete collection, arrangement, business, or set of related concerns. Informal and sometimes slightly…
Meaning & originHammer and tongs
With great energy, force or aggression, as in working, arguing or attacking without restraint. Usually modifies a vigorous activity and often follows…
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.