Phrase of the hour
The 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…
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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
Eat your hat
To admit a big shock or wrong, stunned.
Meaning & originKeep your nose clean
Stay out of trouble or vice, all clear.
Meaning & originBefore you can say Jack Robinson
So quickly that there is scarcely time to notice, respond or prepare. Informal and mildly comic. Both 'can' and 'could' forms are established…
Meaning & originThe world's your oyster
You have every opportunity open to you and can achieve whatever you set out to do; said encouragingly, especially to young people starting out. The…
Meaning & originOut of your depth
Beyond your skill or comfort, floundering in deep water.
Meaning & originLoad the dice
To rig a situation in advance so that a particular outcome is assured, usually against someone: Farlex defines it as arranging matters so the outcome…
Meaning & originDown to the wire
Used of a contest, negotiation, or process whose outcome remains undecided until the very last moment. It typically appears in constructions like 'go…
Meaning & originDrugstore cowboy
A person dressed like an experienced cowboy without having the experience, or a fashionable young loafer who lingers in public places. Dated and…
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.