Phrase of the hour
On the horns of a dilemma
Stuck picking between two bad options, torn.
Uncover the storyA curious dictionary of everyday English
Discover what peculiar British and American expressions mean, where they came from, and how people actually use them.
Phrase of the hour
Stuck picking between two bad options, torn.
Uncover the storyStart with a letter
Pulled from the drawers
Doing something foolishly against your own interests.
Meaning & originSo worried, confused, or frustrated that you cannot think what to do next. The possessive changes with the subject: my wits' end, his wits' end, and…
Meaning & originTrapped in a tight spot or aim, pinned.
Meaning & originTo accept life's ups and downs, good with bad.
Meaning & originA supposed choice in which the only real options are to accept what is offered or take nothing. Often confused with a dilemma between two bad…
Meaning & originTo be easily controlled or swayed, tamed.
Meaning & originEven the most attractive opportunity or pleasant circumstance has some drawback, difficulty, or pain. More literary than every rose has its thorn. It…
Meaning & originBecome quiet, or tell someone firmly to stop talking or making noise. Informal and often brusque. Directed at a person, it can sound ruder than…
Meaning & originLanguage has legends. Evidence matters.
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.