Phrase of the hour
Before 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…
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.
725
curious expressions
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855
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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
At your wits' end
So 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 & originIn the lap of luxury
Living in grand comfort or wealth, pampered.
Meaning & originFall off the wagon
To relapse into a bad habit, usually drinking, after quitting.
Meaning & originDon't count your chickens before they hatch
A warning not to assume success or benefits before they're certain, urging caution against premature optimism that could lead to disappointment. It…
Meaning & originNot worth a tinker's damn
Worth absolutely nothing, or so unimportant that it merits no concern.
Meaning & originSend someone to Coventry
Deliberately ostracise someone by refusing to speak to or acknowledge them. Describes organised or collective silent treatment, not merely sending…
Meaning & originA soft answer turns away wrath
A calm, gentle reply can defuse another person's anger and prevent a quarrel from escalating. Traditional and slightly formal. It describes…
Meaning & originFool's gold
Something that looks valuable but isn't, a shiny fake.
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.