Phrase of the hour
Kick the can down the road
To delay dealing with a problem, pushing it off for later.
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
409
source-backed entries
855
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
Get a leg up
To gain an advantage or boost, stepping ahead.
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 & originSet your teeth on edge
Cause an unpleasant physical sensation in the teeth or make someone acutely irritated or uncomfortable. It can describe either a literal dental…
Meaning & originRank and file
The ordinary members of an organisation or group, as distinct from its leaders and senior officers. Can refer collectively to enlisted military…
Meaning & originKnock for a loop
Defeat, disrupt, astonish, or emotionally overwhelm someone so thoroughly that normal composure or plans are lost. Informal. It can describe physical…
Meaning & originWhat's the craic?
What is happening, what is the news or how are things? In this question craic usually means news or happenings. In good craic it means enjoyable…
Meaning & originOn the wrong side of the tracks
From a poor or rough part, low-class.
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 & 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.