Phrase of the hour
Water off a duck's back
Used of criticism, insults, or warnings that have no effect on someone: they are shrugged off instantly and completely, leaving no trace. Usually said…
Uncover the storyA curious dictionary of everyday English
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Discover what peculiar British and American expressions mean, where they came from, and how people actually use them.
1,385
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
Girl dinner
A low-effort meal eaten alone and assembled from whatever is on hand, typically a snack plate of things like bread, cheese, fruit, and pickles rather…
Meaning & originA friend in need is a friend indeed
A true friend proves loyal by helping when you are in difficulty. Indeed is standard. The punning spelling in deed can emphasize help shown through…
Meaning & originRide roughshod over
Use power or force without regard for another person's rights, wishes, feelings or objections. It can also describe overriding rules, evidence or…
Meaning & originCheugy
US slang, pronounced CHOO-ghee, for a person or style that is unfashionable in a particular way: not merely dated but trying too hard, the opposite of…
Meaning & originBurn your bridges
To cut off all retreat or ties, leaving no way back.
Meaning & originUp your sleeve
Held secretly in reserve, ready to pull out.
Meaning & originGive it a whirl
To try something out, giving it a spin.
Meaning & originHave a dekko
Have a look or inspect something briefly. Informal. Spellings vary because the term was transliterated and transmitted orally. Regional use: British…
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.