Phrase of the hour
Reap the whirlwind
Suffer greatly amplified and often destructive consequences of one's own actions. More severe than reap what you sow: the whirlwind suggests…
Uncover the storyA curious dictionary of everyday English
Every odd phrase has
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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
Bark up the wrong tree
Pursue a mistaken lead, blame the wrong person or use an approach that cannot produce the result being sought.
Meaning & originAll hat and no cattle
Showy, boastful, or impressive in appearance but lacking the experience, substance, wealth, or ability being advertised. Informal and insulting. It…
Meaning & originCross that bridge when you come to it
To deal with a problem only when it arises, not fretting ahead.
Meaning & originWhen in Rome
To adapt to local customs or ways, blending in.
Meaning & originIf wishes were horses, beggars would ride
Merely wishing for something cannot make it happen or replace practical action. Often shortened to 'if wishes were horses'. It may sound brisk or…
Meaning & originFit as a butcher's dog
In top shape or health, sturdy and spry.
Meaning & originBarking mad
Completely irrational, wildly unreasonable, or apparently out of touch with reality. A strong informal expression. It is less harmful when aimed at a…
Meaning & originIn a nutshell
Summed up short and sweet, the core.
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.