About: Pearson

Would you like to say that important responsibilities or roles have moved from one person to another, or that these things are about to changes roles in the future? The phrase 'passing the torch' is a common expression that can be used to say this. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this saying. […]

Have you seen the expression 'start from scratch' and would like to know more about what it means and how to use it right? The phrase 'start from scratch' is a common English saying that implies a start from the beginning, or a start with nothing. This post examines the meaning and origin of the […]

Would you like to let someone know that you are thinking of them, especially when there is an increased distance between one person and the next? The common saying 'absence makes the heart grow fonder' is an expression that can be used to mean just this. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this […]

Have you seen the phrase 'Oh Romeo Romeo wherefore art thou Romeo' somewhere and would like to know more about the meaning, context or early origin of the phrase? It is a common quote from a Shakespeare play, and it is one of the most frequently repeated phrases from all his works. This post unpacks […]

Would you like to compare the superior standard of something to other things that are almost like it, but not quite the same? The phrase 'up to snuff' is a common though slightly outdated expression that can be used to say what you mean. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this common phrase. […]

Would you like to tell someone that they shouldn't let laziness take over their lives, or just point out to someone that they should get up and do something? The phrase 'idle hands are the devil's workshop' is common and means just this, often as an insult. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of […]

Have you seen the phrase 'we few, we happy few' somewhere and would like to know more about its meaning and context? The phrase 'we few, we happy few' is a direct quote from a William Shakespeare play, and it makes an occasional appearance as a pop culture reference. This post unpacks the meaning, origin […]

Would you like to point out that one thing is taking the physical or metaphorical weight of another thing on its own? The phrase 'bear the brunt' can be used to mean this, although most people don't imagine the beginnings of the phrase when it gets said or written. This post unpacks the meaning and […]

Would you like to let someone know that your intentions are honest, or that you mean well and your emotions are being put forth with what you are about to say? The phrase 'wear your heart on your sleeve' and its variations can be used to say this. This post unpacks the meaning and origin […]

Have you seen the phrase 'at sixes and sevens' somewhere and would like to see some more context behind the meaning and origin of the saying? The phrase 'sixes and sevens' is an English figure of speech that used to be more common in older texts. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of the […]