About: Pearson

Do you have a small errand to run? Did a friend ask you whether you could meet up to return the book you borrowed? The phrase "to stop by" can be used in both cases. Keep reading to learn when people started "stopping by", what it means, and how to use the phrase in a […]

Are you waiting on an important announcement at work? Did a colleague tell you it’s all gone ‘tits up?’ This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression ‘tits up’ mean something or someone has deviated from what you expected, causing an adverse event or reaction. If a project goes tits […]

Are you unsure how to explain something perfectly? Maybe you want to give an example, but make sure the listener knows that you are not being literal. If so, the phrase “so to speak” is a great way to get your point across. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning When […]

Did someone tell you being a janitor is ‘Yeoman’s work?’ This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression ‘Yeoman’s work’ refers to tasks involving unskilled labor. For instance, you could consider janitorial duties as ‘Yeoman’s work’ since the janitor doesn’t attend university to learn their trade. Typically, ‘Yeoman’s work’ refers […]

Would you like to describe someone who is full of enthusiasm for aggression, or someone who always seems like they're just about ready to fight everyone in the room? The phrase 'piss and vinegar' can be used to apply to them as a fair, easy description that is not often used these days. This post […]