We have heard the phrase "once in a blue moon," but what does it mean? The saying is derived from the fact that blue moons are rare occurrences. That is why the phrase has come to mean something rarely happens. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The phrase "once in […]
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On the Ball – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did your boss tell you you’re doing a great job, and she’s glad you’re ‘on the ball’ with the project? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression ‘on the ball’ refers to someone sharp, intelligent, motivated, and capable. They are someone that doesn’t need any nurturing or assistance to […]
Oldie but a Goodie – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Do you really appreciate that classic rock song, that chocolate-chip cookie, or those old jeans you've been wearing for at least a decade? You can say that any of these things are an "oldie but a goodie". This posts looks at the meaning of this idiom, which has itself become an "oldie but a goodie". […]
No Good Deed Goes Unpunished – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did you try to help someone, and it backfired in your face? You could say that no good deed goes unpunished. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression ‘no good deed goes unpunished’ means that you tried to help someone or add value to a situation, only to create […]
Naked as a Jaybird – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for an idiom to describe a fully unclothed state? You could consider using the saying "naked as a jaybird". Discover where this idiom came from, as well as how to use it, in this post. Meaning The American idiom "naked as a jaybird" simply means that someone is completely naked; not wearing […]
What in Tarnation – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you ever encountered something so strange that you just don’t know how to react? Perhaps you have experienced a jarring event that has left you dazed and confused. If so, then an apt phrase to utter would be what in tarnation? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning Tarnation is […]
Watershed Moment – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a way to describe a point in time that changed everything? You could say that it was a "watershed moment". This post digs into the history and meaning of this phrase, and shows you how to use it. Meaning The expression "watershed moment" refers to an event that altered the course […]
Yeet – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did a UPS delivery guy throw your parcel carelessly onto your porch? You could say they decided to ‘yeet’ it without caring about delivering it properly. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression ‘yeet’ means throwing something carelessly, without concern for its flight path or landing. For instance, the […]
Whet Your Appetite – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did walking by that wonderful restaurant make your stomach growl? Has a book you're reading made you want to learn more about something? In both cases, the idiom "whet your appetite" can describe what you're feeling. Keep reading to discover the meaning and origins of this commonly-used, but little-understood, phrase. Meaning The idiom "to whet […]
Time Flies - Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you ever been so busy at work that it seemed like it was time to go not long after you clocked in? Maybe you were spending time with your friends and looking up to see it was the middle of the night. If so, then the phrase time flies is an apt description of […]