Category: Idioms

Are you looking for a way to describe something additional to something else? You could say “as well as” to add it to the conversation. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this term. Meaning The expression “as well as” means something additional to what you originally referred to. It’s a substitute for the […]

Do you want to confront someone about something that’s bothering you? You could say you have an “axe to grind” with them. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression “axe to grind” means to involve yourself in a dispute with another person over something they said about you or […]

Did your friend do something crazy? You could call them a basket case to describe their behavior. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression “basket case” means someone wild or crazy. It can refer to someone that’s genuinely mentally ill or enjoys adopting a risk-taking approach to life. A […]

Are you looking for a way to tell someone that an issue isn’t nuanced — and that there is a sharp divide between right and wrong? You could say it’s “black and white.” This post explores this fascinating phrase, which has several distinct meanings. Meaning “Black and white” is the sharpest possible contrast, the contrast […]

Did your friend tell you they’re in trouble for something at school? You could tell them to “admit nothing, deny everything” when questioned about their transgression. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression “admit nothing, deny everything” is the shorter form of “admit nothing, deny everything, and make counter-accusations.” […]

Is a friend moaning to you about future events? You could tell them, “all good things come to those who wait,” to ask them to have patience. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The proverbial expression “all go things come to those who wait” literally refers to advocating patience in […]

Did your boss thank you for putting in the extra effort today? You could say, “it’s all in a day’s work,” to show them they can expect more from you. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression “all in a day’s work” refers to work regularly done by someone […]

Have you heard a friend from London, England, talk about “going up the apples and pears”? It’s only normal to be confused about this local slang expression, which simply means “stairs.” Keep reading to learn why Londoners call stairs apples and pears and how to use this slang term in a sentence. Meaning The Cockney […]

Is your grandmother in hospital after suffering a fall? Do you want to know if the staff is taking care of her? The phrase “Are you in good hands?” is a great way to ask this question. Read on to learn more about the meaning and origin of this popular idiom. Meaning The idiomatic phrase […]

Are you looking for a transition phrase for your writing? You could use “as a result” to explain an outcome. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The phrase “as a result” is a transition phrase in essays and articles. When used repeatedly in fictional work or casual wring, it may […]