Have you seen the phrase 'off the cuff' and would like to know more about the context of this common English saying? The expression 'off the cuff' means that something spontaneous or unplanned has happened. This post unpacks the meaning, origin, and common use. Meaning The expression 'off the cuff' is a common figurative expression […]
Category: Idioms
As Easy As Pie – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Would you like to indicate that something is going to be easy or almost effortless to accomplish? The phrase 'as easy as pie' is a common phrase used in English that can be applied to say just that. This post unpacks the meaning, origin and common use of the phrase. Meaning The phrase 'as easy […]
Five O'Clock Shadow – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you seen the phrase 'five o'clock shadow' somewhere on the internet or in a text and would like to know more about what it could mean? The saying is common in the English language, and its origin is not what people think. This post looks at the meaning, origin and most common ways to […]
Strike While the Iron is Hot – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Would you like to tell someone that they should seize an opportunity while there is still time, or would like to point out that timing is crucial for something to happen? 'Strike while the iron is hot' is a common phrase in the English language that can be used to say this. This phrase unpacks […]
One Armed Paper Hanger – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Would you like to describe a busy situation, or say that you (or someone else) is going to be extremely busy with something for a while? The phrase 'busier than a one armed paper hanger' is a common saying that can be used to mean this. This post unpacks the meaning, origin, and common use […]
A Taste Of Your Own Medicine – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Would you like to tell someone that they are going to get their own nasty behavior or treatment reflected right back at them? The phrase 'a taste of your own medicine' is a common saying in the English language that can be used for this. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of the phrase. […]
High on the Hog – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you seen the phrase 'high on the hog' somewhere in a text or on the internet, and would like to know more about the meaning of the phrase? 'High on the hog' is an expression that means more or less the same as 'in the lap of luxury'. This post unpacks the meaning, origin, […]
Comb Through – Meaning, Origin and Usage
The phrase 'comb through' is a common figurative saying in the English language that is used to say something has been overlooked as though a comb was used to do it. The phrase isn't always clear when used, and doesn't translate well to all languages. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this phrase. […]
Coming to a Head – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you seen the phrase 'coming to a head' and would like to know more context behind the origin, early use, and meaning of the saying? 'Coming to a head' is a figurative English saying used to mean that something is coming to a peak, a climax, or a close. This post unpacks the meaning […]
Let the Chips Fall Where They May – Meaning, Origin and Usage
The phrase 'let the chips fall where they may' is a common figurative saying in the English language. The expression can be used to mean that something will happen as it will happen – the same as 'c'est la vie' or 'such is life'. This post unpacks its meaning and origin. Meaning The phrase 'let […]