Would you like to use a less common saying that means to say someone is in a total panic, or that someone is in chaos? The phrase 'chicken with its head chopped off' is a saying that is used in the English language to mean just this. This post unpacks the meaning, origin, and correct […]
Category: Idioms
Get to Know – Meaning, Origin and Usage
The phrase 'get to know' is a common saying in the English language, usually one that implies growing knowledge of something or acquaintance between people. The phrase is a common statement, though can also have other meanings. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this saying. Meaning The phrase 'get to know' is a […]
Have a Crush – Meaning, Origin and Usage
The phrase 'have a crush' is a common saying in the English language that refers to romantically liking (or 'crushing on') another person. It can make no sense to someone who has never heard the saying before. This post unpacks the meaning, origin, and common use of the expression. Meaning The saying 'have a crush' […]
Fall On Your Sword – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Would you like to tell someone that their idea or their prospects could stand to be doomed, and that they are better off without the risk? The phrase 'fall on your sword' can be used to say this, and it's one of the most common figurative expressions to tell a person that something could be […]
Nasty Brutish and Short – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you seen the phrase 'nasty brutish and short' somewhere on the internet or in a text and would like to know more about what it means? The saying 'nasty brutish and short' is a figurative, descriptive English saying. This post unpacks its origin, meaning and correct use. Meaning The phrase 'nasty brutish and short' […]
Break a Leg – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you seen the phrase 'break a leg' somewhere on the internet or in a text and would like to know more about what it means? The phrase 'break a leg' is figurative, and has specific associations with luck and stage performance. This post unpacks the meaning, origin and use of the saying. Meaning The […]
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 […]
Back to Square One – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Would you like to say that there has been a considerable way forward, and that something has to start from the very beginning of the process? The phrase 'back to square one' can be used to say this in conversation, as a popular figurative saying in the English language. This post unpacks the meaning, use, […]