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. […]
Category: Idioms
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, […]
Up in the Air – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a casual way to tell someone that everything remains undecided? You could say that “it’s all up in the air.” Dive into the meaning and origin of this interesting phrase in this post — and discover how to use it. Meaning The English idiom “up in the air” means that something […]
When Hell Freezes Over – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a colorful way to tell someone something will never happen? You could decide to say that it will come to be “when hell freezes over.” Dive into the meaning and origin of this idiom, and learn how to use it, in this post. Meaning The idiom “when hell freezes over” is […]
Better Out Than In I Always Say – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you ever had that feeling that you ate something that just doesn’t agree with you? Well, sometimes, throwing up may be the right course of action. Perhaps you are angry at something your coworker did and you decide to go off on the spot. Like my grandma would say, it’s better out than in. […]
Rabbit out of a Hat – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Has someone surprised you by making something you thought to be impossible happen? You could say they just “pulled a rabbit out of a hat.” Keep reading to learn more about this phrase and its origins. Meaning You can talk about “pulling a rabbit out of a hat” or say that something is “like a […]
Born with a Silver Spoon – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a slightly derogatory way to talk about someone from a wealthy and privileged background? Try saying he was “born with a silver spoon in his mouth.” We’ll dive into the meaning and origin of this fascinating idiom in this post and show you how to use it. Meaning The idiom “born […]
Raise the Bar – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a catch way to tell someone you expect more? You could say you want to “raise the bar.” Dive into the meaning and origin of this expression in this post. If you’d like to use the phrase “raise the bar” in a sentence, we’ll also show you how. Meaning The phrase […]