Have you seen the phrase 'on the dole' somewhere and would like to know more about the meaning of the saying? 'On the dole' is a saying that is more common in UK English than American, and it can confuse many people the first time they encounter the term. This post unpacks its meaning, origin, […]
Category: Idioms
Much Ado About Nothing – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Is there someone around you who is making a fuss over something trivial? Perhaps you ran into a problem that has since been resolved, but your companion simply doesn’t want to let it go. If so, the phrase “much ado about nothing” can aptly describe your plight. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of […]
Add Insult To Injury – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you ever experienced something troubling or terrible only to have someone come along and make it worse? Maybe you got some bad news only to be dealt with even more a short time later? If so, the idiom add insult to injury is a phrase that will come in handy. This post unpacks the […]
Old Hat – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Do you want to explain that you are good at something that has been around for a while? Maybe you just want to say that you feel someone or something is old-fashioned. If so, the term “old hat” is a great way to get your feelings across in just two words. This post unpacks the […]
And So – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Sometimes you need a perfect set of words to connect your thoughts together. In some cases, you may need the right phrase just to keep a story going. If this sounds like a situation that you have encountered often, the phrase “and so” will certainly come in handy. This post unpacks the meaning and origin […]
Over The Moon – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you ever experienced a feeling of total euphoria? Perhaps you are falling in love and need a way to describe the feeling of being lighter than air. If so, the idiom over the moon is an apt expression that explains just how you feel. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. […]
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 […]