The saying 'on the other hand' is a common expression in the English language. The saying is usually used as an informal substitute for words like 'however', and the hand part is figurative. This post unpacks the meaning, origin and use of this expression. Meaning The phrase 'on the other hand' is a common figurative […]
Category: Idioms
In a Pig's Eye – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a defiant way to tell someone something will never happen? You could try the phrase “in a pig’s eye.” This post explores the meaning and origin of this colorful slang phrase and shows you how to use it. Meaning You can use the phrase “in a pig’s eye” to convey strong […]
Cross the Line – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a way to tell someone they’ve gone too far, and you are angry? You could say that they’ve “crossed the line.” This post unpacks what this idiom means, where it came from, and how to use it. Meaning The idiom “to cross a line” means someone has overstepped, broken established rules, […]
Divide and Conquer – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you facing a complex problem that seems too difficult to overcome? Maybe you are being pitted against a team that has excellent coordination. If so, then now is the perfect time to use the divide and conquer tactic to prevail. Be it in a professional setting or on the battlefield, breaking up the opposition […]
Cut Me Some Slack – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you seen the phrase 'cut me some slack' somewhere on the internet or in a text and would like to know more about what the saying means in context? 'Cut me some slack' is a common English figurative expression. This post unpacks the meaning, origin, and correct use of the saying. Meaning The phrase […]
Down Pat – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Is there something that you can do with a high level of accuracy? Perhaps you know someone who can recall most of what they see or hear? Have you or someone you know practiced something so often that you have it perfected? If so, the perfect phrase for this is “down pat”. This post unpacks […]
Movers and Shakers – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you seen the expression 'movers and shakers' somewhere and would like to know more about the meaning and context of it? The phrase 'movers and shakers' is a common figurative saying in English. This post unpacks its meaning, origin and common use. Meaning The expression 'movers and shakers' is a type of figurative saying […]
Down The Drain – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you ever invested time or money into something only to find that your efforts didn’t pan out? Perhaps you loaned someone money and they never paid you back? If so, then the idiom “down the drain” is a great idiom that can apply to your situation. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of […]
The Stone That The Builder Refused – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you seen the phrase 'the stone that the builder refused' somewhere in a text or on the internet and would like to know more about what the saying means? The phrase 'the stone that the builder refused' is a common figurative saying with origins in the Bible. This post unpacks the meaning and origin […]
Going Postal – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you afraid that a sullen, disgruntled, coworker is about to do something violent? You could say that you’re scared he is “going postal.” This post explores what the phrase means, where it comes from, and how to use it in a sentence. Meaning The American expression “going postal” means that someone is about to […]