Category: Idioms

Have you seen the phrase 'needs must' somewhere and would like to know more about what the phrase means in this context, or where it might have originated? The phrase 'needs must' is a less common English figure of speech that seems to be making a comeback. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of […]

Would you like to tell someone that they are only going to harm themselves through their actions, or just point out that what they are thinking of doing next is going to be something harmful? The phrase 'don't cut off your nose to spite your face' is a common figurative expression that might only make […]

Would you like to tell someone that it's time to accept the situation, or to reason with the consequences of something that they have done or said? The phrase 'face the music' is a popular term that can be used to tell people this, and it's a popular phrase you will see everywhere from social […]

Would you like an interesting saying that means something was an uplifting or fun experience, and want it to be a saying that people don't use all that often? The saying 'a shot in the arm' might be the perfect fit for what you want to talk about. This post unpacks the meaning and origin […]

Would you like to let someone know that you are thinking of them, especially when there is an increased distance between one person and the next? The common saying 'absence makes the heart grow fonder' is an expression that can be used to mean just this. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this […]

Have you seen the phrase 'Oh Romeo Romeo wherefore art thou Romeo' somewhere and would like to know more about the meaning, context or early origin of the phrase? It is a common quote from a Shakespeare play, and it is one of the most frequently repeated phrases from all his works. This post unpacks […]

Would you like to let someone know that information or a quote comes right from the original source, and this isn't some 'friend of a friend' type of thing? The phrase 'straight from the horse's mouth' is a popular figurative saying in the English language that can be used to say it. This post unpacks […]

Would you like to say that important responsibilities or roles have moved from one person to another, or that these things are about to changes roles in the future? The phrase 'passing the torch' is a common expression that can be used to say this. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this saying. […]

Would you like to compare the superior standard of something to other things that are almost like it, but not quite the same? The phrase 'up to snuff' is a common though slightly outdated expression that can be used to say what you mean. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this common phrase. […]

Would you like to tell someone that all things have been considered and that you are doing (or saying) something as an extra precaution? The phrase 'just in case' can be used to say this to someone, and it's a common English phrase that doesn't always translate well directly into other languages. This post looks […]