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 […]
Category: Idioms
Don't Cut Off Your Nose to Spite Your Face – Meaning, Origin and Usage
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 […]
To Face the Music – Meaning, Origin and Usage
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 […]
A Shot in the Arm – Meaning, Origin and Usage
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 […]
Idle Hands Are The Devil's Workshop – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Would you like to tell someone that they shouldn't let laziness take over their lives, or just point out to someone that they should get up and do something? The phrase 'idle hands are the devil's workshop' is common and means just this, often as an insult. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of […]
At Sixes and Sevens – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you seen the phrase 'at sixes and sevens' somewhere and would like to see some more context behind the meaning and origin of the saying? The phrase 'sixes and sevens' is an English figure of speech that used to be more common in older texts. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of the […]
Bear the Brunt – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Would you like to point out that one thing is taking the physical or metaphorical weight of another thing on its own? The phrase 'bear the brunt' can be used to mean this, although most people don't imagine the beginnings of the phrase when it gets said or written. This post unpacks the meaning and […]
Wear Your Heart On Your Sleeve – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Would you like to let someone know that your intentions are honest, or that you mean well and your emotions are being put forth with what you are about to say? The phrase 'wear your heart on your sleeve' and its variations can be used to say this. This post unpacks the meaning and origin […]
Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder – Meaning, Origin and Usage
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 […]
Oh Romeo Romeo Wherefore Art Thou Romeo – Meaning, Origin and Usage
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 […]