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 […]
Category: Idioms
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 […]
Straight From the Horse's Mouth – Meaning, Origin and Usage
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 […]
Three Score and a Ten – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you seen the phrase 'three score and a ten' somewhere and would like to know more about its context and meaning? The saying 'three score and a ten' is an archaic, uncommon way to phrase the number seventy. This post looks at the meaning, origin and use of this saying. Meaning The phrase 'three […]
Once Bitten Twice Shy – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Would you like to let someone know that they have crossed the line once and you will be more careful to consider their offers in future, or would you just like to point out that caution is always better when approaching somethng a second time? The phrase 'once bitten, twice shy' is a common English […]
A Man After My Own Heart – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Would you like to tell someone that they share the same point-of-view or values as you do? The phrase 'a man after my own heart' is a common expression in the English language that can be used to say just that – and it's not just exclusive to men. This post unpacks the meaning and […]