Category: Idioms

Would you like a way to say that something happened so fast you could have blinked and it was over? The phrase ‘in the blink of an eye’ is a common English saying that is usually used to imply that something happened extremely fast (or in an instant). This post unpacks the meaning and origin […]

Would you like to tell someone to be quiet or stop talking? The phrase ‘put a sock in it’ is a common figurative saying in the English language that can be used to say just that. This post unpacks the meaning, origin, and  correct use of the saying. Meaning The phrase ‘put a sock in […]

Have you seen the phrase ‘sense of humour’ somewhere and want to know more about the meaning, context, and most common use of the saying? The phrase ‘sense of humour’ is a common descriptive phrase in the English language that can be used to refer to someone’s ability to take a joke. This post unpacks […]

Would you like to point out that two people are so close to one another that it’s almost impossible to separate them? The phrase ‘joined at the hip’ is a common slang expression that can be used to say this, referring to emotional context. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of the phrase. Meaning […]

Would you like to scold someone about something you have warned them against? The phrase ‘mark my words’ is a common phrase in the English language that is often used as a different way to say ‘I told you so’. This post unpacks the meaning, origin, and correct use of the phrase. Meaning ‘Mark my […]

Have you seen the phrase ‘lies damn lies and statistics!’ somewhere online or in a text, and would like to know more about why people say it or what it means? The phrase is a reference to a British prime minister’s famous speech, though not the minister you think. This post unpacks the meaning, origin, […]

Would you like to say that someone has been fired or laid off, but would like a more informal phrase to say it with? The saying ‘get the axe’ is a common figurative saying in the English language that can refer to involuntary unemployment. This phrase unpacks the meaning, origin, and correct use of the […]

Would you like to say that someone has made up, or that they have ‘buried the axe’ and put a long or short disagreement to rest? The phrase ‘kissing and making up’ is a common English phrase that can be used to say or imply just this. This post unpacks the meaning, origin, and the […]

Would you like to tell someone that they should pull their socks up, but with a different saying? The phrase ‘take it up a notch’ is a common saying in the English language that is used to mean that something (or someone) should heighten their capacity or performance. This post unpacks the meaning and origin […]

The phrase ‘a man’s home is his castle’ is a common saying in the English language, but it can still confuse anyone who has not heard it before. The phrase is less common in some parts, and more common in others. This post unpacks the meaning, origin, and correct use of the saying. Meaning ‘A […]