The water is a great place to be, especially when it is hot outside. However, nothing can ruin a good time quicker than junk or trash floating around your lounge area. If you have ever been in the water and encountered junk, you have firsthand experience with flotsam and jetsam. This post unpacks the meaning […]
Category: Idioms
Running The Gauntlet – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Do you ever feel like you are battling against an endless line of challenges? Perhaps there are a lot of hurdles you need to jump in order to get to the finish line of a project. If so, the phrase running the gauntlet is an apt expression to explain your plight. This post unpacks the […]
Fuddy-Duddy – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you ever encountered someone with outdated ideas or ideals? Perhaps you have an older relative who is just not up with the times, if so, we have a cute phrase for you. Most Boomers are well into retirement, so fuddy-duddy is a great alternative for those just a bit younger, but still considered old. […]
Good Egg – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a slightly quaint, archaic, way to tell someone that they’re a nice person, someone who can be relied on? You could call them a “good egg”. Learn more about this phrase, its meaning, and its origin in this post. Meaning The phrase “good egg” emerged in nineteenth century Britain. It is […]
Graveyard Shift – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Working overnight is one of the toughest things to do. You have to battle your natural inclination to sleep while also staying on top of your game. In fact, have you ever wondered what the late-night and overnight shifts are called? They are considered the graveyard shift. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of […]
In Like Flynn – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Is there an opportunity that has arisen that you think someone should take? Perhaps there is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you don’t want to pass you by. One phrase that will work well in these situations is “in like Flynn”. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The phrase in like […]
Jimmy Riddle – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Do you have to take a leak but are shy about announcing your needs? Maybe you want to teach your kids a cute, but polite way to signal that they need a potty break. There are a few different phrases you can use, but Jimmy Riddle is perhaps the easiest to remember. This post unpacks […]
Jimmy Rigged – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you ever tried to patch something together just to get it working? Maybe you broke your mom’s favorite vase or trinket and patched it up with glue and tape? If so, these are great examples of being Jimmy-rigged. If you want to know more about this phrase, keep on reading. This post unpacks the […]
Bow Legged Woman – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you come across several related but distinct phrases about “bow legged women” — and are you now wondering why you should or shouldn’t go swimming with them? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of these phrases. Meaning Bowlegs (medically called genu varum) are legs with a deformity that makes them curved — like […]
Curry Favor – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you ever noticed someone trying to suck up to the boss? Perhaps your coworker brings in treats that everyone likes just to make friends? On the other hand, are you looking for a way to get an edge? If so, then the phrase curry favor is an apt expression for you. This post unpacks […]