Category: Idioms

Describing someone’s physical stance can be notoriously difficult — and if you haven’t heard the phrase “arms akimbo” before, you’re likely to find uses for it in everyday life very quickly! Learn more about this confident stance, and where the term came from, in this post. Meaning The phrase “arms akimbo” refers to a physical […]

Do you want to add something extra to your next purchase? Maybe you are in the market for a new car and want all the luxuries you can get. If so, then the phrase bells and whistles will come in handy. If you want to learn more about this phrase, we can help. This post […]

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 […]

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 […]

Have you come across someone that you think has amazing qualities that are yet to be revealed? Maybe you stumbled upon an invention that can revolutionize an industry with a bit more refinement. If so, a diamond in the rough is an apt expression that explains such states perfectly. This post unpacks the meaning and […]

Are you looking for a way to tell someone that they should create more than one path to success, and not focus all their efforts on one thing? Try using the idiom "don't put all your eggs in one basket". Discover what this idiom means, how to use it, and where it came from in […]

Did your friend or your partner drop some random information on you that was totally unexpected? Maybe your boss suddenly cut your hours with no explanation? If so, then you have been blindsided out of the blue. If you are curious about how to use it out of the blue and what it means, we […]

Have you seen the phrase 'forewarned is forearmed' somewhere and would like to know more about the context of the saying? 'Forewarned is forearmed' is a common expression in English that refers to preparation or prevention of something. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this saying. Meaning The phrase 'forewarned is forearmed' is […]

Have you seen the phrase 'go forth and multiply' somewhere and would like to know more behind the context and meaning of the saying? If someone says 'go forth and multiply' it can be a serious phrase, but also a serious insult. This post looks at the meaning and origin of the common English language […]

Would you like to indicate that things are all good, or that you have good intentions with your words or actions? The phrase 'clearing the air' is a common English saying that can be used to say just this. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The phrase 'clearing the air' […]