Did a friend offer to get the check, saying the dinner bill is just a 'drop in the bucket?' This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression 'drop in the bucket' means a small, unimportant, or insignificant amount or quantity. The phrase can refer to money or effort. People use […]
Category: Idioms
Get Behind Me Satan – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you ever heard your aunt or uncle utter “get behind me Satan”? Perhaps you have seen someone comment on this phrase online, or in a group chat. If so, chances are someone is trying hard to resist temptation or combat evil. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The phrase […]
Head in the Sand – Meaning, Origin and Usage
If you try to tell a friend a conspiracy theory, and they have no interest in it, you could say they have their 'head in the sand.' This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression 'head in the sand' means you hide from an uncomfortable truth. It's a similar saying […]
Hedge Your Bets – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did you place a wager on the Giants to win this weekend? Maybe you should ‘hedge your bets’ and take action on another game to mitigate the risk. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression 'hedge your bets' means to mitigate the risk in a wager, deal, or life […]
In a Nutshell – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking to explain a tough concept ‘in a nutshell?’ This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression ‘in a nutshell' means a shortened version of something complex. For instance, if you’re trying to condense a speech into cliff notes, you would give someone the important points without going […]
It Is Better To Give Than To Receive – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Giving to others is a charitable act that can make life easier. While some acts of charity may have instant rewards, others are one-sided. If you are looking for a way to convince yourself or others of the benefits of charity, one phrase comes to mind. The phrase it is better to give than receive […]
Keeping an Eye – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you baking a cake and are you not sure when it needs to come out of the oven? Have you noticed someone suspicious in your neighborhood? You'll want to "keep an eye on" both of these things! Keep reading to learn more about the meaning of this phrase, and to find out how to […]
Lights are on but Nobody's Home – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Is the new guy at work struggling to make an impact? If he looks unintelligent, you could say, 'the lights are on, but nobody's home' to describe his idiocy. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning You can use the expression 'the lights are on, but nobody's home' to describe a […]
Grass is Greener on the Other Side – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did a friend say 'the grass is greener on the other side' when leaving your company for the competition? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression 'grass is greener on the other side' means that things we don't have or desire always seem better than what we have in […]
No Bones About It – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did a friend say 'no bones about it' after you challenged them to an embarrassing task? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression 'no bones about it' means you have no hesitation in confronting an embarrassing or awkward situation. You feel comfortable when dealing with people that others find […]