Have you ever been in a situation in which there are no good choices? Maybe you are stuck choosing between two or even three options that you find less than alluring. Situations such as these can are considered being between a rock and a hard place. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this […]
Category: Idioms
Spend a Penny – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a polite way to let someone know that you need to "use the restroom"? That overused phrase isn't your only option. You could also say that you need to "spend a penny". Learn more about this saying, and how to use it, in this post. Meaning The archaic British expression "to […]
Sticky Wicket – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did your boss tell you the company’s sales strategy is a sticky wicket? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression ‘sticky wicket’ means a challenging situation to navigate and overcome. It’s a metaphor to describe a difficult situation where you might not receive the expected outcome. If something is […]
There's No Place like Home – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Do you feel homesick? You could say, 'there's no place like home' to describe your emotions. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression 'there's no place like home' means to have an affinity for your homestead over all other places on earth. You could be referring to your country […]
Thinking Cap – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did your professor tell you to put on your thinking cap for the upcoming lecture? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression ‘thinking cap’ means to intensely focus on your thoughts. Typically, people will use the ‘thinking cap’ to describe how they must contemplate a subject deeply before making […]
Number One with a Bullet – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did someone say the new Lady Gaga song is ‘number one with a bullet?’ This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression ‘number one with a bullet’ means something or someone experiencing a rapid rise to fame. You could use the phrase to describe an influencer that shot to superstardom […]
On The Edge – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you ever been in a precarious position? Maybe you are faced with an impossible choice that can lead you to ruin or salvation. Do you like living your life on the brink of danger? If so, then on the edge is an apt expression that may apply to you. This post unpacks the meaning […]
Devil May Care – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did your teacher say you have a 'devil may care' attitude in class? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression 'devil may care' means you have a carefree or lax attitude towards a task or life in general. A 'devil may care' attitude can also refer to people displaying […]
Discretion is the Better Part of Valor – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did someone stop you from defending someone else’s honor? You could say, ‘discretion is the better part of valor.’ This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression ‘discretion is the better part of valor’ means it is foolish to act heroically if the outcome could result in a disadvantage to […]
Crest of a Wave – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you reaching peak performance at work? You could say you're riding the 'crest of a wave.' This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression 'crest of a wave' means to reach the pinnacle of success in society, your career, or your home life. The phrase is subjective, as one […]