Is someone avoiding your question? Maybe they are acting deceptive or dancing around a request? If that’s the case, you could always tell them, “don’t be coy.” This post gives you everything you need to know about the meaning and origin of this idiom and its use in conversation. Don’t be Coy Idiom Meaning When […]
Category: Idioms
If Ifs and Buts were Candy and Nuts – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did someone just mention the phrase “if ifs and buts were candy and nuts” to you? What one earth are they going on about, and how does that apply to your situation? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this idiomatic phrase. Idiom Meaning “If ifs and buts were candy and nuts” is an […]
Keep Your Powder Dry – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you waiting for the perfect entry into a trade? Maybe you’re waiting for a crash or pullback in the market to buy Bitcoin? If so, you need to “keep your powder dry” and wait for the event before jumping into the market. This post unpacks everything you need to know about this idiom’s use, […]
Green with Envy – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Do you feel like you wish you had what others have? Does the desire to covet other people’s property or results with their life leave you feeling desperate to achieve the same? If so, you could be feeling “green with envy.” Being green with envy is not a desirable trait, but using this idiom can […]
Your Reputation Precedes You – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you about to meet someone new? Maybe it’s a colleague at work or a new friend. If you have co-workers or friends that told you good or bad things about the person, you could greet them with the phrase “your reputation precedes you.” This post unpacks the origin and meaning of this idiom and […]
All that Glitters is Not Gold – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking at that new UHD TV from an unknown manufacturing brand? Sure, it looks great, with all the smart features of the top brands. Remember, “all that glitters is not gold,” and you could end up regretting your purchase when the TV starts to turn faulty in a few months. This post looks […]
By Hook or By Crook – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking to beat your competitors in a bid for a contract? You could say you’re willing to win the nomination “by hook or by crook” if you’re ready to take a few chances to achieve what you want. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of “by hook or by crook.” By Hook […]
Burning the Midnight Oil – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Do you have a project deadline coming up tomorrow, and you’re behind on the work? It looks like you’ll be “burning the midnight oil” to finish in time for your meeting tomorrow. Burning the midnight oil is a popular idiom used in the western world, from America to Europe. You could use it in a […]
Bell the Cat – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you facing a dangerous situation? Maybe you’re at the beach, and someone warns you that there are plenty of sharks in the water around this spot. You could start a conversation involving tagging the sharks to help you understand where they are. It all sounds great, but who has the guts to get in […]
Chef’s Kiss – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a gesture to tell someone that you enjoyed the delicious meal they prepared for you? You could always make the gesture of the “Chef’s kiss” to show them your approval of the dish. This post unpacks everything you need to know about the chef’s kiss’s origin, meaning, and use in conversations […]