Category: Idioms

Have you seen the common phrase 'mad as a hatter' somewhere in a text (or on the internet), and want to know more about the saying and its origins? 'Mad as a hatter' is a figurative expression with an interesting origin. This post unpacks the meaning, origin, and correct use of the saying. Meaning 'Mad […]

Have you seen the expressions 'green eyed jealousy' or 'green with jealousy' somewhere and would like to know more about the meaning or why people say this? The phrase means that someone is jealous, and it's a common figurative saying. This post explores its most common use and origin. Meaning 'Green eyed jealousy' is a […]

Have you seen the phrase 'axe grinding' or 'an axe to grind' somewhere in a text or on the internet and want to know more about the potential meaning of the phrase? The phrase 'axe grinding' is common in the English language, and it's a common figurative saying. This post will tell you its meaning, […]

Would you like to say that something is completely honest, or unfiltered and totally pure? The phrase 'pure as the driven snow' is a common English language saying that can refer to physical things or emotional concepts. This post unpacks the meaning, origin, and common use of the expression. Meaning The phrase 'pure as the […]

Have you seen or heard the phrase 'I wish you were here' somewhere, and would like to know more? 'I wish you were here' is a common sentence which might either be a song lyric reference, or an expression that has been part of language for almost 100 years. This post unpacks the meaning, origin, […]

Have you seen the phrase 'go the extra mile' somewhere on the internet or in a text, and would like to know more about what it means (or where it comes from)? The phrase is common in English, though can also be translated into other languages. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this […]

Many people enjoy getting a massage, whether to relax or to get relief from sore muscles — but not all massage services are alike. If a man tells you he’s been for a “rub and tug,” he got more than a massage. Read on to discover what a rub and tug is and where this […]

Do you want to explain how a task is easy? You could say it's "as simple as that" when referring to its execution. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression "simple as that" means something is easy to comprehend or understand. It refers to something uncomplicated, requiring no advanced […]

Did a friend tell you the government is passing a mandate that limits freedom? You could say, "the law is an ass," to show your disdain for the action. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression "the law is an ass" means the application of the law goes against […]

Did your boss say the business got some bad press? You could tell him, "There's no such thing as bad publicity." This post unpacks the meaning and origin of the expression. Meaning The expression "there's no such thing as bad publicity" means that all mentions of a person or entity in the media serve them […]