Would you like a way to say that something happened so fast you could have blinked and it was over? The phrase 'in the blink of an eye' is a common English saying that is usually used to imply that something happened extremely fast (or in an instant). This post unpacks the meaning and origin […]
Category: Idioms
Put a Sock In It – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Would you like to tell someone to be quiet or stop talking? The phrase 'put a sock in it' is a common figurative saying in the English language that can be used to say just that. This post unpacks the meaning, origin, and correct use of the saying. Meaning The phrase 'put a sock in […]
I Wish You Were Here – Meaning, Origin and Usage
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, […]
Go the Extra Mile – Meaning, Origin and Usage
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 […]
Axe Grinding – Meaning, Origin and Usage
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, […]
Pure As the Driven Snow – Meaning, Origin and Usage
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 […]
Thrown to the Wolves – Meaning, Origin and Usage
People sometimes sacrifice innocents to benefit the group or to save themselves. You can use the idiom “thrown to the wolves” to describe the fate these victims suffer. This post unpacks the idiom’s fascinating history and shows how “thrown to the wolves” differs from seemingly similar expressions. Meaning The primarily American idiom “to throw [someone] […]
Try the Veal – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did your friends laugh at your joke? You could close with, “thank you, folks, try the veal.” This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression “try the veal” is similar to “that’s all, folks!” It’s a way of closing a joke or a comedy set. It’s similar to the saying […]
Turn Aside – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a way to avert, direct or deflect something or someone on another course" You could say, "turn aside" to get them moving in another direction? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression "turn aside" means to refuse entry or turn someone away from a venue or place. […]
Under the Radar – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did your friend tell you a football player flew "under the radar" this season, and they only noticed their skills now? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression "under the radar" means something that went unnoticed or avoided your attention. It's another way to say something escapes your attention, […]