Category: Idioms

The phrase ‘a man’s home is his castle’ is a common saying in the English language, but it can still confuse anyone who has not heard it before. The phrase is less common in some parts, and more common in others. This post unpacks the meaning, origin, and correct use of the saying. Meaning ‘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 […]

Does an older person in your life keep mournfully complaining that everything used to be better in the olden days? That person is “waxing nostalgic.” Learn what this phrase means, where it came from, and how to use it in this post. Meaning The phrase “waxing nostalgic” or “to wax nostalgic” means speaking at length […]

Are you looking for a way to describe an intense feeling of nervousness, fear, or embarrassment? You could say you feel “weak in the knees.” Keep reading for more information on the history and meaning of this handy idiom. Meaning The popular phrase “weak in the knees” means feeling very nervous or scared or having […]

Did your aunt have hip replacement surgery? You might say that she is “on the road to recovery” and getting better every day. Keep reading to discover what this phrase means, how it originated, and how to add it to your vocabulary. Meaning The idiom “on the the road to recovery” means that someone is […]

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 […]