Are you looking for a way to say that you’re doing an easy task and have an unfair advantage? If so, you could say it’s “like shooting fish in a barrel” to describe how easy it is for you. This post unpacks the origin and meaning of this expression. Meaning The expression “like shooting fish […]
Category: Idioms
The Last Straw – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you about to reach your breaking point in a conversation? Maybe you're looking for a way to tell someone that you're tired of taking their toxic behavior toward you? You could use "the last straw" to tell them that you will not bear any more of their words or actions. This post unpacks this […]
If It Ain't Broke Don't Fix It – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a way to tell a person to stop interfering with a process providing the results you want? If so, you could tell them, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” to ask them to leave it alone. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression “if […]
Kill Two Birds with One Stone – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a way to say you can complete two tasks with a single action? You could say you’re going to “kill two birds with one stone” and make things easier in your life. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression “kill two birds with one stone” […]
Sight for Sore Eyes – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a phrase to tell someone that you appreciate seeing them? You could say to them they are a “sight for sore eyes” when they arrive. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression “a sight for sore eyes” means that you’re happy to see someone and […]
Sharpest Tool in the Shed – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a way to describe someone as stupid without being overly rude? If so, you could say that they aren’t “the sharpest tool in the shed.” This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression “the sharpest tool in the shed” refers to someone’s intelligence or lack thereof. […]
Open a Can of Worms – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a way to tell someone that they are bringing up topics or subject matter best left alone? If so, you could use “open a can of worms” when referring to the issue or problem. This post unpacks the origin and meaning of this expression. Meaning The expression “open a can of […]
Sitting on the Fence – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a way to say that you’re undecided on what to do? You could say that you’re “sitting on the fence” with your decision. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning If you’re “sitting on the fence,” it means you are between deciding on two outcomes. You are […]
Stick a Fork in It – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a way to tell someone to knock off their behavior? Maybe you want to tell them that they are through with their service to your company? Or maybe you just want to take some food off the grill? If so, you could use “stick a fork in it” in any of […]
Swing for the Fences – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a motivating statement to tell someone to give their best effort and leave it all on the line? If so, you could use the saying “swing for the fences.” This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The meaning of the expression “swing for the fences” is to […]