Are you looking for a way to tell someone that you need them for a specific task? You could use the phrase “it takes two to tango” to show them your need for their assistance. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression “it takes two to tango” means that […]
Category: Idioms
The Fish Rots from the Head – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a way to tell someone that by removing the head of an organization, the rest of it will fail? If so, you could use the phrase “the fish rots from the head.” This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression, “The fish rots from the head,” […]
Truer Words Have Never Been Spoken – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a confirmation statement to let someone know you fully agree with their views or claims? If so, you could use "truer words have never been spoken" to let them know you are on board with what they are saying. This post unpacks this expression's meaning and origin. Meaning The expression "truer […]
The Straw that Broke the Camel’s Back – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for an expression to tell someone that you’re at the tipping point of your emotional scale? Are you looking for a veiled warning to get the other person to stop their words or actions? If that’s the case, you could use “the straw that broke the camel's back” to tell them you’ve […]
The Pot Calling the Kettle Black – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a saying to describe someone being a hypocrite? You could use the phrase “the pot calling the kettle black” to describe the speaker's hypocritic judgment. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning When you use the expression, “the pot calling the kettle black,” you’re pointing out the […]
Kettle of Fish – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a way to segue a conversation into a different and complex topic? If so, you could say that they are asking about a different “kettle of fish” altogether. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression “kettle of fish” means another topic or subject matter that […]
Level the Playing Field – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a way to say that you need to create an environment of equality with low barriers to entry? If so, you could say that you’re looking to “level the playing field” for people. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning If you want to “level the playing […]
Making a Mountain out of a Molehill – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a way to tell someone that they are overreacting to a situation? You could tell them they are “making a mountain out of a molehill" and they should rather calm down. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression "making a mountain out of a molehill" […]
Go for Broke – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a motivating statement to tell someone to give it all they got? You can use the saying “go for broke” to tell them to throw caution to the wind in the hope of a big win. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning If you “go for […]
An Elephant Never Forgets – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a way to tell someone that you'll remember their actions or what they say to you? You can use "an elephant never forgets" to remind them that you have a long memory and you won’t forget what they did to you. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. […]