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 […]
Category: Idioms
Simple as That – Meaning, Origin and Usage
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 […]
The Law is an Ass – Meaning, Origin and Usage
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 […]
There’s No Such Thing as Bad Publicity – Meaning, Origin and Usage
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 […]
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. […]
Prevention is Better than Cure – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you arguing with someone about the benefits of staying healthy? You could say “Prevention is better than cure” to describe how your lifestyle stops you from getting sick later in life. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this proverbial expression. Meaning The proverbial expression “prevention is better than cure” means dealing with […]
Pull Myself Together – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you been a total mess since your boyfriend or girlfriend broke up with you? A friend might tell you to “pull yourself together” and stop spiraling, words of advice meant to help you move on. This post unpacks the origin and meaning of this widely-used idiom and shows you how to incorporate it into […]
Rack and Ruin – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did your friend tell you the local cinema is going to "rack and ruin?" This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression "rack and ruin" means something is falling into a state of disrepair or complete destruction. For instance, the local cinema might be falling into rack and ruin due […]