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 […]
Category: Idioms
Weak in The Knees – Meaning, Origin and Usage
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 […]
Road to Recovery – Meaning, Origin and Usage
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 […]
Rub and Tug – Meaning, Origin and Usage
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 […]
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 […]
Kiss Me, Hardy – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did someone reference the phrase “kiss me, Hardy”? You may wonder what it means and assume it to be an idiom. “Kiss me, Hardy” is, in fact, a famous phrase the famous Admiral Nelson reportedly uttered on his deathbed. This post explores the circumstances behind the words. Meaning “Kiss me, Hardy” is neither an idiom […]
Like the Dickens – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did you stub your toe on the door? You could say it hurts "like the Dickens" to describe the pain. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression "like the Dickens" is an intensifier used to replace other, more offensive language. Its original use was as a replacement for "the […]
Too Much on My Plate – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did your annoying neighbor ask you to join her weekly Bible study group? If you’re too busy, you could thank her and say you have “too much on your plate” already. Keep reading to learn more about the meaning and history of this useful idiom. Meaning The English idiom “[having] too much on [someone’s] plate” […]