Category: Idioms

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. […]

Did your friend tell you a football player flew "under the radar" this season, and they only noticed their skills now? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression "under the radar" means something that went unnoticed or avoided your attention. It's another way to say something escapes your attention, […]

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 […]

Did you suggest going somewhere for dinner, and your partner said, "If I had my druthers," before making an alternate suggestion? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression "if I had my druthers" is a combination abbreviation of the words "would" and "rather." So, if you use "if I […]

Are you looking for a way to tell a friend they have to keep out of trouble? You could ask them to “keep their nose clean.” This post explores the meaning and origin of the curious idiom “keep your nose clean” and shows you how to use the phrase in a sentence. Meaning “Keep your […]

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 […]