Did your friend just tell you that she started a relationship with your boyfriend? During the shock of hearing them tell you that, you're likely to ask them why they would do that. They reply with "all is fair in love and war," but what does that mean? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this […]
Category: Idioms
Actions Speak Louder than Words – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a way to tell a person that they need to start sticking to the promises they make? The expression "actions speak louder than words" should stop and make them think about their behavior. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this proverbial saying. Meaning The proverb "actions speak louder than […]
All the Gods All the Heavens – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you contemplating something serious in life? If so, another person may tell you "all the gods, all the heavens," but what do they mean? This post unpacks everything you need to know about the meaning and origin of this proverb. Meaning The meaning of the phrase "all the gods, all the heavens" refers to […]
Curiosity Killed the Cat – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a warning to give someone against their curiosity around a subject? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of "curiosity killed the cat." Meaning The saying "curiosity killed the cat" applies to situations where you're trying to warn someone that their inquisitive behavior may result in bad events unfolding. The person […]
If at First You Don't Succeed Try Try Again – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you battling with a task? If someone says, "if at first, you don't succeed, try, try, again," what do they mean? This post unpacks everything you need to know about the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The proverb's meaning, "if at first, you don't succeed, try, try, again," is never to give […]
Pie in the Sky – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you listening to someone make outlandish claims of getting rich quickly? If so, you could say their promises are nothing more than “pie in the sky.” This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The meaning of "pie in the sky" is to tell someone that the promises mean nothing or […]
Batten Down the Hatches – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a way to tell people to prepare for the worst? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of the expression, "batten down the hatches." Meaning The meaning of the saying, "batten down the hatches," is to prepare for trouble. You can use the phrase to describe any situation where you know […]
When Life Gives You Lemons – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a way to cheer someone up after hearing bad news about their life? You could always use the saying, "when life gives you lemons. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this proverb. Meaning The meaning of the proverb, "when life gives you lemons," is to overcome your problems and […]
No Rest For the Wicked – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a way to express your tireless commitment to a project? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of the proverb, "no rest for the wicked." Meaning The proverb's meaning, "no rest for the wicked," changed over the centuries. Originally, the biblical saying meant that people possessed by an evil spirit (or […]
No Man Is an Island – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Is your friend starting to isolate themselves away from the group? If so, you could tell him that "no man is an island" to get him to change his behavior. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this proverb. Meaning The phrase "no man is an island" means that isolation is detrimental to a […]