Category: Idioms

Are you looking for a way to tell someone to keep calm and be ready for action? If that's the case, you could say to them, "speak softly and carry a big stick." This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning If you "speak softly and carry a big stick," you have […]

Are you looking for a way to compliment a friend for coming up with the same idea as you? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of the saying, "great minds think alike." Meaning The meaning of the saying, "great minds think alike," is to tell another person that they have the same thoughts as […]

Did you just hear the expression, "the eyes are windows to the soul?" What does it mean? Does it have a religious meaning, or is it a secular saying? This post unpacks the origin and meaning of this idiomatic expression. Meaning The "eyes are windows to the soul" is an old proverb suggesting that the […]

Did someone tell you that you "jumped the gun" when taking on a task? What do they mean? This post unpacks everything you need to know about this idiomatic phrase's meaning, origin, and use. Jumped the Gun Meaning If you "jumped the gun," it means you started a task too early instead of waiting for […]

Did someone accuse you of doing them wrong? If so, you could “fight tooth and nail” to prove your innocence. This post looks at the meaning and origin of this expression. Fight Tooth and Nail Meaning To “fight tooth and nail” means that you’re going to engage in physical or verbal combat with one or […]

If you ask someone the distance from your location to your destination, they might respond with its five miles, “as the crow flies.” What do they mean? This post gives you everything you need to know about the meaning and origin of this idiomatic expression. As the Crow Flies Meaning “As the crow flies” is […]

Did someone tell you that you need to apply a "rule of thumb" to a task? What do they mean? Are they asking you to use your thumbs? This post unpacks everything you need to know about the meaning and origin of this expression. Rule of Thumb Meaning The "rule of thumb" is an idiomatic […]

Did you just escape a harsh punishment, even though you deserved it? If that's the case, you could say you walked away "scot-free." This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this idiomatic expression. Scot Free Meaning To get off "scot-free" means that you managed to escape punishment for a transgression where you were guilty. […]

Are you about to approach that perfect ten and tell them how beautiful they are? If so, you could be "gilding the lily," and chances are they've heard it all before, and you're going to do nothing but embarrass yourself. This post unpacks everything you need to know about the origin, meaning, and use of […]

Are you trying to convince someone that you're not responsible for something? If you're being overly dramatic with your denial, the other person might say "a hit dog will holler," but what do they mean? This post looks at the meaning and origin of this expression. A Hit Dog Will Holler Meaning The meaning of […]