Did your friend tell you "the best is yet to come" was originally sung by Tony Bennett, not Frank Sinatra? What does this phrase mean? This post unpacks its definition and origin. Meaning The expression "the best is yet to come" means that all the events occurring in your life right now will eventually be […]
Category: Idioms
If I had My Druthers – Meaning, Origin and Usage
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 […]
Keep Your Nose Clean – Meaning, Origin and Usage
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 […]
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” […]
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 […]
Fit of Rage – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did you see someone you dislike and suddenly turn to anger? You could say you flew into a "fit of rage." This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression "fit of rage" means someone lost control of their emotions and displayed a bad temper or outburst of anger at someone […]