Category: Idioms

You’ve likely heard the idiom “negative, Ghost Rider” used in pop culture. Even without knowing its origin, you may have been able to deduce its meaning from context. But where did the phrase originate, and what does it mean? Meaning The idiom “negative, Ghost Rider” is a playful way of saying “no.” It can be […]

What does it mean when someone says, “dap me up”? This article covers the meaning and origins of the phrase and examples of correct and incorrect usage. Meaning The idiom “Dap me up” is an informal greeting used between friends or acquaintances. The phrase is literally a request for someone to “give dap” to the […]

The phrase “how now brown cow” is a frequently recited but misunderstood idiom. You may have heard it in movies or from friends, but what does it really mean? In this article, you’ll learn more about this fascinating phrase, including its meaning, origins, and usage. We’ll also provide some well-known examples of the phrase from […]

Idioms like ‘Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do’ can be confusing and make no sense if you are not sure what the intention is in the phrase. You may hear this in several circumstances. ‘Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do’ is a vague phrase that is a casual parting for close friends, acquaintances, and family […]

Have you ever jumped in your car and noticed that your gas light was on and the needle just slightly above the "E." Did you suspect that you were running on fumes? Unless you are one of those people who fill their tank before it gets to the halfway mark, this idiom is probably pretty […]

Have you ever heard the phrase ‘gin up?’ Like many people out there, you might have encountered this phrase but never thought about its meaning. The phrase ‘Gin Up’ has existed since the 14th century. However, its usage in speech remained minimal until President Obama mentioned the phrase in his political speech in 2020. Since […]

Oh, my stars and garters" has been used in the English language for centuries. The phrase was particularly prevalent several decades ago. Meaning "Oh, my stars and garters" is an exclamation of astonishment. The idiom is a way to convey shock, similar to how "Oh my God" is commonly used today. Examples "Two Muffins are […]

In 1912, Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt spoke to a journalist and said, “My hat is in the ring.” This phrase was a statement that indicated he was now running for president. People have commonly used the idiom “throw my hat in the ring” to announce their candidacy. It is used often in political settings, such as […]

The literal definition of “put on the dog” might sound like it means putting a dog onto something, or putting something on the dog; however, when used as an idiom, this figure of speech means to behave in a pretentious or ostentatious manner. It could be used to describe someone over-dressing for a casual affair, […]

"Screw your courage to the sticking place" is one of those phrases almost everyone has heard, The phrase "screw your courage to the sticking place" is an idiom or expression used to encourage someone to be brave and steadfast, usually in the face of uncertainty. It can also mean "to keep your nerve." Examples in […]