Is a friend upset about someone doing them wrong? You could tell them, "Don't get mad; get even." This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The proverbial expression "don't get mad, get even" means that you shouldn't waste your energy wrestling with feelings of anger over what someone did to you. […]
Category: Idioms
Every Rose Has Its Thorn – Meaning, Origin and Usage
The rose is the most popular flower across the globe, and these flowers have attracted rich symbolism over the centuries. You could say that “every rose has its thorn” if you need a poetic way to express that nothing is perfect. Read on to learn more about this phrase and its meaning. Meaning The English […]
Fighting Fire with Fire – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did someone insult you? It’s time to start “fighting fire with fire.” This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression “fighting fire with fire” means to use the same tactics or weapons as the enemy when engaging in combat or verbal arguments. For instance, if someone is being hostile to […]
Sick As A Dog – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Would you like to describe that something (or someone) is feeling under the weather, sicker than usual, or incredibly ill? The expression 'sick as a dog' is a common phrase in the English language that can be used to say this. This post unpacks the meaning, origin, and proper use of the saying. Meaning The […]
A Plague on Both Your Houses – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you seen the phrase 'a plague on both your houses' somewhere in a text or on the internet and would like to know more about the meaning or implication of the saying? The phrase is a common figurative saying in English. This post unpacks the meaning, origin and common use of the saying. Meaning […]
Two Heads Are Better Than One – Meaning, Origin and Usage
'Two heads are better than one' is a common figurative saying in the English language that can be used to imply the same as the saying 'many hands make light work'. This post unpacks the meaning, origin, and correct use of the expression. Meaning 'Two heads are better than one' is a common figurative saying […]
Where the Woodbine Twineth – Meaning, Origin and Usage
The phrase 'where the woodbine twineth' is a less common expression that is found in the English language, and the saying is usually used to refer to a pawn shop – or the act of going to one. This post unpacks the meaning, origin, and proper use of the saying. Meaning The phrase 'where the […]
When Pigs Fly – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Would you like to say that the odds of something happening are unlikely or impossible? The saying 'when pigs fly' is a common figurative English expression that is used to say just that. This post unpacks the meaning, origin, and correct use of the saying. Meaning The phrase 'when pigs fly' is a figurative saying […]
Shuffle Off This Mortal Coil – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you heard the expression 'shufle off this mortal coil' and would like to know more about the meaning, context, or potential origin of the saying? The phrase 'shuffle off this mortal coil' is a saying taken from Shakespeare's Hamlet. This phrase unpacks the term and how to use it. Meaning The phrase 'shuffle off […]
Throw My Hat in the Ring – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you seen the phrase 'throw my hat in the ring' and would like to know more about the meaning or context of the saying? The phrase is a common saying in the English language, though it does not always translate well into other languages. This post unpacks the meaning, origin and use of the […]