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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
According to Hoyle – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you seen the phrase 'according to Hoyle' somewhere and would like to know more about the context and meaning of the saying? The phrase is a less common expression that refers to expert opinions, and it can be meant seriously or with sarcasm. This post unpacks the meaning, origin and use of the saying. […]
Off the Cuff – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you seen the phrase 'off the cuff' and would like to know more about the context of this common English saying? The expression 'off the cuff' means that something spontaneous or unplanned has happened. This post unpacks the meaning, origin, and common use. Meaning The expression 'off the cuff' is a common figurative expression […]
As Easy As Pie – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Would you like to indicate that something is going to be easy or almost effortless to accomplish? The phrase 'as easy as pie' is a common phrase used in English that can be applied to say just that. This post unpacks the meaning, origin and common use of the phrase. Meaning The phrase 'as easy […]
Five O'Clock Shadow – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you seen the phrase 'five o'clock shadow' somewhere on the internet or in a text and would like to know more about what it could mean? The saying is common in the English language, and its origin is not what people think. This post looks at the meaning, origin and most common ways to […]