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 […]
Category: Idioms
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 […]
Strike While the Iron is Hot – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Would you like to tell someone that they should seize an opportunity while there is still time, or would like to point out that timing is crucial for something to happen? 'Strike while the iron is hot' is a common phrase in the English language that can be used to say this. This phrase unpacks […]
One Armed Paper Hanger – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Would you like to describe a busy situation, or say that you (or someone else) is going to be extremely busy with something for a while? The phrase 'busier than a one armed paper hanger' is a common saying that can be used to mean this. This post unpacks the meaning, origin, and common use […]
A Taste Of Your Own Medicine – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Would you like to tell someone that they are going to get their own nasty behavior or treatment reflected right back at them? The phrase 'a taste of your own medicine' is a common saying in the English language that can be used for this. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of the phrase. […]
High on the Hog – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you seen the phrase 'high on the hog' somewhere in a text or on the internet, and would like to know more about the meaning of the phrase? 'High on the hog' is an expression that means more or less the same as 'in the lap of luxury'. This post unpacks the meaning, origin, […]
Bury the Hatchet – Meaning, Origin and Usage
The phrase 'bury the hatchet' is a common saying in the English language that can be used to mean that someone has put away all forms of conflict, or that someone has attempted to resolve an old dispute in an amicable way. This post unpacks the meaning, origin and use of this most common saying. […]
A Little Learning is a Dangerous Thing – Meaning, Origin and Usage
The phrase 'a little learning is a dangerous thing' is a common saying in the English language that is used to mean that pretending to be an expert without the experience could be dangerous. This post unpacks the meaning, origin, and common use of the phrase. Meaning The phrase 'a little learning is a dangerous […]
Give It a Shot – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you seen the expression 'give it a shot' somewhere in a text or online and want to know more about it? The phrase 'give it a shot' is another way to say that someone should give something a try. This post unpacks the meaning, origin, and popular use of the saying. Meaning The phrase […]