Category: Phrases

‘Beefing up’ or ‘to beef up’ are common English sayings that might be difficult to understand the context and meaning of, especially if you have never heard them before. This post unpacks the meaning, origin, and proper use of this sometimes baffling though very common saying. Meaning The phrase ‘beefing up’ is a common figurative […]

Have you seen the phrase ‘bee line’ somewhere and would like to know more about the saying itself, or why someone might have said it? ‘Bee line’ is a common figurative phrase used in English, though it can be confusing if you have never heard it before. This post unpacks its meaning and common use. […]

Have you seen the phrase ‘lily livered’ somewhere on the internet or in a text, and want to know more about what the saying means? The phrase ‘lily livered’ is a common English saying, though is not as common in modern times as it might first have been when it originated. This post unpacks the […]

Have you seen the phrase ‘mare’s nest’ somewhere on the internet or in a text, and would like to know more about the context and meaning of the saying? The phrase is a somewhat rare saying in the English language, that can be used to refer to anything that is entangled or messy. This post […]

Would you like to describe someone who is so attractive that they turn heads, as another saying goes? A ‘bell ringer’ is a common informal term that can be used to refer to someone who is very attractive or beautiful. Meaning The phrase ‘bell ringer’ is a less common English saying that can be used […]

Would you like to say that something has made you angry or upset, but need a more interesting way to say it? The phrase ‘ticked off’ is a common saying in the English language that can be used to say just that. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of the phrase. Meaning The phrase […]

Have you seen the phrase ‘copper bottomed’ on the internet or in a text and would like to know some more about why or how it gets used? ‘Copper bottomed’ is a common saying in English that can be used to mean that something is high-quality or trusted. This post unpacks its meaning, origin, and […]

Have you seen the phrase ‘qui vive’ somewhere on the internet or in a text and would like to know what it means, or why someone has used it? The phrase ‘qui vive’ is common, even in English, though the phrase originates from another language. This post unpacks the origin and most common correct use […]

‘Sleep well’ is a common sentence that is used in the English language, usually said as an informal phrase between people who are close to one another. ‘Sleep well’ can also hold other contexts, and might still confuse even native English speakers. This post unpacks the meaning, correct, and incorrect use of the phrase. Meaning […]

Are you watching the Speaker of the House discuss White House policy? You could say she’s an “augur” of the modern age. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning An “augur” originally meant a person connected to the divine that could foretell the future. They would look at the environment and […]