Category: Phrases

Do you have a nasty habit of putting your responsibilities off until the last possible moment? You could say that you usually wait until the "eleventh hour". Learn what this phrase means, where it came from, and how to use it in a sentence here. ​​​Meaning The idiom "the eleventh hour" (also spelled "the 11th […]

Is the summer long gone, but are you suddenly enjoying a spell of warm weather in October or November? That's what you'd call an "Indian summer". Learn more about this phenomenon and its origins here, and discover how to use the phrase in a sentence. ​​​Meaning The phrase "Indian summer" refers to a short period […]

Are you reckless with your behavior? Did your friend or boss call you a 'loose cannon?' This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression 'loose cannon' refers to someone exhibiting unpredictable behavior. You can't trust them to behave or follow the rules. It's similar to the term 'wildcard,' meaning you […]

Did someone at the hospital ask you to list your next of kin in your admission form? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression ‘next of kin’ describes your closest living relative through a legal or blood relationship. The phrase appears in contract law, specifically surrounding inheritance and medical […]

Would you like to let someone know that something has been made as clean as it could be, or that something is as clean and sterile as possible in its current state? The term 'spic and span' is used almost internationally in English, although few people who use the expression know where the term really […]

Have you seen the phrase 'my kingdom for a horse' somewhere on the internet or in popular media and would like to know what it means? Someone who says 'my kingdom for a horse' is referencing a quote in the famous Shakespeare play Richard III. This post unpacks the meaning and use of this common […]

Would you like to let someone know that you are either surprised or astonished at something that has just been said? The phrase 'you've got to be kidding me' is one that you could use for this, and it's a valid phrase that has been translated into several world languages. This post unpacks the meaning, […]

Would you like to give someone else a word of encouragement and let them know that tomorrow their issue will be better than it might seem today? The phrase 'tomorrow is another day' is a common expression that can be used to tell someone this. This post unpacks the meaning, origin and common use of […]

Would you like to tell someone that they are one of the best things in your life, or would you like to tell someone with a hint of sarcasm that they have just gone and messed up your whole day? The phrase 'ray of sunshine' is a common English-speaking expression that can be used to […]

Would you like to introduce or announce that you are about to give a list of something, or are you trying to indicate that one thing comes after the next? 'Followed by' is a common term that you can use to point this out, though it often doesn't translate well to other languages. This post […]