Category: Phrases

Do you have an important date coming up on your professional calendar? You could say it's a 'red letter day' for your career. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The 'red letter day' refers to a day of significance or importance to a community. For instance, Christmas day or Superbowl […]

Are you wrestling with your sibling? If they want you to submit, they’ll ask you to say ‘uncle.’ This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression ‘say uncle’ acts as a way to tell the other person involved in an action, conversation, or task to submit to your authority. It’s […]

Are you unsure how to explain something perfectly? Maybe you want to give an example, but make sure the listener knows that you are not being literal. If so, the phrase “so to speak” is a great way to get your point across. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning When […]

Do you have a small errand to run? Did a friend ask you whether you could meet up to return the book you borrowed? The phrase "to stop by" can be used in both cases. Keep reading to learn when people started "stopping by", what it means, and how to use the phrase in a […]

Are you waiting on an important announcement at work? Did a colleague tell you it’s all gone ‘tits up?’ This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression ‘tits up’ mean something or someone has deviated from what you expected, causing an adverse event or reaction. If a project goes tits […]

Have you ever told someone that you love the gift they gave you, even though you didn't? This is what you would call a "white lie". Read on to discover the fascinating history of this phrase, and to learn how to use it in a sentence. ​​​Meaning A "white lie", also often called a "little […]

Did someone tell you being a janitor is ‘Yeoman’s work?’ This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression ‘Yeoman’s work’ refers to tasks involving unskilled labor. For instance, you could consider janitorial duties as ‘Yeoman’s work’ since the janitor doesn’t attend university to learn their trade. Typically, ‘Yeoman’s work’ refers […]

Would you like to describe someone who is full of enthusiasm for aggression, or someone who always seems like they're just about ready to fight everyone in the room? The phrase 'piss and vinegar' can be used to apply to them as a fair, easy description that is not often used these days. This post […]

Did your grandfather tell you he has a 'bucket list' he wants to complete before he dies? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression 'bucket list' refers to a list of items you want to complete before you pass on. Typically it refers to life events you wish you […]

Did someone tell you to stop 'blowing smoke' up their ass? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning You can use 'blow smoke' in combination with other phrases to create a saying like 'don't blow smoke up my ass.' If someone is 'blowing smoke,' they're talking nonsense or lying to you. […]