Category: Phrases

Are you feeling down? Did someone tell you to buck up? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression 'buck up' is similar to the phrase 'cheer up.' It's a motivating statement to people to break them out of a negative mental state. If you tell someone to 'buck up,' […]

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 your parents say you look like a 'dog's dinner' as you prepare to leave the house? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression 'dog's dinner' refers to anything that looks messy, cluttered, or out of place. It originally referred to a style of over-dressing for an occasion. However, […]

Would you like to tell someone that the object you are observing, holding or talking about is authentic and the real thing? You could use the common figurative expression 'the real McCoy' to indicate to someone what you mean. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression 'the real McCoy' […]

Have you seen a situation or person that can only be described as hysterical, crazy or completely over the top? The term 'hissy fit' or expression that someone is 'throwing a hissy fit' can be used to apply to both. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this common saying that you might see […]

Would you like to describe something that is leaning like the tower of Pisa, and might about to fall over or fail in a spectacular manner at any second from now? The term 'keel over' can be used to say what you mean. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The […]

Have you seen the expression 'kid (kit) gloves' somewhere in a book, movie, show or on the internet? The term is common, though a lot of people can say that they don't know what it means and have no reference for the term. This post unpacks the meaning, proper spelling and origin of the term […]

"Abracadabra" is an almost universally understood set of syllables, no matter what your native language is. You'll know to expect it if someone is performing magic tricks. What does "abracadabra" actually mean, though? Join us on a fascinating journey to learn more. ​​​Meaning The syllables "abracadabra" serve as an incantation that is pronounced during magic […]

Did you enjoy a night out with friends? All in all, you could say it was a great experience. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression 'all in all' means that you've taken everything into account and made a judgment call on something, someone, or someplace. 'All in all' […]

Are you looking for a way to describe a useless person who seems to have a habit of showing up at exactly the wrong time? You could call that person a "bad penny". Learn more about this phrase and its origin here, and discover how to use it in a sentence. ​​​Meaning A "bad penny" […]