Category: Phrases

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. […]

Are you visiting NYC? Did someone sneer at you when you greeted them on the street? You could say they embrace the 'Bronx cheer' of the neighborhood. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression 'Bronx cheer' refers to a sound created by others when greeting them. Typically, the person […]

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 […]

Would you like to tell someone that they have gotten everything they ever wanted, and that they might be living right in the lap of luxury without realizing it? The term 'silver platter' can be used to apply to people who get given everything they wish or want for. This post unpacks the meaning and […]

Would you like to tell someone that they've just had a great idea, but that it still needs some development before it can be put to any good use by someone else? The expression 'starter for 10' is a common saying that can be used to tell someone this. This post unpacks the meaning and […]

Would you like to tell someone that the standard of something is to be measured, or would you like to compare two things against one another by their general quality or appearance to decide which is the best? The term 'up to snuff' is a common expression that can be used for this. This post […]