Category: Phrases

Do you ever wonder what those skulls are that tend to litter writers' and poets' decor? Maybe you have come across these types of decorations in other areas such as at school, or in a philosopher’s nook. If so, and if you are curious about what they are, then you are in the right place […]

Are you looking for a way to describe a point in time that changed everything? You could say that it was a "watershed moment". This post digs into the history and meaning of this phrase, and shows you how to use it. ​​​Meaning The expression "watershed moment" refers to an event that altered the course […]

Have you ever encountered something so strange that you just don’t know how to react? Perhaps you have experienced a jarring event that has left you dazed and confused. If so, then an apt phrase to utter would be what in tarnation? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning Tarnation is […]

Are you looking for a way to say that you have considered a problem from every conceivable angle, and taken all possible alternatives into account? You could use the saying "six ways to Sunday" or one of its many variations. Learn more about this idiom, its meaning, and its use in this post. ​​Meaning The […]

Did your partner tell you they take solace in your arms? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression 'solace' means a place of refuge where you can alleviate the stress and anxiety bothering you. You could take solace in many things, from your partner to your home, your pets, […]

Have you ever been so busy at work that it seemed like it was time to go not long after you clocked in? Maybe you were spending time with your friends and looking up to see it was the middle of the night. If so, then the phrase time flies is an apt description of […]

Did walking by that wonderful restaurant make your stomach growl? Has a book you're reading made you want to learn more about something? In both cases, the idiom "whet your appetite" can describe what you're feeling. Keep reading to discover the meaning and origins of this commonly-used, but little-understood, phrase. ​​Meaning The idiom "to whet […]

Did a UPS delivery guy throw your parcel carelessly onto your porch? You could say they decided to ‘yeet’ it without caring about delivering it properly. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression ‘yeet’ means throwing something carelessly, without concern for its flight path or landing. For instance, the […]

Did someone ask you if you know what 'curds and whey' are and if you can use them as a protein supplement in the gym? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression 'curds and whey' refer to the byproducts of the cheese manufacturing process. Cheesemakers add the enzyme 'rennet' […]

Are you looking for a way to tell someone that he or she is talking down to you, and you deserve more respect? You could use the word "condescending". Discover what this word means, and how to correctly incorporate it into a sentence, in this post. ​Meaning The adverb "condescending" has the noun form "condescension" […]