Category: Phrases

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" […]

Did you know that the meaning of a word is not always set in stone?  That's right, the sense of a word can be different based on the context in which it is used.  "Contingent" means dependent on circumstances or conditions.  This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The meaning of […]

Cotton Eye Joe is a song that has been around for more than 200 years. While most people may not have heard of it, many that have may be unclear on its meaning. If you are curious about cotton eye Joe and what it means, you are in the right place. This post unpacks the […]

Did you accidentally hit a deer in your car? If the animal is suffering, you could use a 'coup de grace' to put it out of its misery. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression 'coup de grace' means a death blow dealt to a person or animal out […]

There is nothing better than topping your weekend off with a marathon of the Sopranos. You can even go deeper and watch the Godfather to get your Mafia fix. One of the fav's from mafia culture that you hear daily is capiche, but what does it mean?  You're not alone if you've ever wondered what […]

Are you looking for a way to tell someone that you generally agree, but there's something that should be aware of? The word "caveat" could fit the bill. Discover what caveat means, where the word originated, and how to use it below. ​Meaning The English noun caveat, which comes from the Latin language, means "a […]

Did someone ask you what you’re doing on ‘Christmas, Adam?’ This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression ‘Christmas Adam’ doesn’t mean a person. It refers to December 23rd, the day before Christmas eve. It’s a relatively new term, appearing in the last two decades. However, it’s not universally understood […]

Did you ask someone for their opinion on your work, and they told you, ‘comme ci, comme ça?’ This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression ‘comme ci, comme ça’ translates from French to ‘so-so’ or ‘like this, like that.’ If you use ‘comme ci, comme ça,’ it means you […]

Do you see people getting a little close with each other in public? Maybe you want to convey that your situation is going one way or the other. Well, the phrase "make out" is a great way to express both sentiments with the same words. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. […]