Category: Phrases

Did you arrive home from the bakery to find they gave you an extra lunch roll when you ordered a dozen? If so, you could say you received a "baker's dozen." This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The meaning of a "baker's dozen" refers to receiving a quantity of 13 […]

Are you looking for a way to ask your friend why they didn’t bring their partner to your cookout? If so, you could ask them where they left their “better half.” This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression “better half” refers to your partner or spouse. It’s a way […]

Are you looking for a way to tell someone they should be grateful for what they have? If so, you could say to them that they take things “for granted.” This post unpacks the meaning and origin of the expression. Meaning The expression “take for granted” means that you previously paid no regard or gratitude […]

Are you looking for a way to tell someone that you’re busy solving a problem? If that’s the case, you could say to them that you are trying to “figure out” a solution to the issue. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The meaning of the expression “figure out” refers […]

Are you looking for a way to describe a movie or book you read as mentally stimulating? If so, you could say it gave you “food for thought.” This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression “food for thought” refers to newly acquired information that makes you stop and think. […]

Are you feeling nervous in the days leading up to your wedding? Maybe you’re suddenly feeling hesitant about a business deal? You could say you’re getting “cold feet” with the situation. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression “cold feet” means that you are having second thoughts about something. […]

Are you looking for an expression to describe a friend that's never there for you when things get rough in your life? If so, you could call them a "fair-weather friend." This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The meaning of the expression "fair-weather friend" is a friend that is never […]

Did you ask someone a question, and they replied with "Bob's your uncle," what do they mean? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression "Bob's your uncle" has many variants. The phrase's meaning is to tell someone that everything is alright or going according to plan. It's a statement […]

Did your friend just tell you that their girlfriend left them for someone else after draining their bank account? You could reply with “Cherchez la femme” to show your sympathy. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning “Cherchez la femme” is a French expression adapted for English use. In French, the […]

Are you looking for a motivating statement to say to your friend when things get intense during your workout? You could tell them “no pain, no gain” when they feel like giving up. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression “no pain, no gain” means that you need to […]