Category: Phrases

Are you looking for a way to tell someone to clean up their act and put more attention into their hygiene or general cleanliness? If so, you could use the proverbial expression, "cleanliness is next to Godliness," to get them to think about their behavior. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this proverb. […]

Are you looking for a way to introduce a speaker to the stage? If so, you could say “without further ado” as the precursor to inviting them to take the microphone. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression “without further ado” means without making you wait anymore. It’s usually […]

Are you looking for a way to tell someone that you are the final line of accountability? This post unpacks everything you need to know about the meaning and origin of the phrase, “the buck stops here.” Meaning The expression, “the buck stops here,” means that this is the point of final responsibility and accountability […]

Are you looking for a way to tell someone that you have them caught between and rock and a hard place? You could say that you have them by "the short hairs." Let's unpack the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The original meaning of the phrase was to be caught red-handed. However, this […]

Are you looking for a way to tell someone not to waste their time looking into finding out information they can’t control? If so, you could ask them to stop looking down the “rabbit hole.” This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this phrase. Meaning The “rabbit hole” in “Alice in Wonderland” is a […]

Are you looking for a way to call people out on the nonsense they're speaking to you? If so, you could reply with "horsefeathers" when they make an idiotic statement. This post describes the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression "horsefeathers" means that a person is talking rubbish or nonsense, and you […]

Are you looking for a way to compliment someone on their laid-back, easy lifestyle? If so, you could say they are living "the life of Riley." This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression "the life of Riley" means that you have an easy and stress-free lifestyle. It's a way […]

Are you looking for an alternative expression for a controversial topic? If so, you could call it a "hot potato." This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression "hot potato" refers to a controversial topic and people's unwillingness to approach it or tackle it. Typically, it's a topic that invokes […]

Are you looking for a way to describe calm, stress-free days in your life? If so, you could call them your "halcyon days." This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The meaning of the expression "halcyon days" is peace, serene, and calm days in your life. It's a period where you […]

Do you want to tell someone to go on with their philosophical argument? If so, you could ask them to "wax poetic" about the subject. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression "wax poetic" means that you're speaking poetically about things in your life, current events, or topics where […]