Category: Phrases

Did your grandma just say "heavens to Murgatroyd" after she saw you for the first time in months? What does she mean? This post unpacks everything you need to know about this idiomatic expression's meaning, origin, and use. Meaning Picture the scene. You're walking to the corner store when you hear gunfire and see two […]

Are you looking for a way to describe something as the coolest thing you've ever seen? If so, you could use the phrase "bee's knees." This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning If you're describing something as "the bee's knees," it means that it's the best or "coolest" thing in its […]

Are you thinking about heading to the local seafood restaurant for a meal? The waiter will likely offer you "al fresco" dining in the open air when you arrive. They may also offer to read you the "al fresco" specials of the day, but what do they mean? This post unpacks everything you need to know […]

Are you typing with someone in a chat and suspect they are a scammer? If so, you could type the word "aalaye" and see how they respond. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this word. Meaning The word "aalaye" comes from the native Nigerian language of the Yuba tribe. The word's original meaning […]

Are you looking for a way to tell someone that they matter most to you in life? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of the proverbial saying, "the apple of my eye." Meaning Calling someone "the apple of my eye" means that you think they are your favorite person on the planet. It means […]

Are you watching parliament? Why do the members chant "hear hear?" This post unpacks the origin and meaning of this expression. Meaning The expression "hear hear" means to create a form of approval or consensus or let a speaker's voice have its say. This old English interjection comes from the House of Commons, the largest […]

Are you looking for an alternative way to tell someone "goodbye?" If so, you could say, "hasta la vista" to them as your farewell greeting. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this phrase. Meaning The meaning of the expression "hasta la vista" is the Spanish greeting for "see you later." The phrase is […]

Are you looking for a way to ask someone to hurry up? If so, you could use the saying "chop chop." This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The meaning of the expression, "chop chop," is to hurry up and be quick. The expression is somewhat archaic, and some people view […]

Are you caught between a rock and a hard place? If so, you could be in a "catch-22." This post unpacks everything you need to know about the meaning and origin of this phrase. Meaning Being stuck in a "catch-22" presents a paradox where you're trying to escape, but the action of trying to escape […]

Did someone beat around the bush with something you need to know? If so, you could ask them to get down to "brass tacks "and give you the story right now. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The saying "brass tacks" means to stop beating around the bush and get […]