Category: Phrases

Are you about to undertake a task that’s making you feel nervous? If so, you could use the expression “I have butterflies in my stomach” to describe your feeling of nervousness. This post unpacks everything you need to know about the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning If someone tells you I have “butterflies […]

Are you checking your emails, and you find a message from your subordinates titled “As per your request,” what does this mean? We’ll unpack the meaning and origin of this expression to give you a better understanding of its use in conversation. As Per Your Request Meaning “As per your request” is a phrase appearing […]

Did someone just tell you that the sweater you got them for their birthday fits them "to the T?" What do they mean? This post unpacks everything you need to know about the origin and meaning of this idiomatic expression. To the T  Meaning If something is "to the T," it means that it is […]

Are you chatting with a friend? If you tell them that you're going to see someone they know later that afternoon, they might ask you to "give my regards" to that person, but what do they mean? This post unpacks everything you need to know about this idiomatic expression's meaning, origin, and use. Give my […]

Did someone just tell you to take the news with "a grain of salt? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Grain of Salt Meaning If someone tells you to "take it with a grain of salt," they are telling you to be hesitant about what you believe. It's an expression suggesting […]

Did someone just tell you, "I'll keep you posted" about the situation at work? What do they mean? Let's unpack the meaning, origin, and use of this expression. I Will Keep You Posted Meaning If you tell someone you're going to "keep them posted," you mean that you will let them know of any changes […]

Are you reading through your monthly report at the office? If you find the phrase "lack thereof" describing your effort, what does it mean? This post unpacks everything you need to know about this idiomatic expression's meaning, origin, and use. Lack Thereof Meaning The idiomatic phrase "lack thereof" comes from contract law in the mid-1900s, […]

Are you telling your friend that you need help with something, and they reply with "say less?" What do they mean? Are they asking you to stop talking, or do they mean they will help? This post unpacks everything you need to know about the meaning, origin, and use of this phrase in conversation. Say […]

Did you just receive an email from your boss requesting information from you in a "timely manner?" If that's the case, you had better drop what you're doing and attend to the matter right now. This post unpacks everything you need to know about the meaning, origin, and use of this expression. Timely Manner Meaning […]

Are you making a presentation to a crowd? If so, you could finish your speech with “thank you for your attention.” This post unpacks everything you need to know about the meaning and origin of this phrase. Thank You for Your Attention Meaning “Thank you for your attention” is a way of displaying gratitude to […]