Are you feeling fit and healthy? You could say you feel "as fit as a butcher's dog." This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression "fit as a butcher's dog" means you're feeling healthy and well. A butcher's dog feeds on the scraps of leftover meat from his master customers. […]
Fistle – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you come across the curious word “fistle” somewhere? You aren’t alone if you’re stumped — if you have no idea what fistle could refer to. Fistle isn’t just an unusual word but also one with several meanings. This post explores them all. Meaning “Fistle” is an unusual word with several distinct meanings: A fistle […]
Fisticuffs – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Parents raising five sons might rightfully say that fisticuffs are inevitable in their home because brothers usually get into fights. Keeping reading to discover where this fascinating term came from and what it means. We’ll also show you how to use this exciting word. Meaning The English noun “fisticuffs” simply means a fist fight. Fisticuffs […]
Cut Corners – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you overworked? You might be tempted to rush through your responsibilities by reducing the quality of your work. In this case, you could say you are “cutting corners. This post explores this interesting idiom’s meaning, origin, and usage. Meaning The idiom “to cut corners” means sacrificing quality and ignoring rules (including health and safety […]
Cat's Pajamas – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Would you like to tell your grandfather that the birthday gift he got for you is excellent? You could say it is the “cat's pajamas.” This post unpacks the origins and meaning of this once-trendy saying that has now become archaic. Meaning The American nonsense phrase “the cat's pajamas” dates back to the early 20th […]
Poohed – Meaning, Origin and Usage
When someone expresses contempt or condescendingly disproves, they sometimes exclaim, “Pooh!” You can say such a person “poohed” you or someone else. This post explores the meaning and origins of the term “pooh,” and shows you how to use it. Meaning People use the English interjection “pooh” to convey disapproval, contempt, or scorn. “Puh” and […]
On a Roll – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Has the sports team you support won all matches they played in recent memory? You could say that your team is “on a roll.” This post dives into the meaning and origin of this fascinating idiom. Of course, we’ll also show you how to use “on a roll” in a sentence. Meaning The common English […]
Nitty-Gritty – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a way to tell someone you want to get to the fundamentals of a topic or the core of it? For example, you could tell someone that you want to “get down to the nitty-gritty” of the subject. Keep reading if you’d like to know more about the meaning and history […]
Name Calling – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Suppose you have watched any political debate recently. In that case, chances are high that the participants resorted to “name-calling,” behavior you can also spot on any playground. Of course, the “names” in question are less than flattering. Learn more about the meaning and origins of this expression in this post. Meaning “Name-calling” means using […]
Man’s Best Friend – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Do you need a phrase to describe your beloved dog and the close bond between you? “Man’s best friend” shows you can always trust your canine companion. Keep reading to learn more about this popular idiom’s history and meaning and discover how to use it in a sentence. Meaning The idiom “man’s best friend” refers […]