Have you seen the phrase 'high on the hog' somewhere in a text or on the internet, and would like to know more about the meaning of the phrase? 'High on the hog' is an expression that means more or less the same as 'in the lap of luxury'. This post unpacks the meaning, origin, […]

Would you like to describe a busy situation, or say that you (or someone else) is going to be extremely busy with something for a while? The phrase 'busier than a one armed paper hanger' is a common saying that can be used to mean this. This post unpacks the meaning, origin, and common use […]

Have you seen the phrase 'five o'clock shadow' somewhere on the internet or in a text and would like to know more about what it could mean? The saying is common in the English language, and its origin is not what people think. This post looks at the meaning, origin and most common ways to […]

Have you heard or seen the phrase 'vorsprung durch technik' somewhere and would like to know more about what it means? The saying is a common marketing slogan for a German car manufacturer, but the phrase has also become a pop culture sayng. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of the saying. Meaning The […]

Have you seen the phrase 'throw my hat in the ring' and would like to know more about the meaning or context of the saying? The phrase is a common saying in the English language, though it does not always translate well into other languages. This post unpacks the meaning, origin and use of the […]

Have you heard the expression 'shufle off this mortal coil' and would like to know more about the meaning, context, or potential origin of the saying? The phrase 'shuffle off this mortal coil' is a saying taken from Shakespeare's Hamlet. This phrase unpacks the term and how to use it. Meaning The phrase 'shuffle off […]

Would you like to say that the odds of something happening are unlikely or impossible?  The saying 'when pigs fly' is a common figurative English expression that is used to say just that. This post unpacks the meaning, origin, and correct use of the saying. Meaning The phrase 'when pigs fly' is a figurative saying […]

The phrase 'where the woodbine twineth' is a less common expression that is found in the English language, and the saying is usually used to refer to a pawn shop – or the act of going to one. This post unpacks the meaning, origin, and proper use of the saying. Meaning The phrase 'where the […]

Would you like to use an informal phrase that implies you have experienced something embarrassing or unflattering? The phrase 'put your foot in it' is a common English saying that can be used to say this. This post unpacks the meaning, origin, and common use of the saying. Meaning The phrase 'put your foot in […]

Have you seen the phrase 'make my day' somewhere and would like to know more about the meaning or context behind the saying ? When someone says 'make my day' it's a common cultural reference from the eighties – even though the phrase appeared earlier. This post looks at the meaning and origin of the […]