Are you looking for a way to say you can complete two tasks with a single action? You could say you’re going to “kill two birds with one stone” and make things easier in your life. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression “kill two birds with one stone” […]
Sight for Sore Eyes – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a phrase to tell someone that you appreciate seeing them? You could say to them they are a “sight for sore eyes” when they arrive. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression “a sight for sore eyes” means that you’re happy to see someone and […]
Sharpest Tool in the Shed – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a way to describe someone as stupid without being overly rude? If so, you could say that they aren’t “the sharpest tool in the shed.” This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression “the sharpest tool in the shed” refers to someone’s intelligence or lack thereof. […]
Right Off the Bat – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a way to describe someone’s quick response or reaction? Maybe you need a way of expressing your instinctual reaction to someone or something? You could say “right off the bat” in either situation. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning If you use the expression “right off […]
Par for the Course – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a way to describe something with an average performance or aligned with your expectations? You can use “par for the course” to describe its performance. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression “par for the course” means that you secured an outcome in line with […]
Read em and Weep – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a way to tell someone you have the winning hand in a poker game? Maybe you want to show them proof of results of something they thought you couldn't achieve? If that's the case, you could present your cards or documents to them and use the expression, "read em and weep." […]
Pass the Baton – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a way to tell someone to pass on their responsibility to another competent person? If so, you could use the phrase “pass the baton” to tell them to let go. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning When you “pass the baton” to someone, you are handing […]
Out of Left Field – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a way to tell someone that their idea was unexpected? You could say that it came from “out of left field.” This post unpacks the origin and meaning of this expression. Meaning The saying “out of left field” means that someone took you by surprise with an answer to a question […]
Open a Can of Worms – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a way to tell someone that they are bringing up topics or subject matter best left alone? If so, you could use “open a can of worms” when referring to the issue or problem. This post unpacks the origin and meaning of this expression. Meaning The expression “open a can of […]
Sitting on the Fence – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a way to say that you’re undecided on what to do? You could say that you’re “sitting on the fence” with your decision. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning If you’re “sitting on the fence,” it means you are between deciding on two outcomes. You are […]