Are you looking for a way to ask your friend why they didn’t bring their partner to your cookout? If so, you could ask them where they left their “better half.” This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression “better half” refers to your partner or spouse. It’s a way […]
Take for Granted - Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a way to tell someone they should be grateful for what they have? If so, you could say to them that they take things “for granted.” This post unpacks the meaning and origin of the expression. Meaning The expression “take for granted” means that you previously paid no regard or gratitude […]
Figure Out - Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a way to tell someone that you’re busy solving a problem? If that’s the case, you could say to them that you are trying to “figure out” a solution to the issue. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The meaning of the expression “figure out” refers […]
Food for Thought - Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a way to describe a movie or book you read as mentally stimulating? If so, you could say it gave you “food for thought.” This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression “food for thought” refers to newly acquired information that makes you stop and think. […]
Cold Feet - Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you feeling nervous in the days leading up to your wedding? Maybe you’re suddenly feeling hesitant about a business deal? You could say you’re getting “cold feet” with the situation. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression “cold feet” means that you are having second thoughts about something. […]
Fair Weather Friend - Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for an expression to describe a friend that's never there for you when things get rough in your life? If so, you could call them a "fair-weather friend." This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The meaning of the expression "fair-weather friend" is a friend that is never […]
Bob's Your Uncle - Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did you ask someone a question, and they replied with "Bob's your uncle," what do they mean? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression "Bob's your uncle" has many variants. The phrase's meaning is to tell someone that everything is alright or going according to plan. It's a statement […]
Cherchez La Femme - Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did your friend just tell you that their girlfriend left them for someone else after draining their bank account? You could reply with “Cherchez la femme” to show your sympathy. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning “Cherchez la femme” is a French expression adapted for English use. In French, the […]
Don't Let the Bastards Grind You Down - Meaning, Origin and Usage
Is your friend telling you how they are working really hard on a project right now and feel they don’t get recognition from their boss? If so, you could give them some encouragement by saying, “don’t let the bastards grind you down. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression […]
Don't Judge a Book by its Cover - Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a way to tell someone to reserve their first impression of someone or something? If so, you could use the phrase "don't judge a book by its cover." This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The meaning of the expression "don't judge a book by its cover" […]