Are you looking for a motivating statement to say to your friend when things get intense during your workout? You could tell them “no pain, no gain” when they feel like giving up. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression “no pain, no gain” means that you need to […]
Ne'er Do Well - Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for an expression to use to describe someone going nowhere in life? You could use “ne’er do well.” This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression “ne’er do well” refers to a person that can’t get ahead in life. It’s a way of calling someone a “failure […]
My Bad - Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a way to take the blame for something minor? If so, you could use the expression, “my bad.” Let’s unpack the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The meaning of “my bad” is an apologetic reaction to someone else for your behavior. The saying has versatility in conversation and can […]
Moveable Feast - Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a way to describe changing life circumstances? Maybe you’re looking for the right way to word a moving holiday like Easter? If so, you could call it a “movable feast.” This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression “movable feast” describes an event that changes the […]
Lo and Behold - Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a way to draw people's attention to someone or something? If so, you could use "lo and behold" to get them to notice. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression "lo and behold" is the shortened version of the full-length term "'look.' So, lo and […]
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie - Meaning, Origin and Usage
Is your partner about to wake the baby? If you feel like an extra five minutes of rest, you could tell them to “let sleeping dogs lie” before they wake the kiddo and the crying begins. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The meaning of the expression “let sleeping dogs […]
Johnny On The Spot - Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a way to describe someone that turns up out of nowhere to help you in a fix? If so, you could call them a “Johnny on the spot.” This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The meaning of the expression “Johnny on the spot” is someone at […]
Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Flattery - Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a snappy retort to say to someone that bought the same car or dress as you? If so, you could say, “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression, “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” means that another […]
Head Over Heels - Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a way to describe a friend falling deeply in love? If so, you could say she is “head over heels” in love with her partner. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression “head over heels” means that you are excited and thrilled with aspects of […]
Go to the Mattresses - Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did your friend just get in an argument with you, and you’re ready to go to war with them over your principles? If that’s the case, you could say you’re “going to the mattresses” to win the argument. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning If you’re “going to the mattresses,” […]