Are you watching parliament? Why do the members chant "hear hear?" This post unpacks the origin and meaning of this expression. Meaning The expression "hear hear" means to create a form of approval or consensus or let a speaker's voice have its say. This old English interjection comes from the House of Commons, the largest […]
Hasta la Vista – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for an alternative way to tell someone "goodbye?" If so, you could say, "hasta la vista" to them as your farewell greeting. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this phrase. Meaning The meaning of the expression "hasta la vista" is the Spanish greeting for "see you later." The phrase is […]
Flip the Bird – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for the perfect way to insult someone with a gesture? You could "flip the bird" and extend your middle finger if so. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of the gesture and expression. Meaning If you "flip the bird" to someone, you're extending your middle finger while making a ball with […]
Curiosity Killed the Cat – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a warning to give someone against their curiosity around a subject? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of "curiosity killed the cat." Meaning The saying "curiosity killed the cat" applies to situations where you're trying to warn someone that their inquisitive behavior may result in bad events unfolding. The person […]
Chop Chop – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a way to ask someone to hurry up? If so, you could use the saying "chop chop." This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The meaning of the expression, "chop chop," is to hurry up and be quick. The expression is somewhat archaic, and some people view […]
Catch 22 – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you caught between a rock and a hard place? If so, you could be in a "catch-22." This post unpacks everything you need to know about the meaning and origin of this phrase. Meaning Being stuck in a "catch-22" presents a paradox where you're trying to escape, but the action of trying to escape […]
Brass Tacks – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did someone beat around the bush with something you need to know? If so, you could ask them to get down to "brass tacks "and give you the story right now. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The saying "brass tacks" means to stop beating around the bush and get […]
Big Cheese – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a friendly way to call your boss, the most important person in the business? If so, you could use the expression "big cheese." This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning Calling someone a "big cheese" means you're calling them the most important person in the room or […]
Big Brain Time – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did someone ask you to do something mentally challenging? If so, you could reply telling them that it's "big brain time." This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The meme "its big brain time" means that it's time to divert all your focus and energy into a task. The task needs […]
If at First You Don't Succeed Try Try Again – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you battling with a task? If someone says, "if at first, you don't succeed, try, try, again," what do they mean? This post unpacks everything you need to know about the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The proverb's meaning, "if at first, you don't succeed, try, try, again," is never to give […]