Oh, my stars and garters” has been used in the English language for centuries. The phrase was particularly prevalent several decades ago. Meaning “Oh, my stars and garters” is an exclamation of astonishment. The idiom is a way to convey shock, similar to how “Oh my God” is commonly used today. Examples “Two Muffins are […]
Throw My Hat in the Ring – Meaning, Usage and Origin
In 1912, Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt spoke to a journalist and said, “My hat is in the ring.” This phrase was a statement that indicated he was now running for president. People have commonly used the idiom “throw my hat in the ring” to announce their candidacy. It is used often in political settings, such as […]
Put on the Dog – Meaning, Usage and Origin
The literal definition of “put on the dog” might sound like it means putting a dog onto something, or putting something on the dog; however, when used as an idiom, this figure of speech means to behave in a pretentious or ostentatious manner. It could be used to describe someone over-dressing for a casual affair, […]
Screw Your Courage to The Sticking Place – Meaning and Origin
“Screw your courage to the sticking place” is one of those phrases almost everyone has heard, The phrase “screw your courage to the sticking place” is an idiom or expression used to encourage someone to be brave and steadfast, usually in the face of uncertainty. It can also mean “to keep your nerve.” Examples in […]
Strong Like Bull – Meaning, Usage and Origin
If you’ve been around English speakers long enough, chances are you’ve heard the phrase “strong like bull”; maybe it’s even been directed at you. Maybe at the time, you took it like a compliment, perhaps you thought it was an insult, or maybe you can’t even begin to guess what it means. Whatever the case, […]
Someone Walked Over My Grave – Meaning and Origin
We’ve all heard it said that someone walked over my grave. We might even have said it ourselves. But what does it mean? What Is the Meaning Behind Someone Walking Over My Grave? When a person says “someone walked over my grave,” they mean that they’ve got sudden, inexplicable shivers. Someone Walked Over My Grave […]
Put Up Your Dukes – Meaning, Usage and Origin
The meaning of an idiom can be deduced by simply studying the words that are used in the phrase. When saying “put up your dukes”, one might thing the literal translation would be to actually put forward a duke, as in a person of royalty; however, when used as an idiom, the phrase means to […]
Light in the Loafers – Meaning, Usage and Origin
The term “light in the loafers” is an idiom that is often used in the English language. What does “light in the loafers” mean? Read on to find out more. What does “light on the loafers” mean? When used as an idiom, the term “light in the loafers” is used to describe a male who […]
Fan the Flame – Meaning, Usage and Origin
The term “fan the flame” is an idiom, or a common phrase that’s uttered in several western cultures, particularly the United States. You may be wondering what “fan the flame” means and how to use it appropriately. Read on to learn more about this popular idiom. What does “fan the flame” mean? The literal meaning […]
Stake in the Ground – Meaning, Usage and Origin
One idiom that is commonly used in the English language is “stake in the ground”. Read on to find out what this term means, examples of how the phrase can be used appropriately in a sentence, and other pertinent information about this popular idiom. What does the idiom “stake in the ground” mean? While there […]