Have you ever made a comment on a social media post that is not based on fact? Perhaps you just wanted to give your two cents on someone’s actions or adventures? If so, then using IMO is a great way to get your point across in just a few letters. This post unpacks the meaning […]
Above Board – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Would you like to indicate that something is legally legitimate, or that something is not? The phrase 'above board' can be used in some contexts to say this, and it is a common phrase used in popular media and culture. This post looks at the meaning, origin and correct/incorrect use of the term. Meaning The […]
Cocksure – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you seen the term 'cocksure' somewhere in a text or online and would like to know more about the meaning and context of the saying? The term 'cocksure' can be used to imply that someone is cocky or unnecessarily arrogant/confident about something. This post unpacks the meaning, origin and common use of this saying. […]
Cold Heart – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Would you like to describe someone who is so cruel and mean that there has got to be a specific word or term for it? The phrase 'cold heart' or 'cold hearted' can be used to say exactly this and most people will know what you mean. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of […]
Red Tape – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Would you like to refer to something that is going to take a lot of effort, going to get tied up in bureaucracy or mean a considerable amount of tedious paperwork? The phrase 'red tape' comes up often in popular culture and could be used to mean all three things. This post unpacks the meaning, […]
Heavy Heart – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Would you like to put a lot of feeling behind what you say next, or would you like to let someone know that this comes from the very depths of your emotion? The phrase 'heavy heart' can be appropriate for this, and the English saying has plenty of useful ways to say it to convey […]
Saving (Save) Face – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Would you like to let someone know that they should try their best to preserve their honor or reputation in the situation they're in? The phrase 'saving face' is one that could apply to what you're trying to say, though the saying does not translate well to all languages. This post unpacks the meaning and […]
At Bay – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Would you like to indicate that something was discouraged, deterred or kept away from something else? The phrase 'at bay' is a common English saying that can be used to indicate this, though it can confuse speakers who have never heard it before. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this saying. Meaning The […]
Swan Song – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you seen the phrase 'swan song' somewhere, and would like to know more about the use and context of the saying? 'Swan song' is a saying that can be used to refer to someone's retirement, or to their last great accomplishment. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of the phrase. Meaning The expression […]
In the Pink – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you seen the phrase 'in the pink' somewhere and would like to know more about the meaning and context of the saying? The saying 'in the pink' does not mean what most people imagine it does when they first hear it, and the innocent phrase derives from William Shakespeare. This post unpacks the meaning […]