Giving to others is a charitable act that can make life easier. While some acts of charity may have instant rewards, others are one-sided. If you are looking for a way to convince yourself or others of the benefits of charity, one phrase comes to mind. The phrase it is better to give than receive […]
In a Nutshell – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking to explain a tough concept ‘in a nutshell?’ This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression ‘in a nutshell' means a shortened version of something complex. For instance, if you’re trying to condense a speech into cliff notes, you would give someone the important points without going […]
Hedge Your Bets – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did you place a wager on the Giants to win this weekend? Maybe you should ‘hedge your bets’ and take action on another game to mitigate the risk. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression 'hedge your bets' means to mitigate the risk in a wager, deal, or life […]
Head in the Sand – Meaning, Origin and Usage
If you try to tell a friend a conspiracy theory, and they have no interest in it, you could say they have their 'head in the sand.' This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression 'head in the sand' means you hide from an uncomfortable truth. It's a similar saying […]
Get Behind Me Satan – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you ever heard your aunt or uncle utter “get behind me Satan”? Perhaps you have seen someone comment on this phrase online, or in a group chat. If so, chances are someone is trying hard to resist temptation or combat evil. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The phrase […]
Drop in the Bucket – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did a friend offer to get the check, saying the dinner bill is just a 'drop in the bucket?' This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression 'drop in the bucket' means a small, unimportant, or insignificant amount or quantity. The phrase can refer to money or effort. People use […]
Drop a Dime – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a way to describe a snitch? You could say that they "dropped a dime". Keep reading to learn more about the meaning and origin of the idiom "to drop a dime", and find out how you can use the saying in a sentence! Meaning The American idiom "to drop a dime" […]
Indian Summer – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Is the summer long gone, but are you suddenly enjoying a spell of warm weather in October or November? That's what you'd call an "Indian summer". Learn more about this phenomenon and its origins here, and discover how to use the phrase in a sentence. Meaning The phrase "Indian summer" refers to a short period […]
Grass is Greener on the Other Side – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did a friend say 'the grass is greener on the other side' when leaving your company for the competition? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression 'grass is greener on the other side' means that things we don't have or desire always seem better than what we have in […]
Eleventh Hour (11th Hour) – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Do you have a nasty habit of putting your responsibilities off until the last possible moment? You could say that you usually wait until the "eleventh hour". Learn what this phrase means, where it came from, and how to use it in a sentence here. Meaning The idiom "the eleventh hour" (also spelled "the 11th […]