Did your friend buy an unreliable second-hand car? You could call it a ‘doozy.’ This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression ‘doozy’ describes a person, place, product, or action that’s unique. It can refer to something that adds value to a situation or a mistake. Typically, it has a […]
No Bones About It – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did a friend say 'no bones about it' after you challenged them to an embarrassing task? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression 'no bones about it' means you have no hesitation in confronting an embarrassing or awkward situation. You feel comfortable when dealing with people that others find […]
Next of Kin – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did someone at the hospital ask you to list your next of kin in your admission form? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression ‘next of kin’ describes your closest living relative through a legal or blood relationship. The phrase appears in contract law, specifically surrounding inheritance and medical […]
Loose Cannon – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you reckless with your behavior? Did your friend or boss call you a 'loose cannon?' This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression 'loose cannon' refers to someone exhibiting unpredictable behavior. You can't trust them to behave or follow the rules. It's similar to the term 'wildcard,' meaning you […]
Ray of Sunshine – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Would you like to tell someone that they are one of the best things in your life, or would you like to tell someone with a hint of sarcasm that they have just gone and messed up your whole day? The phrase 'ray of sunshine' is a common English-speaking expression that can be used to […]
Tomorrow Is Another Day – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Would you like to give someone else a word of encouragement and let them know that tomorrow their issue will be better than it might seem today? The phrase 'tomorrow is another day' is a common expression that can be used to tell someone this. This post unpacks the meaning, origin and common use of […]
You've Got To Be Kidding Me – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Would you like to let someone know that you are either surprised or astonished at something that has just been said? The phrase 'you've got to be kidding me' is one that you could use for this, and it's a valid phrase that has been translated into several world languages. This post unpacks the meaning, […]
To Be Or Not To Be, That Is The Question – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you seen the phrase 'to be or not to be?' or the longer version 'to be or not to be, that is the question?' on the internet or in a story somewhere and would like to know what the term means? The term is often used as a means of pointing out the irony […]
My Kingdom For A Horse – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you seen the phrase 'my kingdom for a horse' somewhere on the internet or in popular media and would like to know what it means? Someone who says 'my kingdom for a horse' is referencing a quote in the famous Shakespeare play Richard III. This post unpacks the meaning and use of this common […]
A Dog in the Manger – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Would you like to tell someone that their behavior has no place in your world, and that they are the kind of person who doesn't grant anyone the same things that they might have in their life? The expression 'a dog in the manger' is a figurative way to point this out to someone. This […]