Would you like to scold someone about something you have warned them against? The phrase ‘mark my words’ is a common phrase in the English language that is often used as a different way to say ‘I told you so’. This post unpacks the meaning, origin, and correct use of the phrase. Meaning ‘Mark my […]
Axe Grinding – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you seen the phrase ‘axe grinding’ or ‘an axe to grind’ somewhere in a text or on the internet and want to know more about the potential meaning of the phrase? The phrase ‘axe grinding’ is common in the English language, and it’s a common figurative saying. This post will tell you its meaning, […]
Go the Extra Mile – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you seen the phrase ‘go the extra mile’ somewhere on the internet or in a text, and would like to know more about what it means (or where it comes from)? The phrase is common in English, though can also be translated into other languages. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this […]
I Wish You Were Here – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you seen or heard the phrase ‘I wish you were here’ somewhere, and would like to know more? ‘I wish you were here’ is a common sentence which might either be a song lyric reference, or an expression that has been part of language for almost 100 years. This post unpacks the meaning, origin, […]
Pure As the Driven Snow – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Would you like to say that something is completely honest, or unfiltered and totally pure? The phrase ‘pure as the driven snow’ is a common English language saying that can refer to physical things or emotional concepts. This post unpacks the meaning, origin, and common use of the expression. Meaning The phrase ‘pure as the […]
Beefing Up – Meaning, Origin and Usage
‘Beefing up’ or ‘to beef up’ are common English sayings that might be difficult to understand the context and meaning of, especially if you have never heard them before. This post unpacks the meaning, origin, and proper use of this sometimes baffling though very common saying. Meaning The phrase ‘beefing up’ is a common figurative […]
Mare’s Nest – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you seen the phrase ‘mare’s nest’ somewhere on the internet or in a text, and would like to know more about the context and meaning of the saying? The phrase is a somewhat rare saying in the English language, that can be used to refer to anything that is entangled or messy. This post […]
Lily Livered – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you seen the phrase ‘lily livered’ somewhere on the internet or in a text, and want to know more about what the saying means? The phrase ‘lily livered’ is a common English saying, though is not as common in modern times as it might first have been when it originated. This post unpacks the […]
Bee Line – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you seen the phrase ‘bee line’ somewhere and would like to know more about the saying itself, or why someone might have said it? ‘Bee line’ is a common figurative phrase used in English, though it can be confusing if you have never heard it before. This post unpacks its meaning and common use. […]
Sleep Well – Meaning, Origin and Usage
‘Sleep well’ is a common sentence that is used in the English language, usually said as an informal phrase between people who are close to one another. ‘Sleep well’ can also hold other contexts, and might still confuse even native English speakers. This post unpacks the meaning, correct, and incorrect use of the phrase. Meaning […]