Do you have a small errand to run? Did a friend ask you whether you could meet up to return the book you borrowed? The phrase "to stop by" can be used in both cases. Keep reading to learn when people started "stopping by", what it means, and how to use the phrase in a […]
So To Speak – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you unsure how to explain something perfectly? Maybe you want to give an example, but make sure the listener knows that you are not being literal. If so, the phrase “so to speak” is a great way to get your point across. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning When […]
Say Uncle – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you wrestling with your sibling? If they want you to submit, they’ll ask you to say ‘uncle.’ This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression ‘say uncle’ acts as a way to tell the other person involved in an action, conversation, or task to submit to your authority. It’s […]
Red Letter Days – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Do you have an important date coming up on your professional calendar? You could say it's a 'red letter day' for your career. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The 'red letter day' refers to a day of significance or importance to a community. For instance, Christmas day or Superbowl […]
PDQ – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did your boss ask you to bring them a report, 'PDQ?' This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The acronym 'PDQ' stands for 'Pretty Damn Quick.' It's common for people to assume the original version of the saying is 'Pretty Darn Quick,' but that's not the case. This acronym is one […]
Piss and Vinegar – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Would you like to describe someone who is full of enthusiasm for aggression, or someone who always seems like they're just about ready to fight everyone in the room? The phrase 'piss and vinegar' can be used to apply to them as a fair, easy description that is not often used these days. This post […]
Discretion is the Better Part of Valor – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did someone stop you from defending someone else’s honor? You could say, ‘discretion is the better part of valor.’ This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression ‘discretion is the better part of valor’ means it is foolish to act heroically if the outcome could result in a disadvantage to […]
Devil May Care – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did your teacher say you have a 'devil may care' attitude in class? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression 'devil may care' means you have a carefree or lax attitude towards a task or life in general. A 'devil may care' attitude can also refer to people displaying […]
Crest of a Wave – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you reaching peak performance at work? You could say you're riding the 'crest of a wave.' This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression 'crest of a wave' means to reach the pinnacle of success in society, your career, or your home life. The phrase is subjective, as one […]
Colder than a Witch's Tit – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did a friend tell you 'it's colder than a witch's tit' outside? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression 'colder than a witch's tit' refers to very cold conditions. The phrase can refer to temperatures indoors or outdoors, but it's more common for people to use it to describe […]