Have you ever caught someone in the middle of doing something wrong? Perhaps you watched news coverage of a thief being caught in the middle of their thievery? If so, then the phrase caught red-handed is an apt phrase to explain the situation. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning Being […]
Bring Home the Bacon – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did someone tell you they're going to 'bring home the bacon' with their commission check? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression 'bring home the bacon' means you're bringing home a financial windfall for your family. It could refer to earning a bonus at work, winning a pot at […]
Blind Man's Bluff – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did someone tell you you're playing 'blind man's bluff' with your life? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression 'blind man's bluff' comes from a children's game. While many kids still play the game, it's fading in popularity as video games and the metaverse takes over kids' entertainment. However, […]
Blind Leading the Blind – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you watching an inexperienced person speak with authority to others? You could say they are the ‘blind leading the blind.’ This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression ‘the blind leading the blind’ means someone incompetent or inexperienced leading other people who are also incapable. The phrase can refer […]
Bang for the Buck – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did your manager say they need more bang for the buck from your marketing strategy? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression 'bang for the buck' means you get more value for your money when purchasing something. It can also refer to an outcome that's better than expected, considering […]
Bucket List – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did your grandfather tell you he has a 'bucket list' he wants to complete before he dies? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression 'bucket list' refers to a list of items you want to complete before you pass on. Typically it refers to life events you wish you […]
Buck Up – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you feeling down? Did someone tell you to buck up? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression 'buck up' is similar to the phrase 'cheer up.' It's a motivating statement to people to break them out of a negative mental state. If you tell someone to 'buck up,' […]
Bronx Cheer – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you visiting NYC? Did someone sneer at you when you greeted them on the street? You could say they embrace the 'Bronx cheer' of the neighborhood. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression 'Bronx cheer' refers to a sound created by others when greeting them. Typically, the person […]
Blow Smoke – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did someone tell you to stop 'blowing smoke' up their ass? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning You can use 'blow smoke' in combination with other phrases to create a saying like 'don't blow smoke up my ass.' If someone is 'blowing smoke,' they're talking nonsense or lying to you. […]
Dog’s Dinner – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did your parents say you look like a 'dog's dinner' as you prepare to leave the house? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression 'dog's dinner' refers to anything that looks messy, cluttered, or out of place. It originally referred to a style of over-dressing for an occasion. However, […]