Are you struggling with a task? Remember, ‘practice makes perfect.’ This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression ‘practice makes perfect’ means that achieving perfection in anything takes time and practice. ‘Practice makes perfect’ refers to completing the same actions over and over again until they become hardwired in your […]
Pound Sand – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did your brother tell you to go ‘pound sand’ when you asked for a turn on the PlayStation? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression’ pound sand’ means ‘go away’ or ‘leave me alone.’ You’ll say it to someone when they make a request from you, and you don’t […]
On The Edge – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you ever been in a precarious position? Maybe you are faced with an impossible choice that can lead you to ruin or salvation. Do you like living your life on the brink of danger? If so, then on the edge is an apt expression that may apply to you. This post unpacks the meaning […]
Number One with a Bullet – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did someone say the new Lady Gaga song is ‘number one with a bullet?’ This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression ‘number one with a bullet’ means something or someone experiencing a rapid rise to fame. You could use the phrase to describe an influencer that shot to superstardom […]
Yeoman’s Work – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did someone tell you being a janitor is ‘Yeoman’s work?’ This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression ‘Yeoman’s work’ refers to tasks involving unskilled labor. For instance, you could consider janitorial duties as ‘Yeoman’s work’ since the janitor doesn’t attend university to learn their trade. Typically, ‘Yeoman’s work’ refers […]
White Lie – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you ever told someone that you love the gift they gave you, even though you didn’t? This is what you would call a “white lie”. Read on to discover the fascinating history of this phrase, and to learn how to use it in a sentence. Meaning A “white lie”, also often called a “little […]
Tits Up – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you waiting on an important announcement at work? Did a colleague tell you it’s all gone ‘tits up?’ This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression ‘tits up’ mean something or someone has deviated from what you expected, causing an adverse event or reaction. If a project goes tits […]
Stop By – Meaning, Origin and Usage
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 […]