Would you like to describe someone who is so attractive that they turn heads, as another saying goes? A 'bell ringer' is a common informal term that can be used to refer to someone who is very attractive or beautiful. Meaning The phrase 'bell ringer' is a less common English saying that can be used […]
Bull's Eye – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a way to compliment a friend who made an unexpectedly good business decision? You could say that they “hit the bull's eye.” This post unpacks the meaning and origin of the fascinating term “bull's eye” and shows you how to add it to your vocabulary. Meaning A “bull's eye” (also sometimes […]
Bug Eyed – Meaning, Origin and Usage
You may feel confused and offended if someone says you are “bug-eyed.” This curious phrase has several meanings. This post explores what it means to be bug-eyed and where this expression originated. We also show you how to use the term “bug-eyed” in a sentence. Meaning The slang phrase “bug-eyed” has two distinct meanings. It […]
Augurs – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you watching the Speaker of the House discuss White House policy? You could say she's an "augur" of the modern age. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning An "augur" originally meant a person connected to the divine that could foretell the future. They would look at the environment and […]
Weak in The Knees – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a way to describe an intense feeling of nervousness, fear, or embarrassment? You could say you feel “weak in the knees.” Keep reading for more information on the history and meaning of this handy idiom. Meaning The popular phrase “weak in the knees” means feeling very nervous or scared or having […]
Waxing Nostalgic – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Does an older person in your life keep mournfully complaining that everything used to be better in the olden days? That person is “waxing nostalgic.” Learn what this phrase means, where it came from, and how to use it in this post. Meaning The phrase “waxing nostalgic” or “to wax nostalgic” means speaking at length […]
Under the Radar – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did your friend tell you a football player flew "under the radar" this season, and they only noticed their skills now? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression "under the radar" means something that went unnoticed or avoided your attention. It's another way to say something escapes your attention, […]
Turn Aside – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you looking for a way to avert, direct or deflect something or someone on another course" You could say, "turn aside" to get them moving in another direction? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression "turn aside" means to refuse entry or turn someone away from a venue or place. […]
Try the Veal – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did your friends laugh at your joke? You could close with, “thank you, folks, try the veal.” This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression “try the veal” is similar to “that’s all, folks!” It’s a way of closing a joke or a comedy set. It’s similar to the saying […]
Thrown to the Wolves – Meaning, Origin and Usage
People sometimes sacrifice innocents to benefit the group or to save themselves. You can use the idiom “thrown to the wolves” to describe the fate these victims suffer. This post unpacks the idiom’s fascinating history and shows how “thrown to the wolves” differs from seemingly similar expressions. Meaning The primarily American idiom “to throw [someone] […]