Clear Answers for Common Questions

If you like keeping your temper, then there’s little chance you’d like to be madder than a wet hen. This American expression, which possibly originated in the Appalachian Mountains, refers to the tempestuous temper of chickens that might accidentally find themselves in water. According to some accounts, chickens ...

The idiom walking on eggshells generally describes a situation in which people must tread lightly around a sensitive topic, or make every effort not to offend a volatile or hypersensitive person. Literally walking on the empty shells of eggs would require exceptional caution and self-control, similar to the feeling ...

The phrase “to the hilt” means “all the way.” It can be used in a number of ways, as in “he lives life to the hilt,” or “she is up to the hilt in that project.” This term is widely used in most English-speaking nations, and there are undoubtedly ...

“Shoot from the hip” is an American saying that has to do with the choice of a course of action. In most cases, the expression refers to a decision that is reached and implemented without stopping to consider the possible outcomes of the decision. From this perspective, choosing this action ...

There's no delicate way to put this: if someone says he is going to hit the head, it means he plans on using the restroom. The expression comes from navy and coast guard jargon for bathroom. Sailors, marines and Coast Guard members call their facilities heads, while land-based ...

The idiom speak of the Devil generally refers to the sudden and presumably unexpected appearance of the object of discussion. If two co-workers are discussing the need for a meeting with their boss and the boss suddenly appears, one might utter this phrase. Other encounters with the subject of ...

"I could care less" is one of those idiomatic expressions, particularly in American English, that doesn’t necessarily mean what it says. There are many suggestions for the origin of the phrase, the most recent of which is that it's a corruption of "I couldn’t care less," possibly ...

Apple polishing has a number of synonyms, which include brown-nosing, false flattering, and toadying. In all cases, the idea comes from apples given to teachers at school in order to curry favor. It can be a mute appeal in the form of a gift to like and therefore grade ...

The expression just desserts is a common misspelling of the actual idiom just deserts, which simply means to receive what one deserves. It is one of the more commonly misspelled idiomatic expressions, because it uses an archaic word most people are no longer familiar with. This type of spelling error ...

Although most sources agree that the expression "Great Scott" refers to an exclamation of surprise, wonder, shock or disbelief, sources do not agree on its origin. Several sources purport that its origin relates to a colorful General in the U.S. Army, Winfield Scott. Scott, who joined the army in ...

Animals used for laboratory tests are not selected randomly from local pet stores or breeders, but are shipped in directly from specialized companies that raise genetically pure strains. This purity eliminates many of the problems scientists face when observing the results of their experiments, since all of the animals should ...

The idiom “to kill two birds with one stone” is used to describe achieving two objectives at the same time. The term references a common hunting tool, the slingshot; slingshots continue to be used to hunt small birds, and at one point, they were very common. As you might imagine ...

It rarely pays to look a gift idiom in the mouth, but the comparison between cleanliness and a whistle fairly cries out for further examination. Ostensibly, to be as clean as a whistle means to be as smooth and clean as a clear-toned whistle. If too much grime builds ...

The term "to turn over a new leaf" is used to refer to making a new start. It is often used specifically to describe changes in personal behavior that are made with the goal of being a better person. Many people are encouraged to do this if they struggle in ...

When people say that something "really gets my goat,” they mean that they are extremely irritated. A wide variety of things could contribute to irritation, ranging from someone else's actions to a series of events, but, despite the turn of phrase, goats are not usually involved. Like many colorful ...

Stay the course is an idiom of the English language that means to persevere in the face of difficulty when the desired outcome is determined to be worth obstacles met along the way. This saying can be prescriptive, as a form of advice coming from another, or it can be ...

Many people have likely heard people say things like, "So, you're riding the gravy train." This phrase is generally used interchangeably with terms like "sitting pretty," or "living on Easy Street." It means that a person's life looks good and seems to be pretty easy, as far as ...

Mind your Ps and Qs can mean to be careful, vigilant, or, more often, polite. For example, a mother might mention that Aunt Gertrude is a stickler for manners and the children had better mind their Ps and Qs when she visits. There are several suggested origins for the phrase ...

The term "well-heeled" is an American expression that dates back to the mid-1800s. As town cobblers made and repaired shoes, those who could afford the repair service and/or new shoes were considered well-heeled. Well-heeled is the opposite of the American expression "down at the heels ...

The phrase for all intents and purposes or to all intents and purposes is often used in a variety of circumstances. It tends to mean under most usual circumstances, in most practical situations, or for purposes that are practical. Another interpretation could be in practical situations. The phrase originated in ...

Turn the other cheek is a biblical reference mentioned in the New Testament in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus enjoins his followers, “If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” In the Sermon on the Plains ...

This phrase is used both literally, to refer to someone in a kneeling position, and figuratively, to describe someone making an earnest and momentous request or plea. The concept of kneeling to make requests is extremely ancient, especially in Western culture, where people have been kneeling to pray, accept honors ...

When people say they are going to count cards, they are referring to a strategy in which cards are tracked in order to give a slight statistical advantage in a card game. Most commonly people count cards in blackjack, although it can also be used in games such as spades ...

Being caught between the Scylla and Charybdis means to be caught in a situation that is extremely challenging. There is no good way to get through the situation, and any choice one makes will engender losses. The metaphor is comparable to the phrase being caught between a rock and a ...

The term “going postal” is often used in American slang to describe very sudden and extreme anger which often leads to violence. Although the term was initially used to refer to workplace violence, it is also used more generally as well. The consequences of such an episode of violence can ...

The phrase "in the black" is often used to refer to personal or corporate finances that are in a positive state. Essentially, it means that the individual, corporation, or non-profit organization currently has more assets than liabilities. A number of factors go into determining if the current financial status ...

“The full Monty” is a British slang term which means “the whole thing.” Americans associate the term specifically with nudity, thanks to a 1997 British comedy film, The Full Monty, in which nudity is a major plot device. As with many colorful slang terms, the origins of “the full Monty ...

If you've ever faced intense scrutiny from a superior or felt compelled to defend your actions, you can honestly say you've been put in the hot seat. The term could also apply to a witness undergoing a hostile cross-examination or a corporate official called to a congressional ...

To be a glutton for punishment is an idiom that means to willfully take on difficult or disagreeable tasks that may be very uncomfortable. The word "glutton" tends to mean overeating, and originates in Latin with the related words gluttus which means greedy, and gluttires which is translated as to ...

When someone rusts out, it means that he or she becomes bored in the workplace, ultimately becoming depressed and apathetic. As a general rule, once someone starts to rust out, the quality of work goes downhill, as the employee loses interest, finding the job unfulfilling. While this phenomenon is the ...

People use the term “pick your battles” to suggest that people would be well-advised to select a specific issue of importance to focus on, rather than trying to deal with too many things at once. Individuals may also hear this saying rendered as “choose your battles,” and many people ...

Paying it forward is a third-party beneficiary concept that involves doing something good for someone in response to a good deed done on your behalf or a gift you received. When you pay it forward, however, you don't repay the person who did something nice for you. Instead ...

Going back to square one is an idiomatic expression used in both British and American English. When you have to do this, it usually means that whatever work you’ve done on a project, product, or idea has to be tossed out and you must start fresh, or begin again ...

When someone is accused of making a mountain out of a molehill, the implication is that he or she is exaggerating a situation, making it seem much larger and more important than it really is. It can also be a suggestion that the person is too involved and minute to ...

Metaphorically speaking, to open a can of worms means to inadvertently create numerous new problems while trying to solve one. Experts disagree on the origin of the phrase, but it is generally believed to be a Canadian or American metaphor coined sometime in the 1950s. Bait stores routinely sold cans ...

The term "to extend an olive branch" means to make an offer of peace or reconciliation. This term has Biblical origins, coming from the section of the Old Testament that deals with the flood; the sign that the flood is over is an olive branch brought back to the ark ...

To be wet behind the ears essentially means to be inexperienced, unseasoned or even a bit naïve or immature. In the business world, this phrase is often applied to new employees who are not quite ready to accept the full responsibility of their positions yet. It is also ...

The term to "cut a rug" first started to emerge as a slang term for dancing in the 1920s. Use of the phrase persisted well into the 1940s, although the popularity of the term has since faded. An author writing in vintage vernacular might describe her characters cutting a rug ...

The slang term “the devil is in the details” has a number of different senses. All of the meanings for the term boil down to the fact that it is often the small details of something which make it difficult or challenging. These details can prolong a task, or foil ...

The idiom “to throw good money after bad” refers to a situation in which someone appears to be wasting money on a losing proposition. Many languages have some version of this idiom, reflecting the fact that wasted money is a universal problem around the world. As a general rule, people ...

The phrase jumping the shark has been in use ever since the Happy Days character Fonzie water-skied over a shark in an episode of the show. This term is used when a television goes past its sell-by date and loses its appeal for the audience. The latest jumping ...

Although the phrase “take no prisoners” sounds merciful on its surface, it usually refers to taking an overly aggressive stance in a particular situation. It usually implies that someone lacks mercy, but its broad range of applications does not always translate to being merciless. The likely origin of the phrase ...

People often knock on wood when they make a statement that seems to tempt fate. The idea is that knocking on wood will ward off evil spirits. Superstitions surrounding evil spirits are ancient, and the idea of touching wood to avoid them is also quite old. Many people in Northern ...

When you bite off more than you can chew, it means that you have taken on too many tasks or responsibilities. As a result of taking on too much, you may fail at one or more of the tasks you have involved yourself in, and you may also experience high ...

Everyone has to start somewhere, and that's the philosophy behind the phrase cut your teeth. To cut your teeth on something means to gain your first significant experience. Someone who is a trained chef, for example, might have gotten his start flipping hamburgers when he was a teenager. A ...

When someone is said to “put down roots,” it means that he or she intends to stay in a particular location for an extended period of time. The term is classically used in reference to moving somewhere with the intention of building a life and maintaining a permanent residence, although ...

The expression burned out tends to refer to people in relationship to their employment. It also can be used much more loosely by people who feel stressed or exhausted by their lives. The more clinical aspects of burnout have been studied and refined, however, to express the performance expectations of ...

Don’t count your chickens before they hatch is an old adage which means, broadly, don’t act as though you have something before you actually have it. It can be used to refer to any number of things, from physical objects to events that have not yet come to ...

During the early years of the Clinton administration, many citizens had developed a significant amount of admiration for the president himself. Following the Monica Lewinsky scandal and the subsequent impeachment proceedings, however, a number of those citizens became disillusioned. A hidden flaw in the president's personal character had been ...

When it comes to metaphorical egg transportation, it is indeed advisable not to put all your eggs in one basket. For one thing, you may only have a finite amount of "eggs" to lose, and that "basket" may not be the sturdiest or most stable in the wagon. The expression ...

When someone is said to be “full of hot air,” it means that he or she talks a lot about topics that he or she doesn't really understand. This slang term has its origins in the United States, and it appears to date to the late 1800s. In addition ...

The fast-paced lifestyles experienced by many players in the entertainment industry often leaves them little time to discuss new projects or meet with old friends. Consequently, the expression "Let's do lunch" has become Hollywood shorthand for planning any sort of meeting during a lunch hour. Whether or not ...

Getting off scot-free refers to someone getting away without payment, either monetary or otherwise. In fact in modern usage, it often refers to suspects who are not convicted of a crime. If a person feels that the suspect should have been convicted, he might say, “That guy is getting ...

When someone is said to have fallen off the wagon, it means that he or she did something which he or she had pledged not to do. This term is often used in the context of drinking; people who try to quit drinking may struggle and fall off the wagon ...

Particularly in the political and business arenas, there are times when a person's public words fail to match their private positions on an issue. Whenever a public official or company spokesman issues a public statement expressing full support for a particular issue, such as anti-discrimination legislation, and privately ...

To jump the shark is a term originally used as a metaphor for when a television series has passed its sell-by date. The term originated after an episode of the hit television series Happy Days. In one episode, Arthur Fonzarelli, otherwise known as The Fonz, literally water skis over ...

Both the title of a 1946 motion picture and American standard song, the phrase to each his own generally means each person is entitled to his or her own personal tastes and opinions. This could apply to a person's choice of romantic partner or musical preference or political leanings ...

To catch a falling knife is a phrase used in investing terminology to describe a risky investment strategy. If you buy a stock that is dramatically lowering in value, you do so in the hopes that it will rebound shortly after you purchase it. The danger in trying to catch ...

The expression "jump on the bandwagon" most likely entered popular lingo during the middle of the 19th century, as a reference to the colorful wagon used during pre-circus parades through host cities. Band members would ride at the top of these ornate carriages, accompanied by other performers or privileged ...

Reaching “across the aisle” is a phrase much bandied about, especially in American politics. The aisle in this case represents the ideological divide between politicians of different parties, especially those who serve in state legislatures or in the federal Senate or House. When a politician reaches across the aisle, he ...

When something is described as “tongue in cheek,” it means that it should not be taken seriously. This type of humor is often wry, subtle, and sometimes difficult to catch, in contrast with more blatant forms of humor. In England in particular, such jokes, fiction, and films have been elevated ...

According to literature, to walk the plank is to walk off a wooden plank extending from a ship in order to drown. One might be blindfolded, or have the hands bound to prevent people from swimming to safety. This was not actually a common practice during the glory days of ...

As with many activities in life, the thrill of the dating game is often in the chase, not the capture. The destination may be intriguing, but it's the journey that keeps the interest level high. This is the basis of playing hard to get, a relationship tactic in which ...

"Blood is thicker than water" is a recognizable proverb that has surpassed the test of time. The generally accepted interpretation of the saying is that the bond of those related by blood is stronger than the bond of marriage or friendship. The origin of the saying is most often attributed ...

The idiom “to read the riot act” is used to describe a firm oral reprimand given to someone or a group. For example, one might say “after she read the riot act to the boys for clowning around, they settled down.” Rowdy behavior, rambunctiousness, or rudeness could all be viewed ...

According to historical legend, Marie Antoinette's cry of, "Let them eat cake!" was the straw that broke the camel's back during the French Revolution. The story goes that Marie Antoinette, Queen of France, was informed that her subjects were starving because they had no bread. She was so ...

The phrase “sleeping with the enemy” is often used to describe a situation involving a non-adversarial relationship between two individuals or entities that would normally be unfriendly or adversarial. This frequently includes business deals between competitors, joint projects tackled by enemies, and political maneuverings that require the cooperation of ...

There are any number of events in life that call for a definitive decision or commitment. A marriage ceremony, a major real estate transaction, or a life-altering medical procedure, for example, leave very little room for hesitation or second thoughts past a certain point of no return. When a ...

Among the euphemisms and colorful expressions used to describe extreme intoxication or drunkenness, the phrase three sheets to the wind often stands out as a particularly curious one. Some people might ask why three sheets as opposed to one or two, as well as what sheets have to do with ...

The phrase "paying someone under the table" refers to unreported compensation for work. This is a common type of illegal payment from an employer to an employee. Generally, both parties agree to hide the financial transaction in hopes of evading civil, criminal, tax, or immigration laws. Cash is the most ...

To split the baby is a reference to a story in the Old Testament in Kings 3:5-14, regarding a decision of Solomon that shows his wisdom when given a difficult task. Solomon as king was often asked to judge between people with difficult problems, and his solutions were ...

Whenever your words run together and become unintelligible, it is said that you have begun to slur your words. This essentially means that your words are no longer forming distinctly; there are countless factors that may cause you to slur, some more serious than others. Slurred words may result from ...

If you have ever heard someone say, “They went after him because he has deep pockets,” you might have wondered what the reference means. To put it simply, it means that the person in question has a great deal of money or resources. When referring to a company or other ...

One shining example of reckless driving is a maneuver known as doing donuts, sometimes called turfing a yard or driving donuts. This involves driving a car in a tight circle while continuing to accelerate. The result is a series of circular ruts or skid marks carved out of a lawn ...

It is not unusual for people to hear someone referred to as being a “meat and potatoes” type of person. In most cases, this designation is meant to describe certain character traits possessed by the individual under consideration, and it may be used as a compliment or an insult, depending ...

When someone is double crossed, it means that a partner backed out of a previously-reached agreement. People can double cross each other in a variety of creative ways, ranging from reneging on an agreement outright to doing the opposite of what was agreed upon. As a general rule, this ...

The saying “your eyes are bigger than your stomach” is used to chastise people who appear to be taking more food than they can possibly eat. People may also use this phrase in retrospect, indicating that they took more food than they needed, resulting in waste. Since many cultures have ...

When someone is said to be “down in the mouth,” it means that he or she seems depressed or dispirited. Similar terms include “in the dumps,” “feeling the blues,” or “bummed out.” Many cultures have some form of expression for describing someone who is depressed, using the turn of phrase ...

The term “drink the Kool-Aid” is used to describe blind acceptance of something, whether it be a high stress work environment, an order from a superior, or membership in a particular group. This term is commonly used in American politics and corporate culture, typically by outside commentators, who might ...

When something or someone needs to be treated with kid gloves, this means that extra care is required. The term can be used to discuss a fragile or expensive object, or a situation which needs to be treated with tact and respect. It may also be used directly to refer ...

The phrase across the board often refers to an all-encompassing action, one that affects the entire spectrum of a group. For example, a company may decide to give all employees a 10% raise in salary. It would be fair to characterize this sweeping action as an across the board ...

It's generally a good idea to keep most of your bodily fluids to yourself, especially if they can be described as loogies, luggies, lugies, or green spit. Others will thank you for your self-control and courtesy, trust us. But if you feel the urge to hock a loogie ...

Turning of the tide is a common phrase that references the way the tides are low and high, and the lack of control people have over the tides. When a tide turns, it goes in an opposite direction. The phrase has been used for centuries in variations. Noted examples include ...

An idiom is a phrase that uses a figurative meaning rather than a literal meaning to convey a point. In other words, one cannot deduce the meaning of an idiomatic phrase by examining the individual words and their meaning. One such expression is "dance around the truth. One does not ...

When something is said to cost an arm and a leg, it is extremely expensive. The subtext of this idiom is that the price may be exorbitant, as losing an arm and a leg would be a high price indeed. One might say, for example “coffee from that place down ...

The phrase, "carrying coals to Newcastle," means spending an inordinate amount of energy on something useless, fruitless, or redundant. This idiom arose in the 15th century because Newcastle, England was known throughout the country as a major exporter of coal. Therefore, "carrying coals to Newcastle" would do you no good ...

The phrase “through thick and thin” is one of the oldest recorded idioms in the English language, dating back to at least the 10th century when it appeared in the Exeter Book, a collection of poetry from Anglo-Saxon England. People use this idiom when they want to describe pressing ...

Preaching to the choir is an English idiom that means a person is trying to convince or persuade another person or group to believe in or agree with something that they already believe in or agree with. Preaching to the chorus and preaching to the converted are similar idioms with ...

A stuffed shirt refers to someone who is inflexible, a fuddy-duddy, or consumed with an unjustified opinion of great self-importance. The idiom can also mean someone is conservative. The idiom has come into the English language fairly recently, with a few explanations for its origins. The stuffed shirt ...

When something sticks out like a sore thumb, it is obviously and clearly out of place. Like many interesting idioms in English, this phrase is used commonly by people who often do not stop to wonder about its origins. After all, nothing about a sore thumb seems particularly remarkable, so ...

A wild goose chase is a pursuit that is likely to prove pointless and unfruitful, as in “we went on a wild goose chase for the antique store she told us about, but we just couldn't find it.” This English idiom has been used since the 16th century, with ...

People have been using the phrase “at one fell swoop” in English since the 1600s, and like many idioms, many people are entirely unaware of its origins. This phrase is generally used to mean “all at once,” in a very rapid and final sense, although one could be forgiven for ...

The term “the pot calling the kettle black” is usually used in the sense of accusing someone of hypocrisy. The origins of the phrase date back to at least the 1600s, when several writers published books or plays which included wordplays on this theme. Despite suggestions that the phrase is ...

A goody two-shoes is someone who is viewed as cloyingly virtuous, self-righteous, or prudish. You may also hear a goody two-shoes referred to as a “goody goody,” a slang term with origins linked to those of “goody two-shoes.” This particular English idiom has a rather long ...

The idiom “a sight for sore eyes,” meaning a welcome and pleasant event, appears to date back to at least the 1700s, although it may have been used earlier. As is often the case with well known idioms, the phrase has been borrowed by industry, as a casual survey of ...

The term “pearls before swine” comes from the Sermon on the Mount, a famous speech given by Christ to his disciplines. It means that people should not waste pleasant or good things on people who will not appreciate them. The meaning of this phrase in the Sermon on the Mount ...

Many people use the phrase “let the cat out of the bag” to refer to divulging a secret, but they are often unaware of the colorful history behind the term. As is the case with many idioms, the origins of the phrase are actually rather interesting, and they provide an ...

There is a classic riddle which asks where an 800 pound gorilla sits. The answer is anywhere it wants to. This is the philosophy behind the expression "800 pound gorilla," which refers to corporations, organizations or even individuals so powerful and dominant that they literally control or at least influence ...

An elephant in your living room would be difficult to ignore for long, much like a 400 pound canary. Each of these animals have been used to refer to an obvious problem or issue that everyone acknowledges but rarely discusses. An elephant in the living room is used figuratively to ...

In many English speaking areas of the world, heavy weather is sometimes described “raining cats and dogs,” suggesting that the rain is extremely heavy and rather unpleasant to be out in. A related saying from some parts of England is “raining stair-rods.” There are a number of explanations for ...

When people say that something should be taken with a grain of salt, they mean that it is a very good idea to introduce a measure of skepticism into one's evaluation of a situation. The saying is a reminder that people often wear blinders and do not think things ...

To tighten your belt is an idiom which means to make financial sacrifices or to cut back on spending. During difficult economic times, it often becomes necessary to economize whenever possible. A household budget may no longer allow for luxury grocery items or unnecessary repairs, for example. A company may ...

"Boiling the ocean" is an idiomatic phrase that can have a few related meanings. One is that it is obviously impossible to boil all of the water in the ocean, so it can refer to an impossible task — something so complicated it’s hard to know where to begin ...