Common Expressions Archives

Go To Hell In A Handbasket – Meaning And Examples

The saying, “go to hell in a handbasket” is another way of saying to “deteriorate” or “become a disaster.” It is normally used to describe when things aren’t going very well for a person. It can also describe when someone’s actions lead them in the wrong… continue reading

When to Use Better Than vs. Better Then

You have probably heard “better than” or “better then” many times before – but have you always known whether someone is using “then” or “than”? They sound very similar and only differ in spelling by one letter, so it’s easy to see how they can… continue reading

A picture of a hand stretched out with the words - a bird in the hand

Common Expressions

A Bird In The Hand (Is Worth Two In The Bush)

“A bird in the hand” derives from the longer phrase “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.” It means something definite or certain that you already have and do not want to risk losing by trying to get something else. Examples… continue reading

A picture showing support beams of a metal bridge with the caption "Bear The Weight"

Bears The Weight (And Other “Bear” Expressions)

Homophones are some of the toughest words to sort through, regardless of whether you are a native or non-native English speaker. Although they are spelled differently, homophones sound exactly the same when spoken out loud – so if you aren’t a terrific speller, you’re likely… continue reading

A background of books with the caption "All of the / a sudden"

Should You Say “All Of A Sudden” Or”All Of The Sudden?”

“All of a sudden” is an English phrase that often used as a fancy way of saying “suddenly.” Many people also are confused if they can use “all of the sudden” instead. In addition, “on a sudden” is another similar form with a historical context.… continue reading

a picture of a dictionary page turned to show the meaning of "ad nauseam"

What Is The Meaning Of “Ad Nauseam?”

To answer the question quickly, “ad nauseam” is a phrase that originates from Latin. When translated literally, it means “to nausea.” In modern usage, it usually refers to something used so often that it makes you sick of it. When using it in your writing, you don’t… continue reading

two figurines talking with one saying "what can I do you for

Common Expressions

Do “What Can I Do For You” And “What Can I Do You For” Mean The Same Thing?

In everyday speech, you may have heard people say, “what can I do for you?” Additionally, you may have heard people say, “what can I do you for?” Even though these sentences are used in similar cases, do they mean the same thing? What Does “What Can… continue reading

A split graphic. On the left side a picture of women's hands wrapping a gift and on the right a sillhouette of a rapper

What Do “Rapping” And “Wrapping” Mean?

“Wrap,” and “rap” are some of the trickiest homophones because they sound very similar. However, they have vastly different meanings. These words are so similar that they are often intermixed in the same phrase: “wrapping things up” and “rapping things up.” Do these phrases mean the same thing? What… continue reading

A SILHOUETTE of a father and a son with the caption - Like Father Like Son

Common Expressions

What Does “Like Father, Like Son” Mean?

What Is The Meaning Of “Like Father, Like Son?” Idioms are something that we often run into during our daily lives. They can be conversational, unique, and most of all, expressive. One great example is “like father, like son,” which seems simple, however, it causes a… continue reading

A sitting bear with the caption - come to bear

Common Expressions

What Does “Come To Bear” Mean?

English idioms can be hard to grasp, especially if English is your second language. One common idiom which can often confuse people is the saying “it comes to bear.” So what does this idiom mean? And when can you utilize it in your daily life? In… continue reading