Common Expressions Archives

What Does “Even A Broken Clock Is Right Twice A Day” Mean?

Meaning Of “Even A Broken Clock Is Right Twice A Day” In everyday English, the phrase “even a broken clock is right twice a day” means that even if someone or something is considered unreliable, they/it can be right on occasion. However, if used reciprocally,… continue reading

A picture of a man with a red nose and a clown hat, sitting on a couch with the words "A fool and his money are soon parted"

Common Expressions

What Does “A Fool And His Money Are Soon Parted” Mean?

What Is The Meaning Of A Fool And His Money Are Soon Parted? The common English phrase, a fool and his money are soon parted, is usually used to describe an individual who quickly loses money due to poor decisions, such as using it wastefully or being… continue reading

A picture of two hands locked in a "pinky swear" with the words "A friend in need is a friend indeed

Common Expressions

What Does “A Friend In Need Is A Friend Indeed” Mean?

What Is The Meaning Of A Friend In Need Is A Friend Indeed? Although many phrases in the English language have clear origins and meanings, the common saying a friend in need is a friend indeed does not. There is a lot of ambiguity surrounding its meaning specifically. … continue reading

A picture of a man with his lips up to his lips with the words "A man of few words"

Common Expressions

What Does “A Man Of Few Words” Mean?

What Is The Meaning Of A Man Of Few Words? The common saying a man of few words is primarily used to describe a quiet individual. This can mean that they simply don’t talk, are shy, or are direct and get to the point when they speak. In… continue reading

graphic showing a boy saying "I figured as much!" and the meaning of the phrase

Common Expressions

Common Phrases: “I Figured As Much”

The Meaning of I Figured As Much Meaning: I thought so. People will often use this phrase when their prediction is affirmed. Origin of I Figured As Much Ultimately, the origin of this phrase is not known. One definition of as much is the same. Figured can also be an informal way… continue reading

A picture of a cat biting a hand with the words "don't bite the hand that feeds you"

Common Expressions

The Meaning Of The Phrase “Don’t Bite The Hand That Feeds You”?

Relationships between people can be challenging. So, to help, there are some practical rules to follow. For instance, it is usually a good idea to stay calm and be easygoing when dealing with co-workers or friends. Shouting or getting angry at others can damage personal… continue reading

A picture of a squirrel with a nut and the expression "even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while"

Common Expressions

What Does The Expression “Even a Blind Squirrel Finds a Nut Once in a While” Mean?

An idiom is an expression that has an understood meaning utterly different from what the words say. “Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while” implies that a person experienced success due to luck more than skill, often because a person often… continue reading

A medieval torture device with the words "racking your brain"

Common Expressions

(W)racking Your Brain on Whether It’s “Wracking” or “Racking” Your Brain

“Wrack” comes from a form of “wreck” and has meanings relating to ruin or destruction. “Rack” has several meaning varieties, one of which references the torture device that stretches out people on a wooden frame. The correct spelling of the phrase is “racking your brain.”… continue reading

A graphic with an angry man on the phone and the words "Riled Up"

Common Expressions

Common Idioms – All Riled Up

All Riled Up Definition: Extremely annoyed, vexed, or hyperactive. The Origin of All Riled Up The phrase comes from the verb roil, which first appeared in the 1500s. The word rile appeared in the 1800s and reflected a change in spelling and pronunciation from roil, even though the definition… continue reading

The words "at all costs" overlaid over a graphic of a book, a highlighted and glasses

Common Expressions

Using the Idioms “At All Costs” and “At Any Cost”

The idioms “at all costs” and “at any cost” are interchangeable The acceptable way to spell “at all costs” is in the plural form (with an ‘s’ at the end) “At all costs” and “at any cost” are two versions of the exact same idiom.… continue reading