Expressions and Phrases

Have you found yourself the butt of the joke for not knowing this idiom? Let’s dive in. The person addressed as the “butt of the joke” is a target for mocking, teasing, or other ridicule. An idiomatic expression is a phrase in which the words… continue reading

What is the meaning of the common expression “the seven-year itch?” Generally speaking, this refers to the notion that things go stale after seven years, particularly in relationships. However, the expression can be used metaphorically to describe other various situations. Where did this expression come… continue reading

Have you ever felt like a fish out of water?  The short answer is “probably not.”  If you really felt like the fish, you’d feel as if you were drowning. This is another of those word-groups whose meaning must be learned from the whole, not… continue reading

Scot-free meaning Have you ever done something risky and gotten away with it with no harm? You could have rolled the dice, eaten two-day-old unrefrigerated sushi, and escaped without serious gastric distress. If so, you’ve navigated that event scot-free.  In other words, to get away… continue reading

There has probably been at least one moment in your life where you have almost fully achieved something but haven’t fully met your goal. In response to this, someone may say, “close, but no cigar.” What exactly does this mean? What Does The Phrase Mean?  “Close,… continue reading

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

“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

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

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

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