Expressions and Phrases

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

It feels like more and more writers are beginning to lump in idioms with each other. While this can simplify the idiom’s meaning, it can really take away from the power of the saying. For example, many writers lump “a cause for concern” and “gives one… continue reading

What Is The Meaning Of “Goody Two-Shoes” Mean? In short, the common saying “goody two-shoes” refers to someone who always acts honestly and morally. In other words, the phrase describes someone moral, who abides by the law/rules, and who does good for others.  Examples Of “Goody… continue reading

Meaning Of “Happy As A Clam” In everyday speech, “happy as clams” is a phrase someone uses to describe when they are incredibly happy, satisfied, or content. Interestingly, the phrase is shortened from its original version and came from the longer “happy as a clam at… continue reading

Meaning Of “Hindsight Is Always 20/20“ I’m sure there has been at least one time in your life when someone has told you “hindsight is always 20/20″ (also spelled 2020 or 20/20) after making a less-than-great decision. Even though most native English speakers decently understand this… continue reading

“Knock it out of the park” is a common English phrase that describes when someone does an activity, job, or task extremely well. You may see multiple versions of this phrase. For instance, many people use the word “hit” substituted for “knock,” and “the ball” substituted for “it.” You… continue reading

When someone says something is “their cup of tea,” they mean that they find it likable and satisfying. Similarly, you can also say something is “not my cup of tea” to show that you don’t find something agreeable.  In more simple terms, some synonymous phrases would be… continue reading

The common saying “not the sharpest tool in the shed” is a very popular phrase that describes someone who is unintelligent in some manner. Additionally, it is usually used to compare to others, showing that someone isn’t conventionally smart. There are many similar sayings that all… continue reading

In truth, there are two primary meanings to this common saying. Firstly, “When the rubber hits the road” can be used as a saying to describe when an idea or presumption is put to the test.  On the other hand, the saying can also be used… continue reading

The common phrase “ships passing in the night” is usually used to refer to people who cross paths without seeing each other afterward. In everyday speech, it describes two people who may have had a meaningful connection but simply crossed paths.  Additionally, when two people are… continue reading