Expressions and Phrases

“Season’s Greetings” is the proper form of the expression, capitalizing each word while adding the apostrophe between the “n” and “s” in seasons.  “Happy Holidays” does not require an apostrophe at all, and you will capitalize each word. December is full of holidays, celebrating a… continue reading

“Beck and Call” is the proper spelling of the expression and is used to describe situations where one person does whatever is asked of them by another. “Beckon Call” and “Bacon Call” are errors most likely caused by mishearing the proper expression.  Have you ever… continue reading

The common phrase “For all intents and purposes” is defined as “in effect.” Try not to confuse this expression with “for all intensive purposes”, a result of common mishearing or misinterpretation If you conduct business, you have most likely come across the phrase “for all… continue reading

What does ‘A watched pot never boils’ mean? ‘A watched pot never boils’ is a proverb that refers to feeling like time goes slower when you anxiously wait for something to happen. What is the origin of the phrase? ‘A watched pot never boils’ was… continue reading

The phrase ace in the hole means a resource that is held in reserve until it can be used for an advantage. This idiom refers to a play in stud poker. In this game, a “hole card” refers to a car that is held or… continue reading

What does it mean to say there is an elephant in the room? It indicates that there is an obvious problem that is being ignored. In other words, it is a big issue that is not being acknowledged or talked about. Example: John arrived at… continue reading

What does “I couldn’t care less” mean, and which is correct, couldn’t or could?  If you’ve said that you couldn’t care less about something, it means that you are not concerned about it at all; it does not matter to you.  Example James says he… continue reading

A Chip Off the Old Block Means: A child who closely resembles a parent, in either physical or mental characteristics. The expression refers to anyone who either physically resembles one or both parents, or has personality traits. This turn of phrase is most commonly used… continue reading

The definition of ” A Bone to Pick” is a problem or an issue to be discussed. Origin of Bone to Pick Pick has several meanings. One of these is to pull at something repeatedly. This is the sense of the word in this idiom.… continue reading

The meaning of duly noted is: “properly recorded” or “acknowledged.”  The first word, duly is an adverb that corresponds to the adjective due.  To “note” something means to record it. For instance, a secretary might make sure that the meeting minutes are duly noted and written down in… continue reading