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Damn the Torpedoes – Idiom, Origin & Meaning

You’re just in time! We’re about to charge full speed ahead into the fiery depths of the idiom damn the torpedoes. This powerful phrase isn’t about underwater weapons or blasphemy but rather a defiant call to take risks and push forward, no matter the odds. Sounds intriguing, doesn’t it? Well, let’s not waste another second! Meaning of Damn the Torpedoes The full saying is damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead. We use this expression to express a determination to continue …

Let one’s guard down and drop one’s guard

by Grammarist

Let one’s guard down and drop one’s guard are two variations of an idiom that may not be as old as you think. We will examine the meaning of the common sayings let one’s guard down and drop one’s guard, where they came from, and some examples of their idiomatic usage in sentences. Let one’s guard down and drop one’s guard are expressions that both mean to relax, to stop being vigilant, to be less careful, to be less alert. …

Dominate vs dominant

by Grammarist

Dominate and dominant are words that are close in spelling and pronunciation and may be considered confusables. We will examine the different meanings of the confusables dominate and dominant, the word origins of the terms, and some examples of their English usage in sentences. Dominate is a verb that means to control, to guide, to exert one’s stronger influence, to rule. Related words are dominates, dominated, dominating, domination. The word dominate is a transitive verb, which is a verb that …

Dawned on Me – Idiom, Origin & Meaning

by Candace Osmond

I’m breaking the dawn with a phrase that might just light up your language skills: dawned on me. If you’ve ever had an “aha” moment, then you’re already familiar with this idiom. But I’m going to shine a light on a few important details you should know about using this expression. Dawned on Me Meaning Explained When something dawns on you, it means you come to realize or understand it, usually pretty suddenly. Imagine the slow rising of the sun, …

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Doesn’t Hold Water (or Do Not Hold Water) – Origin & Meaning

by Danielle McLeod

Idiomatic phrases are a figurative way to add emphasis to your speech and writing. They often provide an analogy to a material to help an audience better understand the author’s message. The use of idioms takes some practice. And when my students begin to use them, it highlights a higher level of thinking and mastery of the English language. It is a mark of comprehensive skills and shows that students are focused on the rhetoric or persuasiveness of their work …

Die on the Vine – Idiom, Origin & Meaning

by Candace Osmond

Let’s take a trip down through the metaphorical vineyard of language and explore a unique phrase — die on the vine. So, buckle up and sit tight because this journey into language, unlike a bad grape, is anything but sour! What Is the Meaning of Die on the Vine? The expression die on the vine has nothing to do with literal grapevines or the unfortunate demise of any fruit. It’s a metaphorical way of saying that a project, idea or …

Deliberate vs deliberate

by Grammarist

Deliberate and deliberate are two words that are spelled identically but are pronounced differently and have different meanings, which makes them heteronyms. We will examine the definitions of the words deliberate and deliberate, where these words came from, and a few examples of their use in sentences. Deliberate (duh LIB rut) is an adjective that describes something that is done intentionally, something that is done in a calculated manner and not by accident, something premediated or purposeful. The adverb form …

Don’t Let the Door Hit You on the Way Out – Origin & Meaning

by Danielle McLeod

The idiom don’t let the door hit you on the way out is a fairly recent saying in the English language. American in origin, variations of the saying have been around for a while as an insult to whomever you are saying it to. Idioms are figurative words and phrases that have meanings different from the literal use of those words. Let’s take a closer look at the origin and meaning of this phrase so you can use it in your …

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Deer in the Headlights – Origin & Meaning

by Candace Osmond

Have you ever felt so shocked that you couldn’t move your entire body? If you have, you could compare yourself to a deer in headlights. Let’s examine the meaning and controversial origin of the idiomatic expression people use, deer in the headlights. My guide also offers examples of how to use the phrase in a sentence so you can understand it better. Meaning of Deer in the Headlights Have you ever been in a car and a deer crossed the …

Dove vs dove

by Grammarist

Dove and dove are two words that are spelled identically but are pronounced differently and have different meanings, which makes them heteronyms. We will examine the definitions of the words dove and dove, where these words came from, and a few examples of their use in sentences. Dove (duv) is a small bird with short legs that belongs to the Columbidae family. Generally, small Columbidae are called doves and large Columbidae are called pigeons. There are many species of doves, …

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