“Scapegoat” and “escape goat” are two terms that are often confused because they sound similar and involve the word “goat.” However, they are actually quite distinct and have different meanings and origins. But don’t worry, I go over the meanings behind both terms right here and even provide some good …
Olfactory is a word that has been in use since the mi-1600s, while old factory is a more recent invention. We will examine the definitions of the words olfactory and old factory, where they came from and some examples of use in sentences. Olfactory describes something that is related to the …
Take for granted and take for granite are two phrases that are often confused, but only one is correct. We will examine the definition of the correct phrase, where these expressions came from and some examples of the use of the correct phrase in sentences. Take for granted may mean …
Up and at ‘em and up and Adam or atom are expressions that are often used, and often confused. We will examine the meaning of the terms up and at ‘em, and up and Adam or atom, where the phrases came from and some examples of their use in sentences. Up …
The phrases contract a disease and contact a disease are often confused, but only one of these terms is correct. We will examine the meaning and origin of the phrases contract a disease and contact a disease as well as some example of the correct use in sentences. To contract …
Curry favor is an idiom that is based on an eggcorn, which is a misheard word or phrase that retains its original meaning. We will examine the meaning of the term curry favor, where it came from and some examples of its use in sentences. Curry favor means to ingratiate …
An old wives’ tale is a belief or superstition that is commonly believed to be true but is not based on actual fact. An old wives’ tale is usually but not always erroneous, it is folklore passed down from one generation to another without the benefit of scientific analysis. The …
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The dictionary lists a loop-the-loop as a thrill ride that sends its passengers in a complete 360 degree circle. It is more commonly used to describe anything doing the same movement. A plane can loop the loop in the sky when turns in a vertical circle. It follows the general rule of phrasal …
Lately, I’ve been seeing people saying, “all of the sudden” instead of “all of a sudden.” But which one is correct? It drives me insane because, to me, one sounds incorrect. All of a sudden is the correct idiomatic expression, which means suddenly. Keep reading to understand the difference between …
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The correct idiom is happy medium and not happy median. The confusion of a phrase based on its pronunciation is called an eggcorn. Medium is the middle term for size, in between large and small. It is also the name for people who believe they can channel thoughts from the dead, and the term for materials …