Ducks in a row means having everything well-organized or fully prepared before taking on a project or anything else. The origin comes from the idea of a mama duck leading her adorable line of ducklings in a neat row behind her. Now, imagine that in terms of having your tasks …
Is it rain check or raincheck? Or, heck, even rain cheque? Regardless of the spelling, the phrase is used to describe something you have to cancel and plan for later. It’s also something a store or event venue can hand out when something is canceled. But let’s discuss the proper …
Speak of the devil is an idiom used when someone appears unexpectedly after being mentioned in conversation. Idioms such speak of the devil are sayings or expressions that have meanings beyond their literal interpretations. They add color, depth, and imagery to the English language, allowing speakers to creatively convey ideas. …
I’m sure you’ve come across the phrase cat got your tongue at least once in your life, right? It’s a classic in the English idiom repertoire, with a pretty amusing origin story, if I say so myself. So, sit back, relax, and let’s unravel this idiom for a second. Is …
Fell off the back of a truck means that an item was likely acquired in a shady or illegal manner, often suggesting it may be stolen. The phrase is especially common in American and Australian English and made its print debut in the early 20th century. The expression is an …
The phrase even Steven is a bit like a jingle. It’s catchy, and once you hear it, it’s tough to get out of your head! So, if you’re curious whether it’s supposed to be even Steven or even Stevens and what exactly this delightful rhyming phrase means, read on! Is …
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The expression the gloves are off means that someone’s ready for a serious fight or competition, whether literally or figuratively, but it’s usually used figuratively these days. Curious about where this idiom comes from and how to use it? Keep reading this guide and learn to put some punch in …
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Same old, same old is a phrase that means something boring, predictable, dreary. There are several theories as to the origin of the phrase same old, same old. One theory is that it comes from pidgin English spoken in either post-World War II Japan or Korea during the Korean War. …
I love the visual that comes with the phrase barking up the wrong tree! But even though its origin comes from a literal context, the phrase today is pretty much just figurative, and we use it to imply someone or something is wrong. But let’s explore it further. What Does …
Most idiomatic expressions have historical significance. For instance, burying the hatchet concerns the formation of the Iroquois Confederacy. Read on to learn all about the meaning and origin of the idiom bury the hatchet. Plus, find out how to use it properly in a sentence through the examples I provided …