Idiomatic expressions sound silly sometimes, but they help us convey ideas and concepts more vividly and, often, in a more relatable way. One of my favorite idioms is “a dime a dozen,” a phrase we use to describe something basic, common, or easily acquired. So, let’s talk about the meaning …
When someone is not playing with a full deck, he is either mentally, psychologically or intellectually deficient. The deck referenced in not playing with a full deck is a deck of cards. There is a popular story that the origin of this phrase dates back to the 1500s, when a …
Let’s sink our teeth into another expression. Ever heard someone say they’ve bitten off more than they can chew and wondered if they need the Heimlich maneuver? Fear not! They’re not choking on a piece of steak; they’re merely using an idiom. The Meaning Behind Bite Off More Than You …
Smoke and mirrors mean deception, trickery, or an illusion created to distract or mislead others. Just think of a magic show where the magician uses many showy gimmicks to distract you while performing the trick. That’s the essence of smoke and mirrors! Idioms are words and phrases, often like proverbs, …
Adding insult to injury is probably not the wisest course of action, but it sure does make for a vibrant phrase! As we’ve all likely encountered situations where things go from bad to worse, the idiom add insult to injury vividly expresses such moments. Wondering how to use it properly? …
What does break the ice mean? Now, before you run to your freezer, let’s clear one thing up off the bat. This popular saying has nothing to do with ice cubes or an unfortunate incident with an iceberg. Nope, breaking the ice is all about social interactions and awkward silences, …
Under the weather is an idiom that means feeling slightly unwell or in low spirits. If you’ve ever woken up just not feeling yourself, a little off, maybe like you’ve been caught in a drizzle with no umbrella? That’s what being under the weather feels like! Idioms are phrases where …
Devil’s advocate is an idiom that refers to a person who presents an opposing viewpoint during a debate, aiming to test the strength of an argument through lively opposition. In the English language, idioms such as devil’s advocate are expressions or phrases with meanings that cannot be understood from the …
A hot potato is an idiom referring to a tricky or controversial topic. Its meaning relates to sensitive issues that might cause contention within the group in which it is mentioned. It’s like when a teacher avoids discussing a certain topic because they know it might land them in hot …
The common phrase go for broke means to put it all on the line and risk everything you can in order to achieve something. But how does go for broke connect with that concept? I’ll explain where this phrase derived from and show you how to use it correctly, so …