Heavy-handed means to handle a situation or people in an overly forceful or clumsy manner. Imagine trying to crack open a walnut with a bulldozer; sure, it might work, but it’s a tad overkill, right? This idiom, which surfaced in the 1800s, perfectly encapsulates the essence of being overbearing. But …
Move the needle is an idiom that is several decades old. We will examine the meaning of the common idiom move the needle, where it came from, and some examples of its idiomatic usage in sentences. Move the needle is an idiom that means to make a change that is noticeable, …
Every now and then, we encounter idiomatic expressions that originated from sports terminology but have been adopted into everyday use. But they’re not always self-explanatory, like full-court press. How are you meant to use it if you don’t even know what it means? Not to worry, I’ll explain everything you …
I love how the English language is just choked full of beautiful idiomatic expressions layered with meanings and intent. “By the same token” is the perfect example of that. If you’re wondering what it really means, I’ll explain the definition, talk about its origin, and even show you how to …
Shotgun approach and scattershot approach are two versions of a popular idiom. We will examine the meaning of the common idiom shotgun approach or scattershot approach, where it came from, and some examples of its idiomatic usage in sentences. Shotgun approach and scattershot approach may describe a disorganized, haphazard approach to …
Fall into one’s lap and land in one’s lap are two versions of a popular idiom. We will examine the meaning of the common idiom fall into one’s lap or land in one’s lap, where it came from, and some examples of its idiomatic usage in sentences. Fall into one’s lap …
I’m sure you’ve at least heard the phrase run out the clock in your life. But do you know what it means? We all have a vague understanding to deduce from its face value, but let’s unpack some deeper context surrounding the expression so you know you’re using it correctly. …
Stand one’s ground and hold one’s ground are two versions of a popular idiom. We will examine the meaning of the common idiom stand one’s ground or hold one’s ground, where it came from, and some examples of its idiomatic usage in sentences. Stand one’s ground and hold one’s ground are …
Turn heads and turn one’s head are two idioms that are close in wording, but mean totally different things. We will examine the meaning of the common idioms turn heads and turn one’s head, where they came from, and some examples of their idiomatic usage in sentences. Turn heads means to …
Sticks and stones is an idiom that is an allusion to a proverb. We will examine the meaning of the idiom sticks and stones and the proverb it alludes to, where the expression came from, and some examples of its use in sentences. Sticks and stones is a retort one uses …