“It’s a wash” describes an outcome in which everything involved is void or that all has come out even; nothing is gained or lost. For example, if you won $100 on a horse race and bet the money on another horse that lost, you would call it a wash. The …
The idiom take a bath means experiencing a significant financial loss. For instance, investing heavily in a failing business venture can result in taking a bath, leaving you with substantial debt and little to show for it. This expression originated in the 1920s in the context of gambling, possibly with …
Dramatic drumroll, please! Today, I’m laying out all the details of the phrase foregone conclusion. Is it an idiom? What does it mean? And where on Earth did it come from? Buckle up as I break down this captivating term, sharing some synonyms and a medley of sentence examples. Let’s …
Good riddance is a phrase we unleash with a dash of relief and a smidgen of sass when we’re glad to be rid of something or someone. But why do we say it, and where did it come from? And for those spelling bee enthusiasts, is it riddance, riddence, or …
The idiom in hot water means to be in trouble or be involved with something dangerously difficult. Its origins can be traced back to the idea of literally being in uncomfortably hot or boiling water—a clearly undesirable situation. For example, when my children forgot to do their chores, they were …
Hedge your bets means to protect yourself against loss by choosing multiple options at the same time. This could apply to investing, gambling, or even life decisions—essentially any situation where you might face a loss due to unexpected events or poor planning. As an idiom, the phrase has a figurative …
The phrase get in on the ground floor means to get involved with a venture or project at its early stages, usually with the hope that you’ll gain future benefits. But how did a phrase involving a building’s ground floor come to represent a business opportunity? There’s actually more to …
You’re about to get a fitting for the phrase fit the bill. This phrase has been used for ages and holds a specific meaning when used correctly. But wait, is it fill the bill or fit the bill? Let’s start there, shall we? Is It Fill the Bill or Fit …
Idiomatic phrases are an excellent way to help your audience make connections with your message. They provide details through figurative use and are integral to the English language. Cooler heads prevail is a way to say that those who remain calm will get their way. It is a famous saying …
Under the radar, off the radar, below the radar, beneath the radar, and above the radar are related idioms that describe the extent to which something is noticeable, whether in terms of its significance, perception, or the amount of attention it receives. In the English language, idioms such as under …