You scratch my back, I scratch yours means that if someone does you a favor, you’ll do one for them in return. It conveys the idea of mutual assistance or cooperation. Idioms such as you scratch my back, I scratch yours are figurative expressions or phrases with meanings that go …
To have a handle or get a handle on something just means you’ve gained control over a really tough situation or difficult task. But when did this phrase come into use? Are there other expressions you could use instead? Sure, there are! I’ll tell you more about this common expression …
To get wind of something means to suddenly discover a piece of information, especially if it’s secret or confidential. Picture a gentle gust carrying whispers of gossip your way. Want to learn more about how this idiom came about? I’ve got all the breezy details on its definition and how …
What a curious language English is, filled to the brim with idioms, proverbs and expressions that add layers of depth to our conversations! Today’s phrase on the docket is practice what you preach, a popular saying that rolls off the tongue as easily as it rolls up the eyes. Let’s …
Idioms are words and phrases with a figurative use separate from their literal meanings. Idiomatic phrases are popular to use to create a deeper meaning in speech and writing. Read the room means making an observation of a group of people and making decisions based on those observations. The phrase …
Nail-biter is an interesting idiom. We will examine the meaning of the common idiom nail-biter where it came from, and some examples of its idiomatic usage in sentences. A nail-biter is a suspenseful situation, a contest in which either participant has a good chance of winning, an anxiety-provoking circumstance. For instance, a …
Mark my words is an idiom used to emphasize that what someone is saying is important and should be remembered or heeded, often because they believe it will happen or become true in the future. It’s a way of saying, “Take note of what I’m saying, because it’s significant or prophetic.” …
Are you expecting a visit from the stork any time soon? Did you know that the euphemism dates back as far as ancient Greek and Egyptian times? I’d love to talk about the phrase and tell you how you can use it in your writing and everyday speech. A Visit …
Put up or shut up means it’s time to take action instead of just talking about it. So, if you can’t back up your claims with actions, it is best to remain silent. Stemming from a somewhat feisty corner of English origin, this expression has ties to both boxing and …
A knee-slapper is an extremely funny joke or story that might elicit a spontaneous knee slap in response. And that’s where this term gets its origin. The term knee-slapper falls under the category of idioms, which are expressions in the English language that often convey meanings beyond their literal interpretation. Idioms …