Push my buttons or push someone’s buttons means to do or say something that results in an immediate reaction from someone or arouses an instantaneous and usually emotional reaction. English language idioms like this one are expressions or phrases that convey meanings beyond their literal interpretation. These figurative expressions often …
Tar and feather is an interesting term that has both a literal and a figurative sense. We will examine both of the definitions of tar and feather, where the term came from and some examples of its use in sentences. In its literal sense, tar and feather refers to the …
Looking to call someone’s bluff? Well, I have the perfect phrase for you! Four-flusher. But hold on, are we talking about a poker term or a math teacher gone rogue? Well, prepare to place your bets as I break down details about the meaning of four-flusher with some info about …
Have you ever purposely ignored someone and given the cold shoulder? But what does the phrase “cold shoulder” even mean? You might have heard it used before and wondered where the heck it came from, or maybe you’ve even been on the receiving end of it. Well, you won’t get …
Put one’s cards on the table and lay one’s cards on the table are idioms that date at least to the 1800s. An idiom is a word, group of words or phrase that has a figurative meaning that is not easily deduced from its literal meaning. We will examine the meaning …
To handle with kid gloves means treating something or someone very delicately or cautiously, usually to avoid causing offense or damage. This idiom might make you ponder: Is it kid gloves or kit gloves? The answer is, it’s kid gloves! This idiom originates from the soft leather made from the …
Wear the trousers and wear the pants are similar phrases that most probably originated in the United States during the 1800s. They are idioms, which is a word, group of words or phrase that has a figurative meaning that is not easily deduced from its literal meaning. We will look at …
To live off the fat of the land is an idiom that goes back thousands of years. We will examine the meaning of the phrase live off the fat of the land, where this term came from and some examples of its use in sentences. To live off the fat …
Below the belt and hit below the belt are idioms that originated in the United States. An idiom is a word, group of words or phrase that has a figurative meaning that is not easily deduced from its literal meaning. We will examine the definitions of below the belt and hit …
Is it case in point or case and point? It’s actually case in point, but what does the phrase even mean? Well, I’ll explain everything you need to know about its meaning and how you’re supposed to use it when speaking or writing. Is It Case in Point or Case …