The phrase supply and demand was first used in the mid-eighteenth century, though the concept goes back thousands of years. We will examine the definition of the expression supply and demand, where it came from and some examples of its use in sentences. Supply and demand is a description of …
The expression no ifs, ands or buts is one that is older than you may think. The roots of this phrase go back to the 1500s. We will examine the meaning of the term no ifs, ands or buts, where it came from and some examples of its use in …
The expression semper fidelis is a Latin phrase that has a special meaning in the United States. We will examine the definition of the phrase semper fidelis, where it came from and some examples of its use in sentences. Semper fidelis translates as always faithful. It is the motto of …
The term butterfly effect is a popular term that was coined in the 1970s. We will examine the definition of the expression butterfly effect, where it came from and some examples of its use in sentences. The butterfly effect is the idea that a minute, local change in a system …
Stand up and prop up are two phrases that some people find confusing. We will examine the meanings of the expressions stand up and prop up, the difference between them and some examples of their use in sentences. Stand up is an interesting expression with several different meanings. Stand up …
The term a show of hands may be older than you think. We will examine the definition of the expression a show of hands, where it came from and some examples of its use in sentences. The phrase a show of hands refers to a system in which a group …
Path of least resistance and line of least resistance are two phrases that are interchangeable. We will examine the meaning of the expressions path of least resistance and line of least resistance, where these terms came from and some examples of their use in sentences. Path of least resistance means …
English has many adopted terms and phrases from other languages. Some have taken on English spellings and meanings, while others have stayed true to their original use or have grown and adapted in various ways. Although this can be confusing for non-native English speakers, mastering some of these terms can …
On the contrary is a phrase that is often used in English, especially during debate. We will examine the meaning of the phrase on the contrary, where it came from and some examples of its use in sentences. On the contrary is a phrase that is used to deny something …
The expression pay one’s respects has been in use since the 1500s, though many find it confusing. We will examine the meaning of the phrase pay one’s respects, where it came from and some examples of its use in sentences. To pay one’s respects means to make an effort to …