Colorful expressions, influenced by other languages, litter spoken and written English. These are borrowed words or phrases adapted into English, often using an anglicized version through spelling and/or pronunciation. To anglicize something means to make it English in form or character. Erin go bragh is a great example of this. …
The term red carpet has a literal and a figurative meaning. It is used in the expressions walk the red carpet, roll out the red carpet, and red-carpet treatment. We will examine the meaning of each of these terms, where they came from and some examples of their use in …
One idiomatic expression we commonly find in emails, correspondences, and stories is by the way. But what does it mean? I use it almost every day but without thought. Let’s go over the definition and usage of the idiom by the way. Learn its origin and examples of how to …
Hem and haw is an expression that dates back to the mid-seventeenth century. We will examine the definition of the term hem and haw, where it came from and some examples of its use in sentences. To hem and haw means to dither, to speak hesitantly, usually because one is …
The expression the daily grind has been in use for over a hundred years. We will examine the definition of the term the daily grind, where it came from and some examples of its use in sentences. The daily grind is one’s daily routine, one’s usual scope of work and …
Back to the drawing board is a phrase that originated during World War II. We will examine the meaning of the expression back to the drawing board, where it came from and some examples of its use in sentences. Back to the drawing board is an exhortation that is used …
Just imagine you’re nearing the end of an intense debate or a long-winded conversation, and someone wraps up your argument with a dramatic, “Well, when all is said and done…” Sound familiar? This is a very common phrase in the English language, and we use it in a lot of …
The phrase speak truth to power has become more and more popular, especially in the United States. We will examine the meaning of the phrase speak truth to power, where it came from and some examples of its use in sentences. Speak truth to power means to confront those who …
Are you like me, who loves classic things and is sometimes teased by your friends and family for being old-fashioned? Then I have the perfect phrase for you: oldie but a goodie. You’ve likely heard the phrase before since it’s so common in the English language. But what does the …