Phrase

Random act of kindness

The term random act of kindness is a rare phrase that we know exactly when it was coined and by whom. We will examine the meaning of the phrase random act of kindness, where it came from and some examples of its use in sentences. A random act of kindness …

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Pay It Forward – Meaning, Synonyms & Examples

Have you ever paid it forward to someone? Or has someone paid it forward to you? What does that even mean? It’s a phrase that doesn’t need a ton of breaking down, but I’ll explain everything you should know about it right here. What Does Pay It Forward Mean? The …

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Five o’clock shadow

The term five o’clock shadow first appeared in the United States in the 1930s. We will examine the meaning of the term five o’clock shadow, where it came from and some examples of its use in sentences. A five o’clock shadow is the amount of beard that grows during the …

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Pièce de résistance

Pièce de résistance is phrase that is taken directly from the French and used as an English phrase. Such phrases are called loan phrases or borrowed phrases. We will examine the meaning of the expression pièce de résistance, where it came from and some examples of its use in sentences. The pièce …

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Fair and Square – Idiom, Meaning & Origin

Surely you’ve used the phrase ‘fair and square,’ but did you know the word square has a much more literal meaning behind it? I’ll explain what the phrase really means and show you how to use it correctly in a sentence. The Phrase’ Fair and Square’ Meaning The phrase fair …

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Out of Sorts Idiom Origin Meaning 2

Out of Sorts – Idiom, Origin & Meaning

What does it mean when someone says they’re “out of sorts”? Is it even a real phrase? Sure, it is! But it’s good to understand idioms and expressions like this so you’re sure you’re using it in the right context. So, I’ve got all the quick details on the phrase …

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Figment of one’s imagination

A figment of one’s imagination is an interesting phrase. It’s earliest known use was by the author Charlotte Brontë. We will examine the definition of the phrase a figment of one’s imagination, where it came from and some examples of its use in sentences. A figment of one’s imagination means something …

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No man is an island

No man is an island is a phrase from a longer, often quoted literary work. However, the expression no man is an island may be considered a proverb in its own right. A proverb is a short, common saying or phrase that gives advice or shares a universal truth. We …

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Man’s best friend

Man’s best friend is a phrase from a proverb that is attributed to King Frederick of Prussia. We will examine exactly who is considered man’s best friend, where the expression came from and some examples of its use in sentences. The phrase man’s best friend is part of the proverb …

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Mutually Exclusive Meaning Examples in a Sentence 2

Mutually Exclusive – Meaning and Examples in a Sentence

Have you used the term “mutually exclusive” before? Did you understand what it really means? Such a simple term, but if you don’t fully understand what it means, you might be using it in the wrong context. So, take a moment to check out my breakdown of the term “mutually …

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