The idiom “no matter what” means being prepared for any difficulties or negative consequences in pursuit of a goal. Examples include climbing a mountain or working long hours to support a family. Those who embody this attitude persevere and make sacrifices, while those who give up do not. When people say they’ll do something “no […]
The idiom “go with the flow” means being relaxed and adaptable to change. It originated in the early 1900s as a metaphor for sea waters. Modern English speakers use shorter phrases like “chill” or “relax” to express the same meaning. The association with water metaphors has become less common among younger speakers. The English idiom, […]
“The hand that cradles the cradle” is an idiom referring to a woman’s influence on children and potentially the world. It can be used positively or negatively, with mothers often having a large influence on how their children are raised and developing their morals, manners, work ethic, and belief systems. The saying has been used […]
“The die is cast” means a decision has been made or circumstances set in motion that cannot be stopped. It is an idiom that originated in the Roman Empire and was possibly first uttered by Julius Caesar when he marched his army over the Rubicon. The phrase can be taken literally as the roll of […]
“Easy does it” is an idiom meaning to do something calmly, smoothly, and slowly, avoiding abrupt or jerky movements. It is commonly used in the United States and in casual speech, but not in formal speech or writing. The phrase “easy does it” is an idiom, meaning it is not meant to be taken literally […]
The proverb “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush” advises to stick with what you have instead of pursuing something uncertain. It originated in Latin and warns against greed. The concept can be applied to various life situations, including gambling. Game theory analysis can help determine the relative values of the […]
“Any port in a storm” means settling for a less than ideal solution in a difficult situation. The origin is unclear, but it is often used when a desired outcome is not available, such as finding food or medical care. It can be a temporary solution until a better option arises. “Any port in a […]
“Go to the wall” means being in a desperate situation, often confused with “set by the wall” and “hit the wall”. It refers to close quarters combat, medieval funerary traditions, and hitting the limit of physical endurance. The English language is fluid, with words and expressions constantly acquiring new shapes or meanings. The phrase “go […]
The phrase “dictated but not read” means a document was typed by a secretary under dictation, and the person who dictated it did not proofread it. It can be seen as rude and implies the sender did not care enough. The phrase is often used in business and management, and it is intended as an […]
The idiom “like there’s no tomorrow” means to act recklessly and enthusiastically without considering the consequences. It can have positive or negative connotations and is often used as a compliment for living in the present. However, it can also be criticized for ignoring the future. The expression has permeated popular culture and appears in titles […]
The phrase “pick your battles” advises individuals to focus on one important issue at a time, rather than trying to tackle too many things at once. This military strategy suggests that when troops are limited, they are often unsuccessful. It is important to choose which battles to fight wisely, seek advice from a neutral party, […]
“To have a cow” means to react extremely to bad news. It originated in the 1950s and was popularized by Bart Simpson’s catchphrase “Don’t have a cow, man.” It is used to anticipate an emotional response and is best used in casual situations. The expression “to have a cow” is said to have originated in […]
The idiom “between the devil and the deep blue sea” refers to being trapped in a dilemma with no clear advantages. Its origins are debated, but it has gained popularity over time. The situation offers no easy solutions, and any action taken will result in some kind of damage. The decision maker must choose the […]
The phrase “land of Nod” is used to describe falling asleep, but it has a dark history in the Old Testament as the place where Cain was banished after killing his brother. The phrase has been used in literature and music, but its negative origins are not fully understood. Understanding idioms like this can improve […]
The phrase “easy come easy go” suggests that things that come too easily are just as likely to leave just as easily. It exhibits a laissez faire attitude and is often said with a hint of irony, suggesting that something that comes easily isn’t really worth holding onto. Younger people use the phrase to suggest […]
The Beatitudes are statements made by Jesus Christ in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. There are debates over the number of beatitudes and their interpretations. The term “bliss” comes from the Latin “beatus,” meaning blessed. The Beatitudes praise those who are poor, mournful, hungry for righteousness, persecuted, meek, merciful, pure in heart, and peacemakers. […]
The idiom “to come full circle” refers to something ending up where it started. It can apply to people’s careers or attitudes, as they may return to a previous profession or mindset. This is different from doing a 180, which means a complete change in direction. The phrase “to come full circle” is an idiom […]
The expression “can’t see the forest for the trees” means being too focused on details to see the bigger picture. It’s an old idiom that can also be reversed. Taking a step back and seeking outside advice can help solve problems. The saying dates back to the 1500s and can also be reversed to mean […]
“Eagle eyes” is an idiom that refers to someone with keen observation and intuition. Idioms are sayings that mean something different from their literal meaning, often using metaphors or similes. Other animal idioms include “bigger fish to fry,” “beating a dead horse,” and “all bark and no bite.” While clichéd, idioms can be effective forms […]
“Ride hard and stow wet” is a phrase from the southern and western United States that refers to a person who looks exhausted or ill. It comes from horse riding, where horses need to be cooled down before being put back in the stable. The phrase can also imply neglect or abuse, but it can […]
