Awe can be inspired by various subjects, including natural scenes, historical monuments, and personal events. It can affect all senses and is composed of wonder, awe, and respect. Other words and phrases that convey a similar meaning include breathtaking, wonderful, and awesome. If something inspires awe, it inspires awe or similar moods such as wonder, […]
“Theft” refers to buying something at a heavily discounted price, often used for large items like cars or houses. Furniture stores, auctions, pawnshops, and foreclosures are good places to find steals, as well as yard sales for used goods. When something is bought at a heavily discounted price, it is often referred to as “theft”. […]
The saying “absence makes the heart grow fonder” refers to the phenomenon of idealizing a loved one when they are away for a period of time, leading to a stronger emotional connection upon their return. This can apply to romantic relationships, friendships, and even relationships with pets, but there are exceptions where separation can lead […]
The phrase “last laugh” refers to someone who succeeds or achieves victory after previous failures. Its origin dates back to an English play from 1607. Modern versions include “He who laughs last laughs best” and “He who laughs last, laughs longest.” The phrase is often used in situations where someone succeeds despite previous setbacks, such […]
The origin of the name “portabello” for mushrooms is unknown. It was chosen in the 1980s to make them more appealing. Portabellos are a variant of cremini mushrooms and have more potassium than bananas. Portabello means “beautiful door” in Italian, or, if you prefer the feminine portabella, “beautiful port”. No one is quite sure why […]
Jumping the gun means acting too quickly based on inadequate information. The term originated in athletics where runners would be disqualified for starting before the signal. In modern times, it can refer to companies releasing products too soon or making ill-informed decisions. Rushing to judgment can lead to negative outcomes. The jump-the-gun idiom means that […]
“Get up and go” is an idiom meaning enthusiasm and energy, not a physical action. It can be overwhelming for others, but is a positive trait in a mate or employee. Those with “get up and go” value independence and may not respond well to being told what to do. To deal with their energy, […]
“Heaven knows” is an English idiom used to mean “no one knows” or “really”. It can be used to reinforce an argument or claim that nobody knows anything. The phrase is often used in movies and music, and sometimes the word “God” is used instead of “heaven”. The phrase “heaven know” is an English idiom […]
Business Value Add (BVA) involves making changes to a product to increase its value to customers, attracting new customers and retaining existing ones. This can involve permanent changes, increasing volume or changing marketing and packaging, and can lead to higher profits and market share. Corporate Value Added, or BVA, is a term used to identify […]
The idiom “like father, like son” refers to physical and behavioral similarities between fathers and children. It can be complementary or offensive and is often true due to genetics, parenting styles, and environmental conditions. The idiom can be used in various situations to compare similarities, and similar idioms exist for mothers and daughters. The term […]
The phrase “bold as brass” refers to a shameless person who acts with confidence and arrogance. The word “brass” has been used to describe shamelessness since the 1500s and the phrase “bold as brass” was first recorded in print in 1789. It may have been inspired by Brass Crosby, Chief Magistrate of London, who defied […]
The phrase “down to earth” describes practical, approachable people who prioritize relationships over possessions. It emerged in the early 20th century, possibly influenced by the film industry and a British saying. Despite sometimes being perceived as less educated, down-to-earth individuals are often highly educated and dismissive of class structures. They prioritize honesty and openness in […]
“As a rule” means usually or for the most part and is used to express routine or habit. It can describe personal, social, or defined rules and may introduce exceptions or examples. It can add flow or authority to speech but may also be used to legitimize objectionable things or lend credibility to weak arguments. […]
“Other impairment to health” (OHI) refers to physical or mental conditions that affect a child’s academic performance, requiring an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Education Plan. Conditions include asthma, ADD/ADHD, heart defects, COPD, kidney disease, diabetes, cancer, liver disease, or sickle cell disease. Establishing OHI status involves accessing medical records and evaluating the condition’s […]
Quantization is a linguistic method to determine how a noun should be used in a sentence. It involves breaking down an element to its smallest possible portion while still being the same element. The quantity of the article determines the shape and position of the word. American English has complex and changing rules for quantization. […]
The idiom “once bitten twice shy” means that someone who has been hurt in the past will be cautious in similar situations. This can apply to romantic relationships or work situations. It is a natural instinct for self-preservation. “Once bitten twice shy” is an idiom that comes from an old English proverb. The general intent […]
“To call on the carpet” means to scold someone, originally by an authority figure to a subordinate. Its origins are uncertain, but may refer to a servant being summoned to a carpeted area or to a table where authorities sat. The phrase is primarily used in the US, while in Britain a similar rebuke was […]
The idiom “cost an arm and a leg” means something is extremely expensive, with unclear origins. Theories include limb-by-limb billing by portrait painters, military demotion, and criminal underworld desperation. When something is said to cost an arm and a leg, it is extremely expensive. The subtext of this idiom is that the price could be […]
“Been there, done that” is an idiom indicating experience with a topic, often used to denote boredom. It has been expanded to include “got the shirt/cup/magnet”. Originally referring to tourist destinations, it is now used in various contexts. The phrase originated in Australia but was popularized in the US by a Mountain Dew commercial in […]
The phrase “all the tea in China” means that the speaker will not concede to any proposition at any price. It refers to China’s large supply of tea, which would be extremely valuable. It may also have historical significance related to trade in China. It should not be confused with the phrase “what does (x) […]
