The idiom “all’s well that ends well” means that as long as the end result is positive, any difficulties faced in achieving a goal are acceptable. It was popularized by Shakespeare’s play of the same name, but was already in common use among Britons. The idiomatic expression “all’s well that ends well” is usually used […]
The idiom “let sleeping dogs lie” means to avoid stirring up old conflicts or unresolved issues. It is better to agree to disagree and move on. The origin is attributed to Chaucer and refers to the danger of waking a sleeping dog. The idiom let sleeping dogs lie means not to stir up old conflicts […]
During periods of heavy trading, the consolidated tape may display a “deleted volume” note, indicating that some data may be omitted to allow the tape to recover. This can put traders at risk of making decisions based on outdated information. Volume information may be omitted for small volume trades, and depending on who runs the […]
The phrase “every cloud has a silver lining” means that there is something positive in every situation. It encourages people to look for the good things that may have come out of a bad situation. The phrase was first written by John Milton in 1634 and remains commonly used today. However, it’s important to be […]
“Smart boxing” means using intelligence to achieve a goal, and originated from the sport of boxing which has always been a mental as well as physical contest. The term is also applied to political and sporting maneuvers, and has been used as the name of various companies, albums, and computer games. By “smart box” it […]
“Bob is your uncle” is a British saying used to emphasize how easy something is to do. Its origin is unclear, but theories suggest it may refer to 19th-century Prime Minister Robert Cecil or military commander Frederick Roberts. It may also have come from earlier idiomatic expressions containing the word “bob”. “Bob is your uncle” […]
The idiom “hook, line, and sinker” means complete acceptance without hesitation. It can also imply gullibility and is often used when someone is being deceived. The phrase comes from fishing and refers to a fish that swallows everything attached to the bait. Idioms add color and expressiveness to everyday speech. When someone accepts something “hook, […]
The phrase “beggars can’t choose” means that when someone is desperate for help, they cannot be selective about what they receive. It originated in the 16th century when there was no welfare system, and beggars had to accept whatever assistance was offered to them. It can also be used as a cautionary tale not to […]
“Eristic” refers to creating conflict or confusion, named after the Greek goddess Eris. Eristic principles prolong conflict rather than resolve it and are used in modern political debates. The golden apple story is the most famous myth about Eris. In modern times, eristic tactics are used to prolong conflict and anger opponents. Discordianism was founded […]
Double-crossing is when one partner breaks a previously agreed-upon agreement, often associated with betrayal and backstabbing. The origin of the phrase may come from fixed horse races in the 1800s or the practices of thieves in 19th-century England. It is not associated with the Double Cross System used by British intelligence in WWII. When someone […]
“Flat out” is an English idiom meaning to work at maximum effort and speed. It was used in the 19th century to describe failure, but now commonly refers to hard work. It can also mean speaking without restrictions or reservations. Idioms like “flat out” allow for more conversational speech. If someone is working “at full […]
Words have denotation (factual definition) and connotation (emotional and cultural associations). Negative connotations have unpleasant undertones and can depend on individual perception. Writers must be careful with connotation to stir emotions effectively. Word meanings have two parts. The denotation of a word is a factual definition that can be found in a dictionary. Connotation, on […]
The idiom “bats in the bell tower” means someone is crazy or eccentric, originating in the late 19th century. The bats symbolize foggy mental activity or illogical thoughts. The phrase appeared in print in the late 1800s and gained use in the 20th and 21st centuries. It is recognized in both the US and England. […]
The phrase “all hell broke loose” refers to a sudden descent into chaos and confusion. It has origins in both Christian and pre-Christian religions, with Hell opening and its contents wreaking havoc. It is used to describe events and societal breakdowns, and has been used in TV shows and documentaries. The term “all hell has […]
TTFN means “ta ta for now,” a British phrase for saying goodbye. It was popularized by a radio show in the late 1940s and gained popularity in the US through Winnie-the-Pooh’s friend Tigger. TTFN is now commonly used as an acronym for “see you later” in internet chat and messaging. It can also refer to […]
“Hand in glove” is an English idiom that can refer to cooperation or a close relationship, but its exact meaning is debated. Some see it as secretive or nefarious. It should not be confused with “hand in hand” or other similar phrases like “iron fist in a velvet glove.” The English idiomatic phrase, “hand in […]
The idiom “wasp’s nest” refers to the consequences of creating controversy or changing the status quo. It can describe any situation with significant opposition, often from multiple directions. The metaphor is based on the danger of disturbing a nest and the harmlessness of leaving it alone. Opposition is usually multifaceted, and the idiom can apply […]
The phrase “on the bent knee” is used to describe a sincere and important request. Kneeling to make requests is an old tradition in Western culture, while in the Orient, people often make requests in a seated position or deep bow. The implication of kneeling is submission, indicating respect and submission to people of higher […]
“Don’t count chickens before they hatch” means not to assume you have something before you actually do. It comes from an ancient fable by Aesop about a milkmaid who spilled her milk while daydreaming. Don’t count chickens before they hatch is an old adage which means, in general, don’t act like you have something before […]
The idiom “a day late and a dollar short” means missing an opportunity due to being unprepared. It can also refer to inadequate efforts. The phrase is often used in English to emphasize the importance of time and money. It can be used euphemistically to avoid direct criticism. The phrase originated in the US and […]
