Dressing for success is important during a job interview, and it depends on the company’s dress code. If unsure, wear a conservative, solid-colored suit and polish shoes. Proper grooming is also essential, and avoid visible body piercings. During a job interview, your employer will form their first opinion of you based on the way you […]
The idiom “Better the devil you know” suggests sticking with a familiar but unpleasant situation rather than risking an unknown alternative. It uses the devil as a metaphor for the negative connotations associated with the unknown. This idiom is a type of proverb that aims to give advice to the listener. “Better the devil you […]
“Keeping up with the Joneses” refers to buying items to impress others rather than for personal desire. The phrase originated from a comic strip in the early 20th century and became part of American lexicon. Advertisers used this strategy to sell items and promote conspicuous consumption. This practice still exists today with high-tech devices. “Keeping […]
“Cold feet” refers to a moment of crisis or loss of courage before making a significant personal commitment or decision. It can be nerves or the subconscious mind’s way of backing out. The phrase’s origin is unclear, but it may have originated in Germany during the 1860s or in Stephen Crane’s 1894 work Maggie: A […]
The phrase “cross to bear” refers to an emotional or spiritual burden, originating from the New Testament story of Jesus carrying his cross. It became an expression for a burden that someone must carry alone, often with religious overtones. The phrase has also been used humorously as a mondegreen, such as “Gladly the Cross-Eyed Bear.” […]
“Insha’Allah” means “God willing” in Arabic and is used by devout Muslims when making plans to ask for God’s blessing and acknowledge submission to God’s will. It is also mentioned in the Qur’an and a similar sentiment appears in the Bible. “Masha’Allah” means “God willed it.” Visitors to the Middle East may hear “insha’Allah” used […]
“To have a blast” is a popular expression for having a good time, often involving energetic fun and rule-breaking. It can also be used sarcastically. The origin of the phrase is unclear, as “explosion” has multiple meanings and idiomatic uses. Someone who is out at a barbecue where the food is plentiful, the drinks are […]
The phrase “opening a can of worms” means creating new problems while trying to solve one. It may have originated from bait shops selling live worms to anglers. It is similar to Pandora’s box, where opening it released plagues upon the world. While opening a can of worms can be cathartic, it can also lead […]
Location is crucial for the success of a business, as customers need to be aware of it before they can patronize it. The physical location, history of the building, community, job market, and advertising positions are all important factors to consider. A great position and visible advertising spaces may be more expensive, but they will […]
“Don’t sweat the little stuff” means to focus on what’s important instead of worrying about trivial matters. It’s an idiom that requires interpretation based on context clues or prior knowledge. In the workplace and relationships, it’s important to prioritize and not let small things distract from the bigger picture. Parents can also choose to not […]
The phrase “mind your Ps and Qs” has multiple possible origins, including referring to premium quality, learning lowercase letters, and avoiding overcharging at a bar. Some suggest it could mean “please and thank you”. The phrase is used less frequently now, but parents can still teach their children its meaning. Remember that P and Q […]
Stet is a Latin word used in publishing to indicate that a change should not be made and the original language should be valid. It is an imperative verb and can be used to replace other correction marks. Stet is the third person singular present subjunctive of the Latin word stare, meaning “to stand.” It […]
“Box and dice” is an Australian English expression meaning “everything”. It comes from dice games where the box and dice are the only equipment needed. It is a merism, a phrase where multiple parts of a whole serve as the image of the whole. It is not common in American or British English but is […]
“Long in the tooth” is an idiom referring to older people who are too experienced for a particular role. The phrase comes from the practice of examining horses’ teeth to determine their age. The phrase is often used in sports, theater, and social engagements, and can also be applied to inanimate objects. The expression “don’t […]
Career ladder refers to an employee’s ability to move up within a company or industry as new skills are acquired. Benefits include more responsibility, better pay, and higher job satisfaction. Formal training, networking, and hard work can help move up the ladder, but lateral moves may also occur. Leaving a company may require starting over. […]
The idiom “All roads lead to Rome” means different methods lead to the same result, originating from the Roman Empire’s intricate road system. The phrase has taken on a figurative meaning in modern times, adding flavor to everyday speech. “All roads lead to Rome” is an English idiom meaning that different methods of doing something […]
The phrase “my blood runs cold” is often used to describe extreme fear or terror, usually caused by something violent or scary. It can also be used to describe the physical sensation of hypothermia. The expression has been used in literature and music, and it is recommended to avoid situations that could cause fear or […]
“Good to go” means ready for action, often used in group activities. Its origins are unclear, but it likely originated in US military or aviation terminology. It is commonly used in the US and has an alliterative sound that is easy to remember. “Good to go” is an English idiom meaning that someone or something […]
“Blow me down” is an English idiom used to express extreme surprise or amazement. Its origins come from old nautical slang and it is related to the phrase “hit me with a feather.” The unexpected news is so startling that it figuratively overthrows them. The phrase is often associated with sailing clubs and the American […]
“Icing on the cake” is an idiom with two meanings: adding a positive factor to an already good situation or adding a negative factor to an already bad situation. It is often used sarcastically and can refer to situations or tangible objects. The phrase is used in various contexts, including as business names. The “icing […]
