http://www.phrases.org.uk/a-phrase-a-week/ The meanings and origins of English phrases, sayings and idioms. A newly researched phrase is added each week. en-us Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT apaw@phrasefinder.co.uk (Gary Martin) http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/a-bird-in-the-hand.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/a-bird-in-the-hand.html Yes, it is. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/handle-with-kid-gloves.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/handle-with-kid-gloves.html I kid you not. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/cold-turkey.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/cold-turkey.html Just chat amongst yourselves. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/nail-your-colours-to-the-mast.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/nail-your-colours-to-the-mast.html Go on, you know you want to. Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/second-guess.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/second-guess.html You old second guesser, you. Fri, 6 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/security-blanket.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/security-blanket.html Feeling insecure? - you know you need this. Fri, 30 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/chalk-and-cheese.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/chalk-and-cheese.html No, really, they are different. Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/weasel-words.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/weasel-words.html Up to 50% or more words with this piece... Fri, 09 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/the-writing-is-on-the-wall.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/the-writing-is-on-the-wall.html The moving finder writes... Fri, 25 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/pigs-ear.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/pigs-ear.html Pig's where? Fri, 18 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/a-norange.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/a-norange.html Norange? No such word you say? Well,maybe. Fri, 11 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/what-you-see-is-what-you-get.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/what-you-see-is-what-you-get.html Coine by computer boffins? No, coined by kids. Fri, 4 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/double-dutch.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/double-dutch.html Uncoil that rope. Fri, 28 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/jack-phrases.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/jack-phrases.html Jack - the most common of all men. Fri, 21 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/pony-up.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/pony-up.html Hey, pony. Where's that sick squid you owe me? Fri, 14 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/fathom-out.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/fathom-out.html Come here; I want to fathom you. Fri, 7 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/if-the-shoe-fits.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/if-the-shoe-fits.html Then wear it. Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/bunny-boiler.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/bunny-boiler.html Tastes like chicken, I am told. Fri, 23 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/may-you-live-in-interesting-times.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/may-you-live-in-interesting-times.html Or perhaps you'd prefer not to. Fri, 16 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/for-good-measure.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/for-good-measure.html Measure twice; cut once. Fri, 9 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/like-it-or-lump-it.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/like-it-or-lump-it.html Lump? What's that? Fri, 2 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/blood-sweat-and-tears.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/blood-sweat-and-tears.html Woe, woe, and twice woe. Fri, 26 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/loose-cannon.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/loose-cannon.html Clergyman with a stomach upset? I don't think so. Fri, 19 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/in-the-sticks.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/in-the-sticks.html No, not the Styx; the sticks. Fri, 12 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/forlorn-hope.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/forlorn-hope.html Don't give up - the army didn't. Fri, 05 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/abracadabra.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/abracadabra.html And for my next trick... Fri, 29 Jul 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/between-a-rock-and-a-hard-place.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/between-a-rock-and-a-hard-place.html Not the best position to be in. Fri, 22 Jul 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/booby-prize.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/booby-prize.html Step right up - win a prize. Fri, 15 Jul 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/fair-to-middling.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/fair-to-middling.html This week's phrase is fair to middling. Yes, it is. Fri, 08 Jul 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/bean-counter.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/bean-counter.html How many beans make five? Fri, 01 Jul 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/turn-of-phrase.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/turn-of-phrase.html This week it's the turn of Turn of Phrase. Fri, 24 Jun 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/up-the-pole.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/up-the-pole.html In trouble? Get off that pole. Fri, 17 Jun 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/purple-patch.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/purple-patch.html Torn your loons? You need a purple patch. Fri, 10 Jun 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/rest-on-his-laurels.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/rest-on-his-laurels.html That doesn't sound very comfortable. Fri, 03 Jun 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/mans-best-friend.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/mans-best-friend.html He is now. Fri, 27 May 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/jack-of-all-trades.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/jack-of-all-trades.html Who was Jack? Fri, 20 May 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/as-daft-as-a-brush.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/as-daft-as-a-brush.html How many brushes does it take to change a lightbulb? Fri, 13 May 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/eeny-meeny-miny-mo.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/eeny-meeny-miny-mo.html So many origins - take your pick. Fri, 6 May 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/hard-hearted.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/hard-hearted.html Have you tried Aspirin? Fri, 29 Apr 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/beat-around-the-bush.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/beat-around-the-bush.html Get to the point. Fri, 22 Apr 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/dressed-to-the-nines.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/dressed-to-the-nines.html Go on; go one over the eight. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/say-cheese.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/say-cheese.html Go on; you know you want to. Fri, 25 Mar 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/which-is-which.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/which-is-which.html Find out what's what. Fri, 18 Mar 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/mums-the-word.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/mums-the-word.html I'm an Egyptian prince - my daddy was a mummy. Fri, 11 Mar 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/whats-not-to-like.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/whats-not-to-like.html Really - what? Fri, 04 Mar 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/let-bygones-be-bygones.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/let-bygones-be-bygones.html That money you owe me; let's forget it. Fri, 25 Feb 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/all-intents-and-purposes.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/all-intents-and-purposes.html To all intents and purposes, this explains the phrase's origin. Fri, 18 Feb 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/its-not-rocket-science.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/its-not-rocket-science.html No; it isn't. Fri, 11 Feb 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/as-cute-as-a-bugs-ear.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/as-cute-as-a-bugs-ear.html Doesn't sound cute - but it is. Fri, 04 Feb 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/take-the-gilt-off-the-gingerbread.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/take-the-gilt-off-the-gingerbread.html Mmm - cake, gold-plated cake. Fri, 28 Jan 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/beyond-the-pale.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/beyond-the-pale.html What's behind that bucket? Fri, 21 Jan 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/spruce-up.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/spruce-up.html A new year - time to tidy-up the language locker. Fri, 14 Jan 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/let-there-be-light.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/let-there-be-light.html 400 years later, let there be light. Fri, 07 Jan 2011 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/doff-your-hat.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/doff-your-hat.html What does on must do off. Fri, 31 Dec 2010 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/my-cup-of-tea.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/my-cup-of-tea.html Two sugars, please. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/have-no-truck-with.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/have-no-truck-with.html No, thank you. Fri, 17 Dec 2010 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck.html Psst! Wanna buy a used phrase? Fri, 10 Dec 2010 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/fed-up.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/fed-up.html Keep eating - you look too cheerful. Fri, 03 Dec 2010 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/five-o-clock-shadow.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/five-o-clock-shadow.html Is it that time already? I'm feeling rather unkempt. Fri, 26 Nov 2010 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/knock-into-a-cocked-hat.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/knock-into-a-cocked-hat.html Hatted and battered. Fri, 19 Nov 2010 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/good-riddance.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/good-riddance.html ...and take your bad rubbish with you. Fri, 12 Nov 2010 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/montezumas-revenge.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/montezumas-revenge.html You don't need to go all the way to Mexico... Fri, 05 Nov 2010 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/houston-we-have-a-problem.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/houston-we-have-a-problem.html No chance you could beam us down is there? Fri, 29 Oct 2010 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/vice-versa.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/vice-versa.html It's versa vice all over again. Fri, 22 Oct 2010 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/mind-your-ps-and-qs.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/mind-your-ps-and-qs.html Go on then. Mind them. Fri, 15 Oct 2010 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/a-little-knowledge-is-a-dangerous-thing.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/a-little-knowledge-is-a-dangerous-thing.html Yes; It is. Fri, 08 Oct 2010 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/carpe-diem.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/carpe-diem.html Stop carping; get plucking. Fri, 01 Oct 2010 08:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/vis-a-vis.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/vis-a-vis.html Face it, or dosey doh. Fri, 24 Sep 2010 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/cash-on-the-nail.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/cash-on-the-nail.html And you don't need to travel to Bristol to do it. Fri, 17 Sep 2010 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/pigs-might-fly.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/pigs-might-fly.html Might? They really do. Fri, 3 Sep 2010 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/dog-in-the-manger.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/dog-in-the-manger.html Got a dog? Got a manger? Best keep them apart. Fri, 27 Aug 2010 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/hat-trick.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/hat-trick.html Hat trick - is that a trick with a hat? Well, yes it is. Fri, 27 Aug 2010 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/once-in-a-blue-moon.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/once-in-a-blue-moon.html Just how rare are blue moons? Fri, 20 Aug 2010 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/as-pleased-as-punch.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/as-pleased-as-punch.html You're looking pleased. Is it all the punch you've been drinking? Fri, 13 Aug 2010 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/left-in-the-lurch.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/left-in-the-lurch.html In the lurch? Now you're right in it. Fri, 6 Aug 2010 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/it-aint-over-until-the-fat-lady-sings.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/it-aint-over-until-the-fat-lady-sings.html Nope, it really ain't. Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/clutch-at-a-straw.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/clutch-at-a-straw.html Whether you 'clutch at straws' or 'grasp at straws', what straw is that? Fri, 23 Jul 2010 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/panic-stations.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/panic-stations.html Don't panic - use your loaf. Fri, 16 Jul 2010 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/drag-race.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/drag-race.html Life's a drag man - let's have a race. Fri, 2 Jul 2010 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/the-bees-knees.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/the-bees-knees.html Mind your own bee's knees. Fri, 25 Jun 2010 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/in-the-nick-of-time.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/in-the-nick-of-time.html We say that now - they didn't in the past. Fri, 18 Jun 2010 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/get-off-your-high-horse.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/get-off-your-high-horse.html We say that now - they didn't in the past. Fri, 4 Jun 2010 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/cotton-on.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/cotton-on.html Well, do you? Fri, 28 May 2010 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/living-daylights.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/living-daylights.html Daylights - how can they be living? Fri, 14 May 2010 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/hell-in-a-handbasket.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/hell-in-a-handbasket.html Well, how would you like to get there? Fri, 7 May 2010 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/woe-betide-you.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/woe-betide-you.html Whoa there Neddy. Fri, 30 Apr 2010 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/household-words.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/household-words.html Who first made the expression 'household words' into household words? Fri, 23 Apr 2010 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/life-begins-at-forty.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/life-begins-at-forty.html But when did life begin starting at forty? Fri, 16 Apr 2010 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/hard-lines.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/hard-lines.html That's tough, but what is a line exactly? Fri, 9 Apr 2010 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/bite-the-bullet.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/bite-the-bullet.html Mmm... bullet. Fri, 2 Apr 2010 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/lock-stock-and-barrel.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/lock-stock-and-barrel.html The whole thing - it's all here. Fri, 26 Mar 2010 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/complete-shambles.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/complete-shambles.html Shambles - good or bad? Fri, 19 Mar 2010 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/nosy-parker.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/nosy-parker.html Who was Nosy Parker? Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/lark-about.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/lark-about.html But where? In the sky? In the mud? In the rigging? Fri, 5 Mar 2010 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/on-the-button.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/on-the-button.html Which button is that? Fri, 26 Feb 2010 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/in-spades.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/in-spades.html Digging around for the source of this? Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/high-on-the-hog.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/high-on-the-hog.html Another slice of ham, milord? Fri, 12 Feb 2010 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/on-the-ball.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/on-the-ball.html Yes, but which ball? Fri, 05 Feb 2010 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/without-so-much-as-a-by-your-leave.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/without-so-much-as-a-by-your-leave.html Buy your leaves, guvnor? Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/if-it-aint-broke-dont-fix-it.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/if-it-aint-broke-dont-fix-it.html 'Ain't broke'? Don't you mean 'isn't broken' old boy? Fri, 22 Jan 2010 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/hobby-horse.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/hobby-horse.html What's your hobby, horse? Fri, 15 Jan 2010 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/toffee-nosed.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/toffee-nosed.html Mmm, toffee. Fri, 08 Jan 2010 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/full-to-the-gunwales.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/full-to-the-gunwales.html Gunwales, gunnels; what are they? Fri, 01 Jan 2010 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/a-pig-in-a-poke.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/a-pig-in-a-poke.html Is that a pig in your pocket, or...? Fri, 18 Dec 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/bring-home-the-bacon.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/bring-home-the-bacon.html Who's filched my flitch? Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/sleep%20tight.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/sleep%20tight.html No, I didn't tell you to get drunk. Fri, 04 Dec 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/namby-pamby.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/namby-pamby.html Your cringing, fawning subject sire. Fri, 27 Nov 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/you-can-lead-a-horse-to-water.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/you-can-lead-a-horse-to-water.html ...but a pencil must be lead. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/red-rag-to-a-bull.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/red-rag-to-a-bull.html Excuse me Daisy - can you see this? Fri, 6 Nov 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/in-a-pickle.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/in-a-pickle.html In deep trouble. Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/raze-to-the-ground.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/raze-to-the-ground.html Shave Sir? Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/peter-out.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/peter-out.html Fizzle and splutter. Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/sir-walter-scott.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/sir-walter-scott.html Who coins the phrases? Arise, Sir Walter. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/pull-out-all-the-stops.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/pull-out-all-the-stops.html Stop that noise; I'm trying to play the organ. Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/out-of-sorts.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/out-of-sorts.html Sorted; or is it? Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/over-the-moon.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/over-the-moon.html Outer space, or in the nursery? Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/birds-of-a-feather-flock-together.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/birds-of-a-feather-flock-together.html There's a falcon. Time to flock. Fri, 4 Sep 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/card-sharp.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/card-sharp.html Look sharp, here comes a big fish. Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/lose-your-marbles.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/lose-your-marbles.html Quick, they are rolling down the drain. Fri, 21 Aug 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/by-hook-or-by-crook.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/by-hook-or-by-crook.html We will find the origin, one way or another. Fri, 14 Aug 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/swan-song.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/swan-song.html Dying to sing. Fri, 7 Aug 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/jury-is-still-out.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/jury-is-still-out.html Okay. You can come back in now. Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/fuddy-duddy.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/fuddy-duddy.html What does it mean? Fri, 24 Jul 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/tempest-in-a-teapot.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/tempest-in-a-teapot.html A what? In a where? Fri, 17 Jul 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/a-picture-is-worth-a-thousand-words.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/a-picture-is-worth-a-thousand-words.html Here's an explanation - or would you prefer a picture? Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/pass-the-buck.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/pass-the-buck.html Pass the buckie to the lefthand side. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/movers-and-shakers.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/movers-and-shakers.html Shake it up baby now. Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/plain-sailing.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/plain-sailing.html No trains; just plains and boats. Fri, 19 Jun 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/hair-of-the-dog.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/hair-of-the-dog.html Foaming at the mouth? Try some hair. Fri, 12 Jun 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/someone-is-walking-over-my-grave.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/someone-is-walking-over-my-grave.html Is it me, or is it cold in here? Fri, 05 Jun 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/off-his-own-bat.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/off-his-own-bat.html He's gone batty. Fri, 29 May 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/cotton-picking.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/cotton-picking.html Just hold on a minute. Fri, 22 May 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/cherchez-la-femme.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/cherchez-la-femme.html Is this a dagger I see before me? Fri, 15 May 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/old-codger.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/old-codger.html Could I borrow a cup of sugar? Fri, 08 May 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/la-di-da.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/la-di-da.html Oh lardy! Fri, 01 May 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/rule-of-thumb.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/rule-of-thumb.html Put that stick down. Fri, 24 Apr 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/proof-of-the-pudding.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/proof-of-the-pudding.html Go on - prove it. Fri, 17 Apr 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/copper-bottomed.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/copper-bottomed.html Need a new saucepan? Fri, 10 Apr 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/hobsons-choice.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/hobsons-choice.html What sort of choice is that? Fri, 03 Apr 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/skeleton-in-the-closet.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/skeleton-in-the-closet.html In the closet? I keep mine in a cupboard. Fri, 27 Mar 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/a-stitch-in-time.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/a-stitch-in-time.html Saves nine what? Fri, 20 Mar 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/ring-a-ring-of-roses.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/ring-a-ring-of-roses.html A plague on your folk etymology. Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/my-old-dutch.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/my-old-dutch.html From Holland? No. From Fife? No. Well, where then? Fri, 06 Mar 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/in-the-offing.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/in-the-offing.html Off you go. Fri, 27 Feb 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/yellow-belly.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/yellow-belly.html From the Wild West? More like the wild east. Fri, 20 Feb 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/augur-well.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/augur-well.html Augur or bode? Take your choice. Fri, 13 Feb 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/back%20to%20square%20one.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/back%20to%20square%20one.html Probably from a game, but which one? Fri, 6 Feb 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/wax-poetic.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/wax-poetic.html Okay, but can you also wane poetic? Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/derring-do.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/derring-do.html Derring? What's derring? Fri, 23 Jan 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/at-loggerheads.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/at-loggerheads.html Going to Wales for your holidays? Fri, 16 Jan 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/without-let-or-hindrance.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/without-let-or-hindrance.html No let, no hindrance? Do you need a rub? Fri, 09 Jan 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/double-cross.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/double-cross.html Doubling and crossing? You must really be annoyed with someone. Fri, 02 Jan 2009 11:00:00 GMT