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, 26 June 2009 11:00:00 GMT apaw@phrasefinder.co.uk (Gary Martin) 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 June 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 June 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 June 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 June 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 http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/make-no-bones-about.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/make-no-bones-about.html Cream of tomato, anyone? Fri, 19 Dec 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/harbinger-of-doom.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/harbinger-of-doom.html We're all doomed, doomed I tell ye. Fri, 12 Dec 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/piece-of-the-action.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/piece-of-the-action.html Gimme, gimme, gimme. Fri, 5 Dec 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/worth-ones-salt.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/worth-ones-salt.html Paying you a condiment. Fri, 28 Nov 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/dressed-to-the-nines.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/dressed-to-the-nines.html Nines? What about the tens? Fri, 21 Nov 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/graveyard-shift.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/graveyard-shift.html Everything to do with shifts and nothing to do with graves. Fri, 14 Nov 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/jump-on-the-bandwagon.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/jump-on-the-bandwagon.html Go on, you know you want to. Fri, 7 Nov 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/in-limbo.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/in-limbo.html Stuck in limbo? Could it be time to get out the pole and start dancing? Fri, 31 Oct 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/an-englishmans-home-is-his-castle.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/an-englishmans-home-is-his-castle.html Not English? Not male? So, where do you live? Fri, 17 Oct 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/hedge-your-bets.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/hedge-your-bets.html Going hedging? You'll need your pruning shears. Fri, 10 Oct 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/have-an-inkling.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/have-an-inkling.html Are you inclined to inkle? Fri, 03 Oct 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/crop-up.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/crop-up.html Something has turned up. What have crops got to do with it? Fri, 26 Sep 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/tide-over.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/tide-over.html That's going to have to last until we get new stocks. So what's tide got to do with it? Fri, 19 Sep 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/as-happy-as.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/as-happy-as.html Feeling happy chappie? You aren't the only one. Fri, 12 Sep 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/chip-on-your-shoulder.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/chip-on-your-shoulder.html Feeling chippy chappie? What's that on your shoulder, and how did it get there? Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/come-a-cropper.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/come-a-cropper.html Okay, you can come one - but what is a cropper exactly? Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/in-a-cleft-stick.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/in-a-cleft-stick.html Sounds nasty - but why? Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/as-easy-as-pie.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/as-easy-as-pie.html As easy as pie. Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/warts-and-all.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/warts-and-all.html Mirror, mirror, on the wall. Who was the wartiest of them all? Fri, 08 Aug 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/upside-down.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/upside-down.html Which century is that from? Fri, 01 Aug 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/bats-in-the-belfry.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/bats-in-the-belfry.html What is the link between the phrases 'bats in the belfry', 'dead ringer' and 'saved by the bell'? Fri, 25 Jul 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/cock%20and%20bull%20story.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/cock%20and%20bull%20story.html Did this originate in the Cock and the Bull inns in Buckinghamshire - or is that just a cock and bull story? Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/fight-fire-with-fire.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/fight-fire-with-fire.html Pass the petrol; I'm just going to put that fire out. Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/chop-chop.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/chop-chop.html Hurry up; there are choppy waters ahead. Fri, 04 Jul 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/with-bells-on.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/with-bells-on.html Bow bells? Seven bells? Hell's bells? Fri, 27 Jun 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/think-outside-the-box.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/think-outside-the-box.html Which box is that? Fri, 20 Jun 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/toodle-oo.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/toodle-oo.html I'll be toddling off. Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/high-flyer.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/high-flyer.html It's good to fly high - or is it? Fri, 06 Jun 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/till-may-is-out.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/till-may-is-out.html June. Time to take your coat off? Fri, 30 May 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/die-hard.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/die-hard.html You mean there's an easy way? Fri, 23 May 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/let-the-cat-out-of-the-bag.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/let-the-cat-out-of-the-bag.html Didn't that piglet just miaow? Fri, 16 May 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/donkeys-years.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/donkeys-years.html Howdy. I haven't seen you in donkeys. Fri, 09 May 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/bandy-words-with.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/bandy-words-with.html Bandy. Isn't that like hockey? Fri, 02 May 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/bale-out-bail-out.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/bale-out-bail-out.html Bale? Bail? Which is which? Fri, 25 Apr 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/blown-to-smithereens.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/blown-to-smithereens.html Blown where? Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/silver-bullet.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/silver-bullet.html Who was that masked man? Fri, 11 Apr 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/point-blank.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/point-blank.html What's the point? Fri, 04 Apr 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/chaise-lounge.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/chaise-lounge.html We all long to lounge. Fri, 28 Mar 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/guinea-pig.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/guinea-pig.html A what, from where? Fri, 21 Mar 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/through-thick-and-thin.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/through-thick-and-thin.html A new double act? Fri, 14 Mar 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/strait-and-narrow.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/strait-and-narrow.html Let's get this straight... Fri, 07 Mar 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/round-robin.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/round-robin.html Hood? Redbreast? Fri, 29 Feb 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/raining%20cats%20and%20dogs.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/raining%20cats%20and%20dogs.html Rein in those wild ideas. Fri, 22 Feb 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/acronyms.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/acronyms.html As rare as hen's teeth - an old acronym. Fri, 15 Feb 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/devil-to-pay.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/devil-to-pay.html Just think. Do you owe him anything? Fri, 08 Feb 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/i-havent-got-a-clue.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/i-havent-got-a-clue.html Don't string me along Fri, 1 Feb 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/best-bib-and-tucker.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/best-bib-and-tucker.html Would you need both? Fri, 25 Jan 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/ups-a-daisy.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/ups-a-daisy.html Why daisy? Fri, 18 Jan 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/parting-shot.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/parting-shot.html With an arrow? Fri, 11 Jan 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/half-cocked.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/half-cocked.html Not the best time to go off. Fri, 04 Jan 2008 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/boxing-day.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/boxing-day.html Seconds out? Fri, 28 Dec 2007 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/cook-the-books.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/cook-the-books.html Cooking the books - making a comeback. Fri, 21 Dec 2007 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/get-down-to-brass-tacks.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/get-down-to-brass-tacks.html Or is that 'brass tax'? Fri, 14 Dec 2007 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/spelling-bee.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/spelling-bee.html Why not a spelling a, or c? Fri, 07 Dec 2007 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/on-cloud-nine.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/on-cloud-nine.html Or seven, or eight, or... Fri, 30 Nov 2007 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/grass-up.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/grass-up.html Who's a pretty boy then? Fri, 23 Nov 2007 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/red-herring.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/red-herring.html Trick or treat? Fri, 16 Nov 2007 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/keep-the-ball-rolling.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/keep-the-ball-rolling.html What ball was that exactly? Fri, 09 Nov 2007 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/living-daylights.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/living-daylights.html Jeepers, creepers, where'd ya get those daylights. Fri, 02 Nov 2007 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/three-sheets-to-the-wind.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/three-sheets-to-the-wind.html One, two, three - fall over. Fri, 26 Oct 2007 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/on-the-warpath.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/on-the-warpath.html The road to rage. Fri, 19 Oct 2007 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/in-the-pink.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/in-the-pink.html Better than being in the red. Fri, 12 Oct 2007 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/toe-the-line.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/toe-the-line.html Toe? Tow? Fri, 05 Oct 2007 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/top-dog.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/top-dog.html Do you need to be a dog to be top? Fri, 28 Sep 2007 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/barking-mad.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/barking-mad.html You don't have to live in East London to be barking. You don't have to live in East London to be barking. Fri, 21 Sep 2007 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/the-whole-shebang.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/the-whole-shebang.html Shebang - is that like a ball of wax, or an enchilada, or a caboodle, or...? Fri, 14 Sep 2007 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/prime-time.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/prime-time.html Prime time - at 4am? Fri, 07 Sep 2007 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/run-the-gauntlet.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/run-the-gauntlet.html Gauntlets. Running. No connection, surely? Fri, 24 Aug 2007 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/flash-in-the-pan.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/flash-in-the-pan.html Which bright spark thought of this one? Fri, 17 Aug 2007 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/curry-favour.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/curry-favour.html Curried horse? Surely not? Fri, 10 Aug 2007 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/to-a-t.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/to-a-t.html T, tee, tea? Fri, 03 Aug 2007 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/coin-a-phrase.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/coin-a-phrase.html Who coined 'coin a phrase'? Fri, 27 Jul 2007 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/rack-and-ruin.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/rack-and-ruin.html Rack and ruin. Do you need both? Fri, 20 Jul 2007 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/take-umbrage.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/take-umbrage.html Take it? I'd need to know what it is first. Fri, 13 Jul 2007 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/curiosity-killed-the-cat.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/curiosity-killed-the-cat.html Or did it? Fri, 06 Jul 2007 11:00:00 GMT http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/get-underway.html http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/get-underway.html Under, or over?. Fri, 29 Jun 2007 11:00:00 GMT