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148 published notes correcting and extending our entries.
Saint Peter famously walked on water when he was full of faith. But when his faith left him, he sank. It makes sense that "petered out" could be a reference to this.
Jane Eyre, chapter 17, has "beauty is in the eye of the gazer" in quotes. It's 1847, so well before Hungerford.
I live on an island of buildings going to rack and ruin and appreciate the sentiment. I find it interesting that the term's usage spiked following WWI, when Europe was in a state…
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From the Phrase Finder Digest
- The Ashes Urn Takes Its Name From A Funeral Service, Not A Cricket Pitch
Cricket's oldest rivalry has given English two phrases that behave very differently under scrutiny. One is a genuine pitch condition with a real Victorian source; the other borrows its name from a burial service, not the game itself.
19 August 2026
- The Loud Word Behind Boomtown, Baby Boomers And The Final Frontier
Boomtown is trending again, and the word's history is a small lesson in how a sound became a synonym for sudden wealth. The same 'boom' turns up in baby boomers, in Star Trek's frontier, and in the old saying about muck and brass.
12 August 2026
Based on Google Books usage over the last ~25 years. Refreshes each build.
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- MeaningSpoiler alertA warning given before revealing details of a film, book, TV show or other story that would ruin the surprise for someone who hasn't yet experienced it.
- MeaningStitch upTo deceive or frame someone by unfairly arranging matters against them, typically so they take the blame for something they did not do.
- MeaningThe human bodyThe human body is the entire physical structure of a person, meaning all its organs, tissues and systems, as distinct from the mind or spirit.
- MeaningTour de forceA tour de force is an achievement or performance so skilful or powerful that it stands out as exceptional.
- MeaningCountry house hotelA hotel occupying a large old house, often a former manor or country estate, run to feel like a private home rather than a conventional hotel.
- MeaningEar poppingEar popping describes a sound or event that is loud or startling enough to demand immediate attention.
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Phrases.org.uk has been documenting the meaning and origin of phrases, sayings and idioms since 1997. Every entry is researched and written by Gary Martin, with citations to the earliest printed use we can find.
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