Blue
Blue plate special
Meaning
A set meal provided at a reduced price.
Examples
We were hungry but broke. The blue plate special was our only option.
Where did it originate?
USA, early 20th century.
Where is it used?
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Double denim
Meaning
Denim jeans worn with a denim shirt or jacket.
Examples
He only ever wears blue and usually it’s jeans and a shirt – the full double denim.
Where did it originate?
Britain, early 21st century.
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain and Australia.
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
Once in a blue moon
Meaning
A rare occurrence.
Examples
West Bromwich Albion have won the cup. but only every once in a blue moon.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 19th century.
Where is it used?
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Out of the blue
Meaning
Suddenly and unexpectedly.
Examples
We were sunbathing and then it just started to hail. It was literally out of the blue.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 19th century (as ‘a bolt from the blue’).
Where is it used?
Hear the idiom spoken
More idioms about
How the idiom originated
Browse more Idioms
About the Author
Idioms
A-Z
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T UV W XYZ
Categories
AdageAgreementAmericaAnimalsAphorismAustralian originBiblicalBlueBodyBrass tacksBuildingBusinessChildhoodChildrenClicheClockClothesCockney rhyming slangColourComedyConflictCountryCrimeDanceDateDeathDisgustDrinkEducationEffortEmotionEuphemismExcellenceExcessFailureFamilyFirst worldFoodFrenchFruitGreek originHabitHairHappinessHonestyHousehold itemsHyperboleLanguageLatinLegalLocationLuckMadnessMedicalMilitaryMisfortuneMoneyMusicNameNatureNauticalNonsenseNumberPatiencePlaceProverbProverbialReduplicationRelaxationReligionRiskScienceSecretsSexShakespeareSlangSportStupiditySuccessSurpriseTechnologyThe human bodyTheatreTimeToolTravelTrickeryVehicleWaterWeatherWork
Suggest a new idiom