Every article on the history of English, newest first.
You often hear the phrase “bite the bullet” in everyday conversation. It’s an idiom that’s not meant to be taken literally. In this article, we’re going to break down what is meant…
Most people have heard the word “launch”, but if you haven’t heard of a soft launch before, you are not alone. However, you don’t need to worry because this article is going to bre…
“Knock on wood” is a very common expression and an idiom that’s somewhat cliche. But the term is derived from such an old superstition that youngsters may not understand where this…
The phrase “diamond in the rough” may not be one that you hear everyday. However, it certainly has its place as an English idiom, and has even been used in Disney films. In this ar…
The phrase “tread lightly” is a word of advice and caution, but if you don’t know what’s meant by it, then what are you supposed to do? The good news is that this article will solv…
The phrase ‘guilty pleasure’ is one you’re likely to hear again and again. But it raises questions. What exactly is a guilty pleasure? Are guilty pleasures really such a bad thing?…
If you often find yourself on social media platforms, you may have come across the slang word ‘mid’ to describe something. If however, you’re in the dark over what it means, you’ve…
Today, we hear the phrase “on the spectrum” more and more. But the phrase is relatively recent, so when the phrase is used, it isn’t always understood. The good news however, is th…
‘Brick and mortar’ can often seem like a strange phrase, because it isn’t usually used to refer to someone’s home or even the building industry. So, if you’re confused you’re not a…
“Ignorance is bliss” is such a well known phrase that it’s almost cliche. But where did this saying come from? What does it mean, and how is it meant to be used? That’s what this a…
Just when you think you finally understand what is meant by a ‘soccer mom’ and a ‘milf’, along comes another term for mums – ‘crunchy mom’. If you’re still scratching your head abo…
There can be quite some confusion around the term ‘ride or die’ because the meaning of the phrase has changed and evolved through the years. However, this article is going to break…