Explore the origins, historical context, and contemporary usage of the phrase 'draw a bead on (someone), to,' a metaphorical expression rooted in 19th-century American firearm terminology.
Explore the origins, meanings, and cultural significance of the phrase 'drive someone to drink,' a metaphorical expression denoting extreme annoyance or frustration.
Explore the meaning, etymology, and cultural significance of the phrase 'go while the going is good.' Understand its historical context and contemporary relevance.
Delve into the etymology, semantic nuances, and cultural significance of the phrase 'in a pig's eye,' an American expression denoting skepticism or disbelief.
Discover the meaning, etymology, and cultural significance of the phrase 'jump in with both feet,' a twentieth-century Americanism denoting wholehearted commitment.
Explore the origins, historical context, and contemporary usage of the phrase 'lay it on the line.' Understand its evolution from an Americanism related to financial transactions to its modern meanings.
Explore the origins, meaning, and cultural significance of the phrase 'to do one's level best,' a term rooted in 19th-century Americanism and widely used to express utmost effort.
Explore the origins, semantic nuances, and cultural significance of the phrase 'out like a light,' including its historical context and contemporary relevance.
Explore the origins, semantic nuances, and cultural relevance of the phrase 'prime the pump,' tracing its evolution from a literal mechanical process to a metaphor for economic and general stimulation.
Explore the origins, meaning, and cultural significance of the phrase 'raise Cain, to,' a 19th-century Americanism alluding to biblical narratives and its impact on language and culture.
Explore the origins, meanings, and cultural significance of the phrase 'sitting pretty.' Delve into its etymology, semantic nuances, and contemporary relevance.
Discover the origins, meanings, and cultural significance of the phrase 'sure as shooting,' a classic American cliché rooted in historical firearm references.
Delve into the etymology, semantic nuances, and cultural relevance of the phrase 'well-heeled, to be'—a late nineteenth-century Americanism signifying prosperity.
Explore the meaning, etymology, and cultural significance of the phrase 'You said it,' a colloquial American expression denoting agreement and affirmation.
The largest and most comprehensive resource of its kind, The Dictionary of Clichés features thousands of unique clichés, idioms, jargon, slang, euphemisms, and metaphors, alongside common expressions.