Explore the meaning, historical origins, and cultural significance of the phrase 'under one's breath.' Learn about its usage in literature and contemporary contexts.
Explore the origins, semantic nuances, and cultural significance of the cliché 'under one's nose.' Learn how this phrase, dating back to the 1600s, remains relevant in contemporary language.
Explore the phrase 'under one's belt,' its definition, historical origins, semantic nuances, and cultural relevance. Learn how this expression signifies accumulated experience and its enduring presence in language.
Explore the meaning, etymology, and cultural significance of the phrase 'under the radar,' a term originating from aviation and now widely used in various contexts.
Explore the origins, meanings, and cultural significance of the phrase 'under the table,' a term often associated with secretive and dishonest transactions.
Explore the origins, semantic nuances, and cultural significance of the phrase 'under the weather,' commonly used to describe feeling unwell or out of sorts.
Explore the origins, semantic nuances, and cultural significance of the phrase 'unsung heroes.' Discover its historical context and relevance in contemporary discourse.
Explore the origins, meaning, and cultural significance of the phrase 'the unvarnished truth,' tracing its historical roots and contemporary relevance.
Discover the origins, semantic nuances, and cultural relevance of the phrase 'up a notch,' a term signifying an increase in intensity or value, often used in contemporary discourse.
Explore the origins, meanings, and cultural significance of the phrase 'up against it/the wall,' a slang expression denoting trouble or difficulty, with historical insights and literary examples.
Explore the origins, meanings, and cultural significance of the phrase 'up and about/doing,' including its etymology, semantic nuances, and contemporary relevance.
Explore the meaning, etymology, and cultural significance of the phrase 'up for grabs.' Discover its usage in literature and modern contexts, along with related expressions.
Explore the meaning, etymology, and cultural significance of the phrase 'up in arms,' tracing its evolution from a literal expression of rebellion to a figurative representation of anger.
Explore the etymology, semantic nuances, and cultural relevance of the phrase 'up one's alley,' including its historical context and contemporary usage.
Explore the meaning, origins, and cultural significance of the phrase 'up one’s sleeve, to have something,' a common expression denoting a hidden resource or surprise.
Explore the meaning, etymology, and cultural significance of the phrase 'up to one’s ears/eyes/eyebrows, to be,' commonly used to describe being completely engrossed or overwhelmed.
Explore the meaning, history, and cultural significance of the phrase 'up to par.' Learn how this expression is used in various contexts and its contemporary relevance.
Explore the origins, semantic nuances, and contemporary relevance of the phrase 'up to scratch,' including its historical roots in sports and its usage in literature.
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.