Category: English Phrase
Keen as Mustard Meaning Very enthusiastic. Origin There are many similes in English that have the form ‘as x as y’ (see this list). ‘As keen as mustard’ is …
Katy Bar The Door Meaning Quickly lock the door before something unwanted gets in (or out). Example When the intranet police come to your office, it’s Katy bar the …
Kangaroo Court Meaning A mock court, independent of regular legal procedure, set up by inmates (or others) to try a fellow prisoner for some alleged offense. Sometimes these are …
Just in Time Meaning A manufacturing/delivery process where a minimum of goods is kept in stock. Items are planned to arrive precisely at the time they are required for …
Just Deserts Meaning That which is deserved. A reward for what has been done – good or bad. Origin Deserts, in the sense of ‘things deserved’ has been used …
Jump The Shark Meaning To reach the point in a TV series that denotes it is irretrievably past its best by introducing some ridiculous or otherwise unbelievable plot device …
Jump The Gun Meaning Begin something before preparations for it are complete. Origin ‘Jump the gun’ derives from track and field races and was preceded in the USA by …
Jump on the Bandwagon Meaning To become part of the newest activity because many other people are. Example Barry’s boss has nothing to say (or ad) – unless his …
Jot or Tittle Meaning A tiny amount. Origin The phrase ‘jot or tittle’ is somewhat tautological, as both jot and tittle refer to tiny quantities. It has passed into …
Joined at The Hip Meaning Inextricably linked – inseparable. Origin The term joined at the hip derives from situation of conjoined twins (commonly called Siamese twins), although actual conjoined …