Category: English Phrase
Get Down to Brass Tacks Meaning Engage with the basic facts or realities. Origin The figurative expression ‘getting down to brass tacks’ isn’t particularly old as phrases go. Its …
Get A Leg Up Meaning To get a boost or advantage. Example I could get up at 5:00 am to get a leg up on my competition, but I …
Gee Whiz Meaning An interjection or exclamation of surprise. Origin This little term derived in the USA as a euphemistic shorthand for Jesus; in other words, it is a …
Gadzooks Meaning An exclamation – a euphemistic shortening of God’s hooks (the nails on the cross). Origin As the meaning suggests, this was originally two words gad’s zooks, which …
Fuzzy Wuzzy Meaning A derogatory term for a black person, especially one with fuzzy hair. Origin This term was used by 19th century British colonial soldiers for the members …
Funny Farm Meaning Mental institution. Origin From the slang use of the word ‘funny’ to mean weird, unusual and the description of mad people as ‘funny in the head’. …
Full Tilt Meaning At top speed; with maximum energy. Origin When we describe something as ’tilted’ we usually mean ‘inclined at an angle’ and it could be said to …
For The Birds Meaning Something that is worthless. Example His apology, after his deliberate and harmful actions, was for the birds in everyone else’s eyes. Origin Before the advent …
Fly Off the Handle Meaning To go into a rage. Example John McEnroe would often fly off the handle at the tennis judges for any close calls. Origin The …
Fish or Cut Bait Meaning Focus on what you are doing or stop doing it altogether. Example You’ve been sliding along getting Fs in school for 2 years. It’s …
