Category: English Phrase

Fait Accompli Meaning An accomplished fact; an action which is completed before those affected by it are in a position to query or reverse it. Origin The literal translation …

Fair to Middling Meaning Mediocre, pretty good, so-so. Example When asked how his new job at Accenture was going, Barry answered fair to middling. Origin This mid-1800s phrase, often …

Fair and Square Meaning Honest and straightforward, especially of business dealings. Origin In the 16th century ‘square’ meant ‘fair and honest’ so ‘fair and square’ is tautological. George Puttenham …

Face the Music Meaning To accept the truth. Example It’s time to face the music on your donut addiction. Origin Comes from the British military. When someone was court …

Ethnic Cleansing Meaning A euphemism for the ruthless removal or killing of an ethnic or religious group from areas that have been taken over by opposing forces. Origin Although …

Et Tu Brute Meaning Supposedly the last words of Julius Caesar. Literally ‘And you, Brutus?’. Origin In 44 BC, Julius Caesar was murdered by a group of senators. They …

Everything’s Jake Meaning All is satisfactory. Example Don’t worry mate – everything’s jake. Origin The term has probably been used as much in North America as in Australia and …