Category: English Phrase
Everything but the Kitchen Sink Meaning Practically everything there is; every possible object whether needed or not. Origin This expression was born in the early 20th century and became …
Even Steven Meaning An equitable distribution. Example She thinks he doesn’t do his share of the housework, while he says things are even steven. Origin “Even steven” is merely …
Eleventh Hour Meaning The latest possible time. Example The student handed in his take-home exam at the eleventh hour. Origin This early 1800s phrase alludes to the parable of …
Egg on your face Meaning To be embarrassed. Example Make sure you have your story straight go public without the facts and you will have egg on your face. …
Eating Humble Pie Meaning To be proven wrong, usually after boasting. Example With the fall of the Soviet Union, the communists are eating humble pie. Origin Humble pie is …
Eat Your Heart Out Meaning Intended to make one feel bitterness or pain as they long for something out of reach. Example Eat your heart out Jillian, I’m seeing …
Eat one’s Words Meaning To admit that what you said was wrong. To retreat in a humiliating way. Example Trudy said that Joe would never succeed with his humour …
Easy as Pie Meaning Simple to accomplish, easy to do. Example Spending money is as easy as pie, accumulating wealth is tough. Origin Easy as pie (or apple pie) …
Earn One’s Stripes Meaning Gain a position through hard work and accumulated experience. Example She earned her stripes by serving for 30 years as the World Vision coordinator. Origin …
Earmark Something Meaning Marking something to indicate ownership. Origin This phrase comes from the ancient habit of marking cattle ears with a tab to indicate ownership. In Biblical times …
