Category: English Phrase
Chaise Lounge Meaning Lounge chair. Example Rita felt very comfortable in the store’s new chaise lounge, imported from Paris. Origin The French called it a chaise longue or long …
Caught Red-Handed Meaning Caught in the act. Example Svend Robinson was almost caught red-handed with a piece of jewelry in his pocket. Origin For hundreds of years, stealing and …
Caught Eavesdropping Meaning A person found to be deliberately trying to overhear a conversation not intended for his/her ears. Origin The phrase goes back centuries to the time when …
Catch 22 Meaning A no win situation – one where, whatever happens, there will almost certainly be a bad outcome. Origin Catch 22 was the title of the 1955 …
Cat Bird Seat Meaning A highly advantaged position, to have it all. Example Some might describe Bill Gates as sitting in the cat bird seat. Origin Mocking birds are …
Carry The Can Meaning To take the blame for something in which others have also taken part and are largely responsible. Origin The origin probably goes back to the …
Can’t Hold a Candle to Meaning To be far less competent or have far less skills than someone else. Example When it comes to performance, Corvette can’t hold a …
Can’t Get a Word in Edgewise Meaning Unable to break into a conversation, no pause in a discussion. Example Don’t you girls ever shut up? I can’t get a …
Can It Meaning Stop what you are doing or saying. Example You’re playing your music too loud – can it! Origin Short for cancel it. M Alternative: Put it …
Buy A Pig in A Poke Meaning Buying something sight unseen. Example: Have complete knowledge about that computer before you purchase it. You cannot buy a pig in a …
