We Have Seen Better Days Meaning To have been more wealthy or in better condition in former times. Origin When it was first coined this phrase referred to people …
We are not Amused Meaning A quotation, attributed to Queen Victoria. Origin This supposed quotation was attributed to Queen Victoria by Caroline Holland in Notebooks of a Spinster Lady, …
Wake Up Living Meaning Good night; having a safe night’s sleep. Origin In some parts of Africa, people say Wake up living instead of saying Good night.
Walk The Plank Meaning A form of execution in which victims were forced to walk, often blindfold and with hands tied, off a plank of wood and into the …
Veg Out Meaning Relax in a slothful and mindless manner. Origin This phrase dervies from the association of vegetables with mental incapacity; in the way that mentally disabled people …
Vanish into thin Air Meaning Disappear without trace. Origin Shakespeare came close to this phrase in Othello, 1604: Clown: Then put up your pipes in your bag, for I’ll …
Van Surfing Meaning Surfing (a.k.a. surfboarding) – originally the riding of a wave while standing or lying on a surfboard. Now also applied figuratively to other activities, e.g. ‘surfing …
Upper Hand Meaning Control of a situation. Example If you are wondering who has the upper hand in your relationship, the next time you get up to fetch drinks, …
Upper Crust Meaning The better part of something. Example Prince Charles considers himself as part of the upper crust. Origin In the 1500s, bread was divided according to status. …
Up The Creek without a paddle Meaning You’re in deep trouble and unable to do anything about it. Example His first parachute wouldn’t open, then the emergency one failed …