Meaning of “No Dice” Origin of Phrase with examples.
No Dice Meaning A refusal to accept a proposition – equivalent to ‘nothing doing’. Origin This is a US phrase and originated there in the early 20th century. Gambling …
Meaning of “Nitty-Gritty” Origin of Phrase with examples.
Nitty-Gritty Meaning The heart of the matter; the basic essentials; the harsh realities. Origin Any turn of phrase that is suspected as being racist is subject to close scrutiny, …
Meaning of “Needs Must” Origin of Phrase with examples.
Needs Must Meaning Necessity compels. In current usage this phrase is usually used to express something that is done unwillingly but with an acceptance that it can’t be avoided. …
Meaning of “Nasty, Brutish and Short” Origin of Phrase with examples.
Nasty, Brutish and Short Meaning The life of mankind when in his natural state. Origin Nasty, brutish and short aren’t a firm of particularly unpleasant lawyers but a quotation …
Meaning of “Name will be Mudd” Origin of Phrase with examples.
Name will be Mudd Meaning Reputation will be ruined. Example If word gets out that you are a peeping Tom, your name will be mudd. Origin A reference to …
Meaning of “Name and Shame” Origin of Phrase with examples.
Name and Shame Meaning The publication of the identity of a person or group that is culpable in some anti-social act in order to shame them into remorse. Origin …
Meaning of “Namby-Pamby” Origin of Phrase with examples.
Namby-Pamby Meaning Weak and affectedly sentimental. Origin Namby-Pamby was the disparaging nickname given to the English poet and playwright, Ambrose Phillips. His contemporaries Henry Carey, John Gay, Alexander Pope …
Meaning of “Nail Your Colours to the Mast” Origin of Phrase with examples.
Nail Your Colours to the Mast Meaning To display one’s opinions and beliefs. Also used to mean to show one’s intention to hold on to those beliefs until the …
Meaning of “My Giddy Aunt” Origin of Phrase with examples.
My Giddy Aunt Meaning My giddy aunt is an expression used to denote surprise. Origin The giddy in this instance is probably unrelated to a sense of spinning around …
Meaning of “My Better Half” Origin of Phrase with examples.
My Better Half Meaning My husband or my wife. Origin This term wasn’t originally restricted to referring to one’s spouse as we use it now, but to a dear …