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 Play Meaning Properly conducted conditions for a game, giving all participants an equal chance. Also used more widely to mean fairness and justice in contexts other than games. …
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 …
Even at the Turning of the Tide Meaning The ‘turning of the tide’ is literally the change of the tide from incoming to outgoing, or vice-versa. Normally the phrase …
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 …
Every Tom, Dick, and Harry Meaning Everyone, all ordinary individuals. Example The company’s newest model should appeal to every Tom, Dick, and Harry. Origin The use of masculine names …
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 …
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 …
