Tag: English Phrase
Get off on the wrong foot Meaning Make a bad start to a project or relationship. Origin This has the sound of an old expression – from Shakespeare, the …
Get Down to Brass Tacks Meaning Engage with the basic facts or realities. Origin The figurative expression ‘getting down to brass tacks’ isn’t particularly old as phrases go. Its …
Get A Leg Up Meaning To get a boost or advantage. Example I could get up at 5:00 am to get a leg up on my competition, but I …
Gee Whiz Meaning An interjection or exclamation of surprise. Origin This little term derived in the USA as a euphemistic shorthand for Jesus; in other words, it is a …
Gadzooks Meaning An exclamation – a euphemistic shortening of God’s hooks (the nails on the cross). Origin As the meaning suggests, this was originally two words gad’s zooks, which …
Fuzzy Wuzzy Meaning A derogatory term for a black person, especially one with fuzzy hair. Origin This term was used by 19th century British colonial soldiers for the members …
Funny Farm Meaning Mental institution. Origin From the slang use of the word ‘funny’ to mean weird, unusual and the description of mad people as ‘funny in the head’. …
Full Tilt Meaning At top speed; with maximum energy. Origin When we describe something as ’tilted’ we usually mean ‘inclined at an angle’ and it could be said to …
For The Birds Meaning Something that is worthless. Example His apology, after his deliberate and harmful actions, was for the birds in everyone else’s eyes. Origin Before the advent …
Fly Off the Handle Meaning To go into a rage. Example John McEnroe would often fly off the handle at the tennis judges for any close calls. Origin The …