Category Archives: Phrase of the Week

><!–[if !mso]><! v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} –> Someone is walking over my grave Meaning A response to a sudden unexplained shudder or shivering. Origin ‘Someone is walking over my grave’ seems a rather odd thing for … Continue reading →

><!–[if !mso]><! v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} –> Off his own bat Meaning By an individual’s own efforts. Origin One question that I’ve been asked several times about the figurative expression ‘off his own bat’ is “should that be … Continue reading →

><!–[if !mso]><! v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} –> Cotton-picking Meaning A general term of disapproval, of something that is troublesome or a nuisance. Origin It can come as as little surprise that the term ‘cotton-picking’ originated in … Continue reading →

> Old codger Meaning An old man, especially one who is eccentric, curmudgeonly or grotesque. Origin An episode of the UK Channel4 archeological series Time Team, in April 2009, featured an item on falconry. A falconer, suitably dressed in mock-tudor … Continue reading →

> La-di-da Meaning Used to highlight and ridicule snobbish forms of behaviour or speech. Origin ‘La-di-da’ was fading out of use in the language until it staged something of a comeback following its use by the eponymous heroine of the … Continue reading →

> Rule of thumb Meaning A means of estimation made according to a rough and ready practical rule, not based on science or exact measurement. Origin The ‘rule of thumb’ has been said to derive from the belief that English … Continue reading →

>The proof of the pudding Meaning To fully test something you need to experience it yourself. Origin ‘The proof of the pudding’ is just shorthand for ‘the proof of the pudding is in the eating’. That makes sense at least, … Continue reading →

> Every week I get an email called Phrase of the Week. It’s a very informative weekly mailing that will tell you the origin of phrases that you may or may not have heard of… so here’s this week’s! — … Continue reading →