Category: Phrase Analysis

Dog’s Dinner

Meanings of “Dog’s Dinner”  The phrase “dog’s dinner” means dog’s mannerisms, confusion or confusing mess, or smartly ostentatious manners.  Origin of “Dog’s Dinner” The phrase dog’s dinner is stated to have originated in the United Kingdom in the previous century.…

Dog In The Manger

Meanings of “Dog In The Manger” The phrase “dog in the manager” means having an attitude that is very mean and spiteful; are a vengeful person. Origin of “Dog In The Manger”  The phrase “dog in the manager” is stated…

The Devil is in the Details

Meanings of “The Devil is in the Details” The phrase “the devil is in the details” means that although the details of a plan might look insignificant, they might contain hidden issues which could threaten the overall viability. Origin of…

Don’t Keep A Dog And Bark Yourself

Meanings of “Don’t Keep A Dog And Bark Yourself” The phrase/proverb “don’t keep a dog and bark yourself” means when you have employed a person to do the job, do not do it yourself. Also, it means when you have…

Don’t Go There

Meanings of “Don’t Go There” The phrase “don’t go there” means that the person in question does not want to discuss the issue anymore. It simply means that that the person wants to avoid this topic. Origin of “Don’t Go…

Die Hard

Meanings of “Die Hard” The phrase “die hard” means a person who is headstrong, determined, or devoted, and does not change his/her minority views, or his stance at any cost, and stays defiant to the circumstances. Origin of “Die Hard”…

Don’t Call Us

Meanings of “Don’t Call Us” The phrase “don’t call us” means do not take pains to pursue the matter or the application status for the job. It also means a partially polite rejection, implying that if the applicant doesn’t receive…

The Usual Suspects

Meanings of “The Usual Suspects” The phrase “the usual suspects” refers to the things, or people that are usually responsible, or are involved in a particular action, or activity. In other words, the expression is used to talk about people…

The Devil To Pay

Meanings of “The Devil To Pay” The phrase “the devil to pay” means some serious trouble that arises as a result of a specific situation or obligation. It could be difficult in some situations or even a messy situation. Origin…

The Devil’s Advocate

Meanings of “The Devil’s Advocate” The phrase “the devil’s advocate” means a person who goes against the consensual argument or a person who takes the opposite direction against the majority when arguing a case. They might do so just to…

A Stone’s Throw

Meanings of “A Stone’s Throw” The phrase “a stone’s throw” is used to indicate a short distance. The phrase also means the distance a stone can be thrown. Origin of “A Stone’s Throw” The phrase “a stone’s throw” was first sighted…

Different Strokes For Different Folks

Meanings of “Different Strokes For Different Folks” The phrase “different strokes for different folks” means different people need to be dealt with differently, or that some ways are suitable for some people and not for all people. Origin of “Different…

Dog Days

Meanings of “Dog Days” The phrase “dog days” means very hot days from the month of July to August. This is because it is extremely hot in July and August with the summer season in full swing. Origin of “Dog…

Dollars To Donuts

Meanings of “Dollars To Donuts” The phrase “dollars to donuts” means certainty or having an assurance about the possibility of something happening. Origin of “Dollars To Donuts” The phrase “dollars to donuts” is stated to have appeared first as “dollar…

Dock One’s Pay

Meanings of “Dock One’s Pay” The phrase “dock one’s pay” means to reduce, or deduct the amount from one’s pay, or salary. The partial payment is often a forced deduction. Origin of “Dock One’s Pay” The phrase “dock one’s pay”…

Differently Abled

Meanings of “Differently Abled” The phrase “differently abled” means a person suffering from a disability either physical or mental. A physical disability might be from birth or later suffered from an accent. The mental disability could be one of the…

Doff Your Hat

Meanings of “Doff Your Hat” The phrase “doff your hat” means to raise the hat to respect somebody, or pay homage to somebody, or offer due acknowledgment of some performance by raising your hat slightly. Origin of “Doff Your Hat”…

Strait and Narrow

Meanings of “Strait and Narrow” The phrase “strait and narrow” means to be godly and have good morals. It also refers to a law-abiding and conventional course. The phrase is also used with different spellings: straight and narrow. Origin of…

Thumbs Up

Meanings of “Thumbs Up” The phrase “thumbs up” is a sign of approval, saying ‘okay’ or as an encouragement. This acceptance gesture is made with all fingers closed, while the thumb stays upward. Origin of “Thumbs Up” The phrase “thumbs…

A Wild Goose Chase

Meanings of “A Wild Goose Chase” The phrase “a wild goose chase” means to pursue something that is unattainable or pointless. In other words, the phrase is used to warn people not to go after something that does not align…