As Thick As Thieves: Meaning and Origin The idiom “as thick as thieves” describes a relationship characterized by deep closeness, mutual loyalty, and often shared secrets or mischief. It implies a bond so strong that individuals trust and support one…
Author: admin
Baptism of Fire
Baptism of Fire The phrase “baptism of fire” describes a harsh and intense initiation into a new and challenging situation. It refers to a novice’s first real experience under pressure – a trial by ordeal that quickly separates preparedness from…
Sing a Song of Sixpence
Sing a Song of Sixpence by Mother Goose Sing a song of sixpence, A pocket full of rye, Four and twenty blackbirds Baked in a pie. When the pie was opened The birds began to sing— Wasn’t that a dainty…
As Safe As Houses
As Safe As Houses: Origins, Meaning & Literary Significance The idiom “as safe as houses” is a common expression signifying complete security and unwavering certainty. It suggests an environment or situation that is considered impervious to harm or danger. But…
A Sight for Sore Eyes
Understanding “A Sight for Sore Eyes” The phrase “a sight for sore eyes” is a warmly received idiom that expresses profound relief, joy, or gratitude upon seeing someone or something after a period of absence, hardship, or longing. It suggests…
Digging
Digging by Seamus Heaney Between my finger and my thumb The squat pen rests; snug as a gun. Under my window, a clean rasping sound When the spade sinks into gravelly ground: My father, digging. I look down Till his…
Ballad of Birmingham
Ballad of Birmingham by Dudley Randall “Mother dear, may I go downtown Instead of out to play, And march the streets of Birmingham In a Freedom March today?” “No, baby, no, you may not go, For the dogs are fierce…
The Mower
The Mower by Philip Larkin The mower stalled, twice; kneeling, I found A hedgehog jammed up against the blades, Killed. It had been in the long grass. I had seen it before, and even fed it, once. Now I had…
As Pleased As Punch
As Pleased As Punch: Unpacking a Colorful Idiom “As pleased as punch” is an idiom we use to describe someone who is exceptionally happy and proud, often to the point of being visibly delighted. But where does this curious phrase…
As Keen As Mustard
As Keen As Mustard The phrase “as keen as mustard” is a vivid idiom used to describe someone who is exceptionally eager, enthusiastic, and quick to act or understand. It suggests a lively and spirited disposition, a strong desire to…
All of a Sudden
All of a Sudden: Unpacking a Literary Phrase “All of a sudden” is a phrase deeply ingrained in the English language, signaling a swift and unexpected turn of events. But beyond its simple definition lies a rich history and a…
All in All
All in All: Exploring a Versatile Phrase The phrase “all in all” is a common idiom used to indicate a comprehensive consideration of all factors before reaching a conclusion. It suggests a summing up, a final assessment after weighing various…
On Being Brought from Africa to America
On Being Brought from Africa to America by Phillis Wheatley ‘Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land, Taught my benighted soul to understand That there’s a God, that there’s a Saviour too: Once I redemption neither sought nor knew.…
10 Great Metaphors from Popular 1970’s Songs
Metaphors are used to compare an object or a person to something that is not directly relatable. Most lyricists use metaphorical language to describe their thoughts and emotions. It fuels the passions and tugs at heartstrings and gives the right…
London
London by William Blake I wander thro’ every chartered street, Near where the chartered Thames does flow. And mark in every face I meet Marks of weakness, marks of woe. In every cry of every man, In every infant’s cry…
As Pure As The Driven Snow
As Pure As The Driven Snow The phrase “as pure as the driven snow” is a simile used to describe someone or something possessing exceptional innocence, cleanliness, or moral uprightness. The image evokes the pristine whiteness of freshly fallen snow,…
When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer
When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer by Walt Whitman When I heard the learn’d astronomer, When the proofs, the figures, were ranged in columns before me, When the proofs, the figures, were shown to me to add, divide, and measure…
As Good Luck Would Have It
Understanding “As Good Luck Would Have It” The phrase “as good luck would have it” suggests that an event occurred due to fortunate chance, or serendipity. It implies that circumstances aligned in a positive way, often unexpectedly, to produce a…
As Happy As a Clam
Understanding “As Happy As a Clam” The phrase “as happy as a clam” comes from the fuller expression “happy as a clam at high water.” The idiom reflects the safety and contentment a clam feels when it is covered by…
10 Great Metaphors from Popular 1960s’ Songs
The relationship of music, song and figurative devices cannot be denied. Especially most songwriters use similes and metaphors in their lyrics. Metaphors are used to color the words and convey the messages in the song ready to relate to the…