Category: Phrase Analysis

Beware the Ides of March

Meaning of “Beware the Ides of March” The phrase “beware the Ides of March” often refers to some betrayal that is going to happen to somebody. When somebody tells a person about the Ides of March, it usually means the…

Birds of a Feather Flock Together

Meaning of “Birds of a Feather Flock Together” The proverb “birds of a feather flock together” means people having similar tastes often get together and feel comfortable in each other’s company. It also means that similar people enjoy life together…

Beware of Greeks Bearing Gifts

Meaning of “Beware of Greeks Bearing Gifts” The phrase “beware of Greeks bearing gifts” means we should never trust our enemies even if they bring gifts for us. In other words, we should always be on alert. Especially, anyone who…

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea

Meaning of “Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea” The phrase “between the devil and the deep blue sea” means a person facing two extremely difficult situations and choices. It also means either of choice will be dangerous and…

Below the Salt

Meaning of “Below the Salt” The phrase “below the salt” means common people or people who are below the accepted standard of formality in manners. Origin of “Below the Salt” The phrase “below the salt” is stated to have originated…

Best Bib and Tucker

Meaning of “Best Bib and Tucker” The phrase “best bib and tucker” means one’s best dress or clothes. It is mostly used when a person is dressed in his best. A bib is a frill at a man’s shirt, similar…

Bite the Bullet

Meaning of Bite the Bullet The phrase “bit the bullet” means to accept the reality and then face the consequences. In other words, it means that a person should accept the coming hardships and face or endure resulting issues and…

Better Late Than Never

Meanings of “Better Late Than Never” The phrase “better late than never” is proverbial. It means it is better to arrive or start work late instead of not trying. Therefore, this phrase is also used to imply that people should…

Below Par

Meaning of “Below Par” The phrase “below par” means beneath the normal or below the average capability or expectations or the set standard. In other words, the phrase “below par” means performance that is just average scores and numbers and…

Bells and Whistles

Meaning of “Bells and Whistles” The phrase “bells and whistles” means including additional traits and features of things to enhance their beauty. It also when we add other attractive features using objects to make an appliance or a person look…

Bell the Cat

Meaning of “Bell the Cat” The phrase “bell the cat” means to hang a bell around the neck of the cat. This is done to alert the rats if the cat is about to attack them. The phrase also means…

Behind Every Great Man There Is A Great Woman

Meaning of “Behind Every Great Man There Is A Great Woman” This proverb “Behind every great man is a great woman” has literal meanings. It means that a woman has been playing a significant role when a man has succeeded.…

Bling Bling

Meaning of “Bling Bling” The phrase “bling bling” is shortened as ‘bling.’ It refers to a term that shows flashiness or elaborate wearing of jewelry. The hip hop culture has popularized this term for anyone who adorns a lot of…

Behind the Eight Ball

Meaning of “Behind the Eight Ball” The phrase “behind the eight ball” means a person is in a bad situation. He or she cannot escape. It also means that the person is hard-pressed to stay where he is until a…

Beggars Can’t Be Choosers

Meaning of “Beggars Can’t Be Choosers” The proverb beggars can’t be choosers’ means that if you are a beggar, you do not have a choice. It is mostly used in terms of charity that when a person is getting everything…

Big Fish in a Small Pond

Meaning of “Big Fish in a Small Pond” The phrase “big fish in a small pond” means someone influential or important in his own circle of friends, workplace or society. It also means an overqualified person who only wants to…

Beg The Question

Meaning of “Beg the Question” The phrase ‘beg the question’ or ‘begs the question’ has been borrowed from Latin ‘petitio principia’. It means to use a previous principle to claim that the argument is true but has not been raised.…

Barrel of Laughs

Meaning of “Barrel of Laughs” The phrase “barrel of laughs” means something that is entertaining and is a source of fun. In the past, the word “barrel” was used as a replacement to “a lot of”. Therefore, this phrase means…

Bee In Your Bonnet

Meaning of “Bee in your Bonnet” The phrase “bee in your bonnet” means to be obsessed with something or some idea. A person will think endless about it. In other words, it becomes an obsession that is always stuck in…

Bean Counter

Origin of “Bean Counter” The phrase “bean counter” is mostly used for an accountant but in a disapproving way. It is used for accountants who are very fussy and excessively concerned about a correct statistical record. Meaning of “Bean Counter”…