Category: Phrase Analysis

Baby Blues

Meanings of “Baby Blues” The phrase “baby blues” means postnatal depression or anxiety that mothers feel after childbirth. Another meaning of the phrase also has a literal meaning, a pale shade of blue color. Origin of “Baby Blues” The phrase…

Be Enthralled

Meaning of “Be Enthralled” The phrase “be enthralled” or to be enthralled means to become captivated of something on account of concentrating on it. It also means to be bewitched by something. Origin of “Be Enthralled” The phrase “be enthralled”…

Bless You

Meaning of “Bless You” The phrase ‘bless you’ is derived from the phrase, God bless you. It is mostly used when sending God’s blessings to someone or wishing someone good luck. The phrase is also often used when someone sneezes…

Beck and Call

Meaning of “Beck and Call” The phrase “beck and call” means to be meek to a person and be available at someone’s call or request. It also means become a person’s obedient servant willingly or unwillingly. In other words, it…

Beauty Is In The Eye Of The Beholder

Meaning of “Beauty Is in the Eye of the Beholder” The proverb ‘beauty is in the eyes of the beholder’ has its literal meaning. It means the person who sees things evaluate the beauty of those things on the standard…

Beat Around the Bush

Meaning of “Beat Around the Bush” The phrase “beat around the bush” means to talk about different things instead of the actual topic. It means to evade the mentioned point that is being discussed in a group. Often the phrase…

Bats in the Belfry

Meaning of “Bats in the Belfry” The phrase “bats in the belfry” means crazy or eccentric behavior. Bats usually fly around erratically when they are moved. Hence, the phrase is often suitable to use if a person is running around…

Be All and End All

Meaning of “Be All and End All” The phrase ‘be all and end all’ means anything that is very important or crucial. In other words, it also means the last word or the whole thing that has been said or…

Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid

Meaning of “Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid” The phrase ‘be afraid, be very afraid’ has comic undertones coupled with warnings of dangers about to occur. It is also used as a comical effect to warn a person for silliest dangers…

Bated Breath

Meaning of “Bated Breath” The phrase ‘bated breath’ means to hold one’s breath in fear or hesitance. It also means to suppress one’s feelings, fear, or suspense for a certain period. Origin of “Bated Breath” The phrase ‘bated breath’ seems…

Battle Royal

Meaning of “Battle Royal” The phrase “battle royal” means a situation when things go topsy-turvy, or there is general mayhem or when there is a fight that involves everyone. It also means a situation when everybody has an equal opportunity.…

Batten Down the Hatches

Meaning of “Batten Down the Hatches” The phrase “batten down the hatches” means to prepare oneself for the impending disaster or trouble to either face or make preparations to save oneself from it. Origin of “Batten Down the Hatches” The…

Bad Hair Day

Meaning of “Bad Hair Day” The phrase “bad hair day” has two meanings. One is a literal meaning and self-explanatory. The expression is also used when everything goes wrong. ‘Bad hair day’ is one of the modern phrases from an…

Badger To Death

Meaning of “Badger to Death” The phrase “badger to death” means to harass, trouble, or persecute somebody. Most often, the phrase is used when a person is bullied, taunted emotionally, or hurt physically. It is often used for minority communities…

Bag and Baggage

Meaning of “Bag and Baggage” The phrase “bag and baggage” means everything a person is carrying with him or has them at home. The phrase is often used to tell about a person’s total possessions. Origin of “Bag and Baggage”…

Baker’s Dozen

Meaning of “Baker’s Dozen” The phrase “baker’s dozen” means more than a dozen, thirteen doughnuts, or bread loaf or pastries. Sometimes, it could even be fourteen. In other words, when we buy a dozen of an item such as vegetables,…

Bane of Your Life

Meaning of “Bane of Your Life” The phrase “bane of your life” means a source of destruction of someone’s life. The person might face life-threatening situations, injuries, or death by anything or anyone. As the word ‘bane’ means curse, the…

Back to the Drawing Board

Meaning of “Back to the Drawing Board” The phrase “back to the drawing board” means to start a new design, idea, or proposal. It is similar to ‘Back to square one’. However, it is commonly used in architecture or design…

Back to Square One

Meanings of “Back to Square One” The phrase “back to square one” means to come to the starting point without any progress. It also means a person has already spent significant time on the work again. Since then, it had…

Back Seat Driver

Meaning of “Back Seat Driver” The phrase “back seat driver” means a passenger who criticizes the driver and his decisions while sitting behind or on the passengers’ seat. He or she instructs a professional without knowing the challenges. It also…