Category: Phrase Analysis

The More the Merrier

Meanings of “The More the Merrier” The phrase “the more the merrier” refers to a positive and happy expression. The phrase is also used to welcome someone to join an activity or group. It implies that the more the number…

The Great Unwashed

Meanings of “The Great Unwashed” The phrase “the great unwashed” refers to ordinary, or poor people. In a literal sense, the phrase is a derogatory appellation of the lower sections used by the middle and elite class. Origin of “The…

The Cat’s Pajamas

Meanings of “The Cat’s Pajamas” The phrase “the cat’s pajamas” is used to indicate or express a highly impressive, admired or exceptionally adorable thing or person. Origin of “The Cat’s Pajamas” Although UK English prefers the spelling “pyjamas”, US English…

Tempest in a Teapot

Meanings of “Tempest in a Teapot” The phrase “storm in a teacup” or “tempest in a teapot” means an insignificant incident, or event that receives an exaggerated reaction as if it were serious. Origin of “Tempest in a Teapot” English…

Deus Ex Machina

Meanings of “Deus Ex Machina” The phrase “deus ex machina” means someone who comes in the very nick of time to solve a problem. It also means that an event or a power-saving a hopeless situation. As a device, it…

Designer Stubble

Meanings of “Designer Stubble” The phrase “designer stubble” means a short beard that gives an unkempt appearance. It also exudes rugged masculinity. Origin of “Designer Stubble” The word stubble has been used since the 13th century to describe short cut…

Derring-do

Meanings of “Derring-do” The phrase “derring-do” means to do heroic or daring acts, or take up the courage to do something extraordinary that other people cannot do. Origin of “Derring-do” The phrase “derring-do” is derived from Troilus and Criseyde written…

Delusions Of Grandeur

Meanings of “Delusions Of Grandeur” The phrase “delusions of grandeur” means false belief about someone’s significance or importance. This false belief could also be an exaggeration or a delusion. Most of these beliefs appear in the shape of megalomania, which…

Death And Taxes

Meanings of “Death And Taxes” The phrase “death and taxes” means that you have to pay taxes until you are alive. It also means that the inevitability of death can make you free from the burden of tax, or else…

Dead Ringer

Meanings of “Dead Ringer” The phrase “dead ringer” means an exact duplicate/copy of something. The phrase can also be used as a replacement for doppelganger when two people are not twins and yet have similar features. Origin of “Dead Ringer”…

Dead Cat Bounce

Meanings of “Dead Cat Bounce” The phrase “dead cat bounce” means a temporary recovery from some financial crisis. It is mostly used in the financial markets where after a slump, a temporary recovery ensues for a time, and then the…

Darkest Hour Is Just Before The Dawn

Meanings of “Darkest Hour Is Just Before the Dawn” The phrase/proverb “darkest hour is just before the dawn” means that there is always a ray of hope even in the worst situations, or circumstances. The phrase is used to give…

Daylight Robbery

Meanings of “Daylight Robbery” The phrase “daylight robbery” means to swindle in the business, or day to day transactions. It simply implies an unfair and blatant overcharging. The phrase is used when a person has to pay too much for…

Davy Jones’ Locker

Meanings of “Davy Jones’ Locker” The phrase “Davy Jones’ locker” means the bottom of the sea that is a mythical place where all the mariners rest after they are drowned in the sea. Origin of “Davy Jones’ Locker” The phrase…

Dark Horse

Meanings of “Dark Horse” The phrase “dark horse” means a person who comes out from nowhere, wins, and becomes a hero. It also means a person who was little known in his circle, suddenly taking up the heroic or leadership…

Darby And Joan

Meanings of “Darby And Joan” The phrase “Darby and Joan” means an elderly couple having lived with each other for a long, and has become an archetype for old age. Origin of “Darby And Joan” The phrase had a common…

Damp Squib

Meanings of “Damp Squib” The phrase “damp squib” means utter failure, or something that falls short of expectations, or some anticlimax, or something that is utterly disappointing. It is also used for unimpressive situations, or events, or circumstances. Origin of…

Cut To The Chase

Meanings of “Cut To The Chase” The phrase “cut to the chase” means to immediately get to the point without the unnecessary preface or preamble. Origin of “Cut To The Chase” The phrase “cut to the chase” has originated from…

Cut the Mustard

Meanings of “Cut the Mustard” The phrase “cut the mustard” means to be successful or meet one’s expectations. It also means to succeed in doing something. Origin of “Cut the Mustard” The reason why mustard was chosen as an example…

Cut of Your Jib

Meanings of “Cut of Your Jib” The phrase “cut of your jib” means the demeanor or general appearance of a person. It can even imply a specific trait that makes a person prominent. Origin of “Cut of Your Jib” A…