Category: Phrase Analysis

Cut and Run

Meanings of “Cut and Run” The phrase “cut and run” means to flee, run away, or escape. The phrase is also used to describe a person who escapes a tough situation instead of facing them. Origin of “Cut and Run”…

Curry Favour

Meanings of “Curry Favour” The phrase “curry favour” or “curry favor” means to try to gain some advantage, or benefit from somebody through flattery. It also means to try to win something through a pretend courtesy or flattery. Origin of…

Curiosity Killed The Cat

Meanings of “Curiosity Killed The Cat” The phrase ‘curiosity killed the cat’ means curiosity and trying to go to an unknown place can lead to risky, or dangerous situations. In other words, if a person becomes inquisitive about everything, he…

Zig Zag

Meanings of “Zig Zag” The phrase “zigzag” refers to a series of small lines inclined at angles in left and right directions instead of straight lines. The movement of a snake is described as a zig zag pattern. The phrase…

Wreak Havoc

Meanings of “Wreak Havoc” The phrase “wreak havoc” means to cause considerable damage. It is often used to refer to the situations when a person is involved in bringing disasters to someone or something. Origin of “Wreak Havoc” The phrase…

Win Hands Down

Meanings of “Win Hands Down” The phrase “win hands down” means to achieve or win something very easily, or obtain by putting less effort. Origin of “Win Hands Down” The phrase “win hands down” originated in the 19th century from…

Willy-nilly

Meanings of “Willy-nilly” The phrase “willy-nilly” has two slightly different meanings. On the one hand, it means whether you like it not, you have to do something. On the other hand, it shows oscillation in resolution to do something. Origin…

Vice Versa

Meanings of “Vice Versa” The phrase “vice versa” means the other way round. It also refers to a position being reversed. Origin of “Vice Versa” The phrase “vice versa” is stated to of Latin origin, with translation being “the other…

Two Heads are Better than One

Meanings of “Two Heads are Better than One”. The phrase “two heads are better than one” means two people working together can reach a better solution to the problem than a single person. In other words, more heads are better…

Touch and Go

Meanings of “Touch and Go” The phrase “touch and go” means a risky or precarious situation. It especially refers to a delicate happening, or circumstance where the slightest change can bring disastrous conclusions such as death. Origin of “Touch and…

The Life of Riley

Meanings of “The Life of Riley” The phrase “life of a Riley” means a pleasant and easy life. It also refers to a carefree and enjoyable way of living. Origin of “The Life of Riley” The phrase “life of a…

Talk to the Hand

Meanings of “Talk to the Hand” The phrase “talk to the hand” means a rude interjection that intends to dismiss or interpret what another person is saying. When you outstretch your vertical palm, you are saying, “I have no interest…

Cry Havoc And Let Slip The Dogs Of War

Meanings of “Cry Havoc And Let Slip The Dogs Of War” The phrase “cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war” means to start a war after raising a slogan of charging. However, for every army, this slogan could…

Crop Up

Meanings of “Crop Up” The phrase “crop up” means to merge, happen, or occur accidentally or unexpectedly. It also means to emerge suddenly. Origin of “Crop Up” The phrase “crop up” seems to have emerged from the allusion of the…

Crocodile Tears

Meanings of “Crocodile Tears” The phrase “crocodile tears” means to weep as a pretension after committing the offense. The full phrase is ‘to weep crocodile tears.’ The phrase is commonly used when someone is caught faking an emotion or when…

Crime Doesn’t Pay

Meanings of “Crime Doesn’t Pay” The phrase “crime doesn’t pay” means that crime or any illegal methods of earning is not a profitable venture, or rather it is never beneficial. Its implied meaning is that it always invites punishment. A…

Crackpot

Meanings of “Crackpot” The phrase “crackpot” refers to a crazy person or a crank. It also means an entirely brainless person or an idiot. Origin of “Crackpot” The phrase “crackpot” is stated to have originated from two words crack and…

Country Bumpkin

Meanings of “Country Bumpkin” The phrase “country bumpkin”  refers to someone who is dupe, awkward, or quite rustic in manners and looks. It could also be used for a clown or an unsophisticated person. Origin of “Country Bumpkin” The word…

Count Your Chickens

Meanings of “Count Your Chickens” The phrase “count your chickens” means not to be hasty or depend on your current assets with overconfidence. The phrase is also used to warn people for not being in a rush to evaluate a…

Cotton Picking

Meanings of “Cotton Picking” The phrase “cotton picking” means disapproval. However, it is mostly used in the sense of ‘damned’ with severe intensity. Hence, it is a somewhat derogatory term. Origin of “Cotton Picking” The phrase “cotton picking” is stated…