Category: Phrase Analysis

Tit for Tat

Meanings of “Tit for Tat” The phrase “tit for tat” means a kind response or counterattack. It also refers to an act of retaliation. Origin of “Tit for Tat” The phrase, “tit for tat” may have originated from a parable,…

Common Sense

Meanings of “Common Sense” The phrase “common sense” means a common way of judging things and declaring them correct, appropriate, or suitable for the existing solutions of issues. It also means a practical judgment, or in other words, simple matter-of-factness.…

Comparisons Are Odious

Meanings of “Comparisons Are Odious” The proverb/phrase “comparisons are odious” means almost the same thing if not used otherwise. The phrase is commonly used to remind ourselves that we should not compare things, behaviors, or abilities with others, as they…

Wish You Were Here

Meanings of “Wish You Were Here” The phrase “wish you were here” shows a strong feeling that a person wants someone to be with him on a special occasion of his life. Often the phrase is used to expressed by…

You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks

Meanings of “You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks” The phrase/proverb “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” means it is impossible to change old people’s habits, mindsets, or traits. It also refers to the fact that young…

To err is Human

Meanings of the Phrase, “To err is Human” The phrase “to err is human” means that human beings make mistakes and emphasizes the quality of forgiveness and kindness. The phrase is often completed as; “to err is human and to…

A Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing

Meanings of “A Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing” The phrase ‘a wolf in sheep’s clothing’ means a cunning person who hides malicious intent under the cover of kindness. It also refers to a person who seems friendly and honest but is…

Cold Shoulder

Meanings of “Cold Shoulder” The phrase “cold shoulder” means to demonstrate disinterestedness or indifference to the people with the intention to upset somebody, or showing that are ignoring that person to insult them or hurt them. Origin of “Cold Shoulder”…

Cold Feet

Meanings of “Cold Feet” The phrase “cold feet” means a person is afraid or apprehensive to take a certain step or decision. It also means to have doubt, lose heart or courage to achieve something. The phrase is most commonly…

Cold Turkey

Meanings of “Cold Turkey” The phrase “cold turkey” means sudden withdrawal from an addiction, or substance, or feeling after such withdrawal. It is mostly used in the United States in the sense of sudden or abrupt stopping of habits. Origin…

Woe is Me

Meanings of “Woe is Me” The phrase “woe is me” is used to talk about a grieving, mourning, or extremely sad person. It also refers to a person whose life is drowned in a series of challenges and sees no…

Come A Cropper

Meanings of “Come A Cropper” The phrase “come a cropper” means to fail in adventure or venture. It also means to suffer a defeat or fall heavily with a thud, or some kind of failure during an adventure or a…

Trick or Treat

Meanings of “Trick or Treat” The phrase “trick or treat” refers to the Halloween custom for children in various countries. It is through this exciting ritual, small kids and adults solicit money or surprise gifts from the people. Origin of…

Come What May

Meanings of “Come What May” The phrase “come what may” means to let things happen, and do not worry or fear about the challenges. The phrase is often used to throw a challenge when you are not sure what it…

The Game is Afoot

Meanings of “The Game is Afoot” The phrase “the game is afoot” means something exciting has started or is about to start. It is also used when someone accepts a challenge while playing sports. Origin of “The Game is Afoot”…

You Are What You Eat

Meanings of “You Are What You Eat” The phrase/proverb “you are what you eat” means our eating habits define our way of life. It also means that to be healthy and fit you need to take clean food. Origin of…

The Dark Side

Meanings of the Phrase, “The Dark Side” The phrase “the dark side” means the unkind and evil aspect of human society or nature.  It also refers to the pessimistic or negative attitude or nature of someone or something. Origin of…

Think Outside The Box

Meanings of “Think Outside The Box” The phrase “think outside the box” means to think differently, or from a new perspective. It also means to come up with something completely unique, innovative, and unconventional. Origin of “Think Outside The Box”…

The Bitter End

Meanings of “The Bitter End” The phrase “the bitter end” means to complete something despite having stressful or unpleasant experiences. The phrase is also used to describe when a person puts efforts to the maximum effort, to the farthest point,…