Category: Phrase Analysis

Codswallop

Meanings of “Codswallop” The word “codswallop” means something that is untrue, or foolish or nonsense. The phrase is usually used as ‘a load of codswallop’. Origin of “Codswallop”  The word “codswallop” is stated to have an ambiguous origin. One of…

Cock Up

Meanings of “Cock Up” The phrase “cock up” means a mistake or a blunder or a situation where confusion prevails. The phrase is often used when something is done badly or goes terribly wrong. Origin of “Cock Up” The phrase…

Cock And Bull Story

Meanings of “Cock And Bull Story” The phrase “cock and bull story” means a very interesting, exciting, and almost fantastical story that is hardly believable. It also means a cooked up story. Origin of “Cock And Bull Story” The phrase…

Cock A Snook

Meanings of “Cock A Snook” The phrase “cock a snook” means a gesture made to deride somebody, or mock somebody, or use ironic remarks or gestures against somebody. Origin of “Cock A Snook” The phrase “cock a snook” is stated…

Cock a Hoop

Meanings of “Cock a Hoop” The phrase “cock a hoop” means to live in an exciting situation, jubilation, or happiness. It also means to live in an elated state of mind. Origin of “Cock a Hoop” The phrase “cock a…

‎Clutch At A Straw

Meanings of “Clutch At A Straw” The phrase “clutch at a straw” means to try some other route when in desperation, or find something to live on even if it is not that significant, or try desperately to stay alive…

The Birds and the Bees

Meanings of “The Birds and The Bees” The phrase “the birds and the bees” is a concept that deals with mechanics and facts concerning human reproduction. The phrase generally used when parents give tough talks to their children about physical…

Close But No Cigar

Meanings of “Close But No Cigar”‎ The phrase “close but no cigar” means that somebody has reached the close, yet he has achieved not what he has expected. It may be a reward, prize, money, or goal. In other words,…

Strike While the Iron is Hot

Meanings of “Strike While the Iron is Hot” The proverb “strike while the iron is hot” means one should grab the opportunity as soon as it arises. It also means that one should take advantage of an opportunity before it…

The Pen is Mightier Than the Sword

Meanings of the Phrase, “The Pen is Mightier Than the Sword” The proverb, “the pen is mightier than the sword” means words are more effective than violence or military power. It also means that communication and power of the independent…

 The Road Less Traveled

Meanings of “The Road Less Traveled” The phrase “the road less traveled” means the choices we make in life are unconventional and uncertain. It refers to a choice that leads a person to choose an indifferent approach or a path…

Club Sandwich

Meanings of “Club Sandwich”‎ The phrase “club sandwich” means a sandwich that is filled with ham, bacon, or mayonnaise which is then cut into halves or quarters as per the taste of the person. Origin of “Club Sandwich”‎ The phrase…

Cloud Cuckoo Land

Meanings of “Cloud Cuckoo Land”‎ The phrase “cloud cuckoo land” means to live in a silly fantasy world, or not in an ideal state of mind. It also means a person expecting impossibility to become a possibility. It is mostly…

‎Close Quarters

Meanings of “Close Quarters”‎ The phrase “close quarters” means close contacts, or coming close to a person or a thing, especially feeling uncomfortable. However, it is mostly used in military jargon or terminology. Origin of “Close Quarters”‎ The phrase “close…

Clod Hopper

Meanings of “Clod Hopper”‎ The phrase “clod hopper” means an awkward or foolish person. the phrase is often used to describe some unsophisticated from a rural area or the countryside, who does not know the niceties of urban culture. Origin…

Cloak and Dagger

Meanings of “Cloak and Dagger”‎ The phrase “cloak and dagger” means something that is intriguing involving killing, espionage as well as battles. The phrase is often used in a dramatic context. Origin of “Cloak and Dagger”‎ The phrase “cloak and…

Chow Down

Meanings of “Chow Down” The phrase “chow down” means to sit down to eat something, commonly used in the United States. It is a similar phrase to the one used in England “tuck in” with the same meanings.  Origin of…

Blue Blood

Meanings of “Blue Blood” The phrase “blue blood” means belonging to traditionally aristocratic and noble families. A rich person is also often labeled as having blue blood. Origin of “Blue Blood” The phrase “blue blood” is stated to have borrowed…

Apple of My Eye

Meanings of the Phrase, “Apple of My Eye” The phrase, “apple of my eye” usually refers to the central aperture of the eye, but in a literal sense, it conveys a different meaning. The phrase is used as an idiom…

Chop Chop

Meanings of “Chop Chop” The phrase “chop chop” is derived from Cantonese and spread through Chinese workers. Later, English seamen picked it up and popularized it. The phrase means hurry and suggests that the action should be taken now, and…