What Is The Abbreviation For Feet? Feet Noun The plural form for foot There is one common abbreviation for feet which is the international standard. Ft Usually, there is a space between the abbreviation and the number its measuring. For
Ignorance Is Bliss Broken Down Into the Sum of Its Parts To uncover the meaning of ignorance is bliss, let’s first look at the individual words that comprise this saying. Ignorance (noun): Ignorance is the state of being ignorant, or
How to use "hang in there" in a sentence Hang in is one of many phrasal verbs. This phrasal verb is most often used, however, as part of the full phrase hang in there. To understand the meaning of this
How do you use Cat’s in the Cradle in a sentence? If you hear someone today use the expression “cat’s in the cradle,” they’re likely describing a relationship in which one person doesn’t make enough time for the other, whether
What Does Carte Blanche Mean? Carte blanche is a noun meaning, according to the English dictionary, unconditional or full authority. If someone gives you carte blanche, they give you the power and permission to carry out an action in any
How do you use Ad nauseum in a sentence? The literal Latin translation of ad nauseam—pronounced ad naw-zee-uhm—is “to nausea” or “to sickness.” It is thought to originate from a longer Latin phrase, argumentum ad nauseam, which is why today
What is the difference between insure and ensure? Insure and ensure are very similar words and used often enough to think they are used synonymously. While both words carry the meaning of guaranteeing somebody of something, the correct usage of
What is the difference between whose and who’s? Anyone who grew up watching television shows like “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” or “Who’s Afraid of the Dark?” has likely taken for granted how whose and who’s are used similarly, but
The phrase is commonly used when writing or speaking about politics, as it’s believed by some in the political environment that money can buy votes or cooperation. Of course, the expression is also often used in the business world. Here
The 4 different meanings of "Off the Hook" The phrase off the hook can mean four different things: 1. To be relieved of or free from burden, commitment, obligation, duty, pressure, or responsibility; to escape or avoid an unpleasant situation
How is “Under the Weather” typically used? If someone says they’re feeling under the weather, they mean that they’re feeling slightly sick or ill. Typically, someone will use this expression when they’re mildly unwell—such as when they have a cold,
What’s the difference between that vs. which? The confusion between that and which lies in their use as pronouns for a modifying relative clause. In a sense, we use these terms to shout out, “look here!” and to make our
What Does the Word Mean? According to Dictionary.com, the word month is defined as: month[ muhnth ] noun 1. Also called calendar month. any of the twelve parts, as January or February, into which the calendar year is divided.2. the
What Is the Abbreviation for Million? Million is a noun and an adjective. Its plural is millions. There is one widely accepted abbreviation. m. Both upper and lowercase M would be the correct abbreviation. Because the capital letter M is
What is the difference between “my apology” and “my apologies”? Have you ever wondered whether it’s more grammatically correct to say “my apology” and “my apologies”? The good news is that either phrase is grammatically correct. But there are circumstances
What is the difference between yay or nay vs. yea or nay? People often wonder how to use the term ‘yay or nay,’ and whether it’s interchangeable with ‘yea or nay.’ But when it comes down to researching the answers,
Direct Plagiarism When most people think about "stealing" someone else's work, this is what they imagine. Direct plagiarism might involve copying someone else's text word-for-word without quotation marks. Even if you include a citation, you must be sure to also
What is the difference between beck and call and beckon call? If you’re well-versed in classic literature or surrounded by people who use idioms, there’s no doubt that you’ve heard the phrase ‘at someone’s beck and call.' This particular phrase
What Does Bar None Mean? To understand the meaning of this idiomatic phrase, we must first look to one very specific definition of the word bar. In American English, bar can mean many different things and is used as many
What Does Bird’s-Eye View Mean—Literally and Figuratively? Stop to think about it a moment, taking the words as they are and recalling the meanings you know, and you can probably easily determine the literal definition of bird’s-eye view: A view
What Does Bite the Bullet Mean? If you wince or flinch when hearing or reading the phrase bite the bullet, it makes sense—and you’re not alone! Biting down on a bullet would be incredibly painful and unpleasant. And that gets
What Does Blood Is Thicker Than Water Mean? This phrase is used to express the idea that family ties are more important than other social ties, i.e. friendships or romantic relationships; that family bonds, or those connections you have with
What Does Keep on Truckin Mean? Keep on truckin means to keep going—to continue on or to carry on. As you can probably tell from the paragraph above, the idiomatic phrase is typically used to provide encouragement. It’s used to
What’s the difference between breath and breathe? If somebody said, “I thought my train my think,” you’d be quick to say, “don’t you mean, ‘your train of thought?’” Terms like think vs. thought are exactly like breath vs. breathe. While
What is the difference between lets vs. let’s? Lets and let’s share a pronunciation because they have the same word, let, and a letter “s” at the end. But if you’re new to learning English grammar, you should know that
What Does the Show Must Go On Mean? Although typically it can be difficult to look to the individual words within an idiomatic expression to try and understand its intended meaning, that’s not exactly the case with the phrase the
The Hebrew Bible The term "Tanakh" refers to the entire Hebrew Bible. In total, the Tanakh consists of three sections, which include the Torah (also called the Pentateuch), the Neviʾim, and the Ketuvim. The entire text contains twenty-four books, mostly
What is the difference between payed vs. paid? The words payed and paid sound the same, but when it comes to word meanings, they are completely unrelated. The word "paid” involves the concept of compensation, but “payed” is a nautical
What Does Once Bitten, Twice Shy Mean? You might expect this expression to be used when someone has been bitten, say by a dog or another animal. But that’s not the case. You see, as an idiomatic expression, this phrase
What Does Riled Up Mean? Riled up is an idiom. Typically, idiomatic expressions have figurative rather than literal meanings that can’t be deduced just by looking at the words that comprise them (keep reading to learn more). But that’s not
What Does Pennies From Heaven Mean? As an idiom, pennies from heaven means unexpected good luck or good fortune; indeed, it’s often used to indicate a benefit that is financial in nature. Typically, the expression is used to describe an
What Does Brown-Noser Mean? A brown-noser is a person who tries very hard to please and earn the approval of someone—usually somebody in a higher, more powerful position than them—in order to benefit themselves in some way. How do they
What Does Beating a Dead Horse Mean? When you hear this expression spoken or see it written, it’s describing the act of putting in effort or focus on something that’s impossible or no longer relevant or important. In other words,
Here are some words that start with I [2-15 letter words] 15-Letter Words immaterialities - Noun | Things of no important consequence immunomodulator - Noun | A drug or another substance that affects the immune system improvisational - Adjective |
What is the difference between jealousy vs envy? Jealousy and envy are negative emotions that people feel in response to desire, power, and a lack of self-confidence. But when it comes to describing our feelings on paper, how do we
What Does Actions Speak Louder Than Words Mean? The phrase actions speak louder than words means that what you do (your actions) is more significant and carries more weight than what you say (your words). Put simply, the expression conveys
What Does Beauty Is in the Eye of the Beholder Mean? Although this phrase is considered an idiom, and typically idioms have figurative meanings that are difficult to figure out just by looking at the words that comprise them, we
What Does Brevity Is the Soul of Wit Mean? This expression can be used in two different ways. To uncover its meanings, let’s first look to the definitions of the words brevity, soul, and wit. Brevity means short in duration.
What Does Alas Poor Yorick Mean? When used alone, the phrase Alas, poor Yorick has come to serve as a commentary on the fleeting nature of life. Perhaps you may hear it said at a funeral, when a person, thinking
What Does Mortal Coil Mean? As you’ll discover in a moment, the expression mortal coil comes from perhaps the most famous soliloquy (a monologue spoken to oneself) in all of Shakespeare’s plays. Every word and phrase in this soliloquy has
Why Do We Credit Shakespeare? The Guardian quotes Shakespeare lecturer Dr. David McInnis: "The OED [Oxford English Dictionary], which saw its original volumes published between 1884 and 1928, includes more than 33,000 Shakespeare quotations...with around 1,500 of those 'the first
What Does End All Be All Mean? Put simply, the idiom end all be all describes something of the utmost importance—a person or thing that is absolutely essential and seen as the best. In fact, whatever is said to be
What Does Sleep Tight Mean? Simply put, the common expression sleep tight means “sleep well.” If you tell someone to sleep tight, you’re wishing them a good night’s rest—slumber that is comfortable, safe, sound, warm, cozy, deep, peaceful, uninterrupted… and
What Does Bush League Mean? As mentioned above, bush league can mean one of two things. As a noun, bush league means “minor league.” A minor league is a group of teams in a sport that are not in that
What Does No Quarter Mean? In everyday conversation, the idiom no quarter means “no mercy.” Typically the phrase is preceded by a form of the verb give; you may also hear the expression used with some form of the verb
What Does the Buck Stops Here Mean? This popular phrase is used to indicate a full acceptance of responsibility. When someone says the buck stops here—or the buck stops with me, another form of the expression—they’re promising to take necessary
What Does the Road to Hell Is Paved With Good Intentions Mean? In general, this common idiom and proverb expresses the idea that good intentions don’t necessarily guarantee good results, and that good intentions matter little—if at all—if they don’t
What Does Birthday Suit Mean? Put plainly, birthday suit means “nakedness” or “unclothed/bare skin.” When someone says they’re wearing their birthday suit, they’re speaking comically and ironically, as they’re not actually wearing anything at all! The phrase alludes to the
What Does Like Father Like Son Mean? Unlike other common phrases explored at The Word Counter, it’s fairly easy to determine the meaning of the expression like father, like son just by looking at the words that comprise it. While
COMMON QUESTIONS Some of the common questions that these words may give rise to are as follows: – Do these words have different functions or different meanings in a sentence?Defence vs Defense - are they the variants of the same
WHAT ARE HOMOPHONES? Let’s begin by understanding what homophones are. It’s a term in the English language that refers to words having the same pronunciation but completely different spellings and/or meanings. So, now that you know that compliment and complement
What Does By and Large Mean? Simply put, by and large means “in general” or “generally speaking.” It’s another way of saying “on the whole” or “for the most part.” Use it when you want to say that something is
What Does Let Sleeping Dogs Lie Mean? Although the expression originally did have to do with furry canines (more below), that’s no longer the case. When you hear or see it used today, it means “to ignore a situation or
What Does Practice Makes Perfect Mean? This idiomatic and proverbial expression (more below) is used to convey the idea that the way to become skilled at something is to practice it often. In other words, doing something over and over
What is the difference between port and starboard? There are several unambiguous references to ship areas and duties, whether it’s a wharf, rudder, or “paying the Devil.” But unless you're accustomed to life on the sea, incorporating nautical terminology into
What Does Have Your Cake and Eat It Too Mean? The saying have your cake and eat it, too is used to express that when there are two desirable but mutually exclusive or contradictory options, you can’t have both at
What Does Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here Mean? Although abandon all hope, ye who enter here is considered an idiomatic expression, it’s not exactly your typical idiom. That’s because idioms have figurative rather than literal meanings that can’t
What Does a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words Mean? As illustrated above, this phrase is used to express that it can be easier to show something in a picture than to describe it by speaking words or using the
Is This a Simple Comparison? Ask yourself the question, "Is this a simple comparison?" If the answer is yes, you've sidestepped a lot of heartache. When you use the phase "as well as" to compare two things, you won't need
What Does Chip on Your Shoulder Mean? If you have a chip on your shoulder, you have a bad attitude and get angry easily. This is because you feel like the world has wronged you in some way. You may
What Does Wax Poetic Mean? Put simply, to wax poetic is to speak about a topic in a poetic way. Typically, it means to talk about something in a verbose manner; in other, ahem, words... to be wordy! That makes
What Does All That Glitters Is Not Gold Mean? Gold has long been associated with and symbolized wealth and success. After all, it has been used throughout the world as currency and for art and ornamentation; Olympians and other competitors
What Does Oh the Humanity Mean? Put simply, the saying oh, the humanity means “how horrible” or “how terrible.” It’s sometimes said to be a synonym for the exclamation oh my God. Indeed, as you’ll read in just a moment,
What Does Bushel and a Peck Mean? Simply put, the idiomatic phrase bushel and a peck means “a lot.” It’s used to describe a large amount or great deal of something. As the introduction to this post alluded, it’s typically
What Does Don’t Judge a Book By Its Cover Mean? The phrase don’t judge a book by its cover means that you shouldn’t make a judgement about someone or something—be it a book or otherwise—based solely on their or its
What Does Less Is More Mean? The saying is used to convey that less of something—a smaller amount of it—can at times be better than a large amount of it. That simplicity is often the better approach versus one that
What Does Cry Havoc and Let Slip the Dogs of War Mean? There are several ways to interpret the meaning of the phrase cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war as intended by Shakespeare centuries ago, which we’ll
What Does the Jig Is Up Mean? As you might have guessed from the example above, the idiomatic English phrase the jig is up means that one’s trick or deception has been discovered, and thus won’t be allowed to continue,
What Does Be There or Be Square Mean? The phrase be there or be square is used to invite and encourage someone to go somewhere, to “be” wherever “there” is, whether that’s a specific location like a park or restaurant
Do You Recommend the Book? Over the course of your 500-word article, you should answer the main question on the reader's mind: did you like the book or not? In many review formats, the reviewer gives the book a star
What Does Pound Sand Mean? Today, pound sand is used in one of two ways: To describe partaking in a futile, or pointless, activityTo tell someone to get lost; to dismiss them and send them away If you think about
What Does Daily Grind Mean? The idiom daily grind refers to one’s everyday routine—typically one’s everyday work routine—that is monotonous, tedious, or dull, and thus tiresome. Maybe it’s also work that’s very difficult. But whether it’s truly laborious or not,
What Does All Hands On Deck Mean? The saying all hands on deck can mean two things. One, it can be an order given to the crew of a ship, instructing all members to gather on the ship’s deck at
What Does Leaps and Bounds Mean? The phrase leaps and bounds is used to describe growth, expansion, and progress. If something grows by leaps and bounds, it does so quickly and to a large degree or great extent. Leaps and
What Is the Plural Form for Wife? The first thing to do when learning about a word is to define it. The Merriam Webster dictionary defines the word wife as “a woman acting in a specific capacity, or a female
Is Bison Plural for Buffalo? To first understand a word, its history, and how to use it properly, it is important to first define what it actually means. According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, the definition of bison is “any
How Do you Spell Passerbys? The first step in ever understanding a word or its grammatical rules is to establish its definition. To learn it properly, you must first learn what it means. According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, the
Which Type of Noun is Money? To first understand a word, its history, and how to use it properly, it is important to first define what it actually means. According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, the word money is defined
What Does Literally Mean? One of the best ways to understand a word better is to define it. The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines literally as, “in a literal sense or literal manner” or, “used to emphasize the truth and accuracy
Already vs All Ready? Have you ever began to write already and wondered if you were using the correct English spelling? If you have ever been curious about using, all ready vs already correctly this article will have you covered
What Is the Definition of the Word Dwarf? We all know of the old characters from Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs with all their funny different names. There's also The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien that takes place in
Etymology Both eld- and old- forms come from the same root word, eald. The Online Etymology Dictionary confirms, the Anglian ald and the West Saxon/Kentish eald originated with the Proto-Germanic althaz, which means "grown up, adult." Althaz derived from Proto-Indo-European.
Etymology The Proto-Indo-European root spek- developed into the Latin word despectus, the Online Etymology Dictionary explains. Despectus, meaning "a looking down on, scorn, contempt," evolved into the Old French despit, "scorn, contempt." By 1300, English speakers had adopted the noun
How to Identify Passive Voice Passive voice describes circumstances when the object of the action of the verb also serves as the subject of the sentence. Keep an eye out for any variations of the verb “to be” followed by
What Does a Stitch in Time Saves Nine Mean? Put simply, the proverbial expression a stitch in time saves nine means that it’s better to fix a problem right away, when it’s small and manageable, than to wait until it
What Does By Hook or By Crook Mean? The idiomatic expression by hook or by crook means “by whatever means necessary.” It’s used to say that any possible methods—be they fair or unfair, honest or dishonest—should or will be used
What Does Caught Up Mean? Although caught up has a different meaning as a phrase (technically, it’s a phrasal verb, like the expression hang in there) than the word caught itself, it is helpful to think of the definition of
What Does Easy Come Easy Go Mean? As mentioned above, easy come, easy go is a bit different from most idioms, in that you may be able to at least partially understand its meaning by looking to the definitions of
Etymology According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, the adjective "nerve-racking" first appeared in 1812, as a compound of two preexisting words "nerve" and "rack". "Nerve-wracking" dates from 1867, as a combination of "nerve" and "wrack". Nerve is a noun derived
What does the phrase ara ara mean? Linguaholic states that there are three different words in the Japanese language that are all pronounced ara ara. In its non-exclamatory form, the Japanese word ara ara approximately translates to the English word,
What Does For Pete’s Sake Mean? The phrase for Pete’s sake is used to express frustration, annoyance, anger, or surprise. Grammatically speaking, in terms of parts of speech, this saying is an interjection. Interjections are words or phrases that convey
What is the difference between altogether and all together? It’s easy to see why “altogether” and “all together" are commonly confused words. Both expressions have similar pronunciations, spellings, and grammatical functions, and yet they have different meanings. Tricky words like
Etymology Since "plane" and "plain" sound so similar, you may wonder whether they evolved from the same root word. Indeed, they did. Both words originated from a single Proto-Indo-European (PIE) root. According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, the adjective "plain"
What Does Hindsight Is 20/20 Mean? To get the meaning of this phrase, you first need to know the definition of the word hindsight: the perception or understanding of an event/situation after it has occurred. You also need to know
What is the difference between bear and bare? Bear and bare are two of the trickiest English homophones. We pronounce them the same, and they share similar spellings, but, in the end, they have completely different meanings. The word bear
What Does Heavens to Betsy Mean? The saying heavens to Betsy is used to express shock or surprise. Grammatically speaking, in terms of parts of speech, this saying is an interjection. Interjections are words or phrases that convey a sudden,
What Does Imitation Is the Sincerest Form of Flattery Mean? Many of the common phrases we discuss here at The Word Counter are idioms with figurative meanings. In other words, they don’t mean what they appear to. That’s not the
What Does Many Hands Make Light Work Mean? This expression is used to say that when many people help with a project, the undertaking gets accomplished much faster and easier than it would with less people involved. In other words,
What Does Out of Sight Out of Mind Mean? This common phrase is used to say that we tend to forget about or dismiss what’s outside of our immediate view—be it a person or a thing. In other words, if
What Does Sky’s the Limit Mean? The expression sky’s the limit—which is usually preceded by the article the in both speech and writing—is used to say that there are no limits; that anything is possible. As you know, a limit
What Does Still Waters Run Deep Mean? As you likely guessed from the introduction, the phrase still waters run deep is used to say that people with shy, reserved dispositions are often very profound, passionate, and intelligent underneath their calm,
Etymology Since "therefor" and "therefore" sound so similar, you may wonder whether they come from the same root word. In fact, both words evolved together, and they only developed separate meanings around 1800. According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, the
What Does the Devil Is in the Details Mean? No doubt, from a young age your parents and teachers taught you to pay close attention to detail when completing your school assignments. Maybe before every exam they reminded you to
Etymology According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, the word "travel" probably comes from the vulgar Latin word tripaliare, "to torture." That tells you how much people enjoyed journeys back in those days! By the 12th century, Old French adopted the
What Does There But for the Grace of God Go I Mean? This expression is used to acknowledge that one’s fate is not entirely in their hands, and that another person’s bad luck or misfortune could easily be their own.
What does heart of gold mean? Heart of gold is an idiomatic expression that means to have a kind, generous disposition, according to Merriam-Webster. If someone is a kind-hearted, generous person, they could be said to have a heart of
What does hit a lick mean? Hit a lick is a slang term which means to acquire a large sum of fast money in a short amount of time, according to Cyber Definitions. Sometimes, according to SlangLang, this can be
What does hot and bothered mean? Hot and bothered is an idiom that has two different meanings. First, according to Collins English Dictionary and the Idioms Dictionary, hot and bothered means to be filled with such agitated excitement, worry or
What Does Discretion Is the Better Part of Valor Mean? To understand the meaning of this saying, it’s vital to know the definitions of the words discretion and valor. In this case, these terms mean: Discretion (noun): showing good or
What Does Let the Dead Bury the Dead Mean? The phrase let the dead bury the dead has at least two commonly accepted definitions. So, when you hear someone use the expression or see it written, it’s important to pay
What does the phrase chalk it up mean? Chalk it up is an English language phrasal verb that means to ascribe or credit, according to Merriam-Webster English Dictionary. This phrase is used to link an event that has occurred to
What does DHYB stand for? The acronym DHYB stands for “don’t hold your breath,” according to Slang. Don’t hold your breath is a slang term that means one should not expect something to happen soon, or to happen at all.
What does the expression hell or high water mean? The old saying hell or high water means “no matter the difficulty,” according to the English language Dictionary. Merriam-Webster English Dictionary states that the phrase is used to assert that someone
What does the Spanish phrase mi amor mean? According to Spanish Dict English to Spanish Dictionary, the phrase “mi amor” is a colloquial phrase literally translates to “my love.'' This is a term of endearment that someone can use for
What is the definition of much obliged? Much obliged, according to Collins Dictionary, is a British English phrase used to express gratitude or thanks. The phrase is usually formal or old fashioned, an can also be written as “I am
What Does 40 Winks Mean? 40 winks means a short sleep, or a nap. Specifically, the saying is most often used to describe a nap taken during the day and not in one’s bed—instead, say, on the couch or in
What does the abbreviation n/a mean? According to Cambridge English Dictionary, n/a stands for not applicable or non applicable in American English. Applicable is an adjective meaning able to apply to, or affecting a person or thing. If something is
What is the meaning of the phrase pray tell? Pray tell is an idiomatic expression usually used for emphasis, or to demand an answer from someone, according to Merriam-Webster. Archaically, the phrase was used genuinely, to ask someone to explain
What does the phrase slow burn mean? Slow burn is an idiom that, according to the American English Dictionary, means a gradual buildup or increasing feeling of a show of anger toward a boiling point, in opposition to an immediate
What does the phrase stay frosty mean? According to Linguaholic, the phrase stay frosty means to stay alert, while keeping one’s emotions under control. This was its traditional military meaning. However, the popular term now means “keep cool,” and can
What does the idiom old habits die hard mean? The figure of speech old habits die hard means that it is difficult for one to stop doing the things that they have been doing for a long time or have
What does the phrase up in the air mean? Collins English Dictionary defines the phrase “up in the air” as meaning something that is still undecided or uncertain, or an unsettled matter that has not been completely planned, settled, or
What does the word sauvage mean? According to Collins Dictionary, the English translation of the French word sauvage is “wild” or “unspoiled” when referring to animals and nature, contrasting urbanization. When referring to a person, it can mean “unsociable.” One
What does thus far mean? According to Collins English Dictionary, thus far is a phrasal adverb that means up until now, in a situation or story. This phrase is similar to the phrases “so far,” and “up until now,” and
What is the definition of tread lightly? The idiom tread lightly means to speak, behave, or proceed carefully, particularly to avoid causing offense or upsetting anyone, according to Cambridge Advanced Learners Dictionary and Merriam-Webster English Dictionary. This expression is commonly
What is the definition of water under the bridge? According to Collins English Dictionary, the phrase water under the bridge refers to past events or incidents. This phrase means that said event has happened and can no longer be changed,
What Does the Cheese Stands Alone Mean? This expression is used to say that someone is all alone or feels alone in a situation— isolated and like the odd person out. It is often used when someone feels alone or
What does the Spanish term de nada mean? According to Merriam-Webster, the direct translation of the Spanish phrase “de nada” or “por nada” is “for nothing.” This term is used to mean “you’re welcome,” and is usually a response to
What is the definition of bleeding heart? According to Merriam-Webster Unabridged English Dictionary, Collins Dictionary, and other English dictionary apps, the term bleeding heart refers to a person who shows excessive sympathy toward another’s misfortune or the underprivileged, sometimes without
What does the phrase dire straits mean? Merriam-Webster English Dictionary and other dictionary apps state that the phrase “in dire straits” means that someone is in a very bad or difficult situation. The Free Dictionary states that one variation of
What does the phrase double edged sword mean? According to Merriam-Webster English Dictionary, Your Dictionary, and other dictionary apps, the English phrase double edged sword, also seen as “double-edged sword,” is an idiom that describes something that has or can
What does the acronym FTR stand for? According to Cyber Definitions, the abbreviation FTR stands for “for the record.” People often use this to indicate that whatever they are about to say is important. For example, someone could say, “For
What does the acronym HBD mean? According to The Free Dictionary and Dictionary, the initialism HBD stands for “happy birthday.” This is used as a casual way of messaging someone on their birthday, usually via SMS text message or on
What does flesh out mean? According to Merriam-Webster Unabridged English Dictionary and other dictionary apps, the phrase flesh out, fleshed out, fleshing out, or fleshes out mean “to provide additional information about something” or “to clarify or complete something by
What does the English phrase in light of mean? According to American Heritage English Dictionary, Cambridge Dictionary, and other dictionary apps, the phrase “in light of” or “in the light of” means “because of, due to, in consideration of, or
What does the phrase good riddance mean? According to Dictionary, The Free Dictionary, Cambridge Dictionary, and Merriam-Webster English Dictionary amongst other English language dictionary apps, the phrase “good riddance” is considered an interjection or idiom that is used to say
What does the phrase high strung mean? According to Merriam-Webster and other dictionary apps, high strung, pronounced “ˌhaɪˈstrʌŋ” is an adjective that can be used to describe someone with a nervous or sensitive temperament in an extreme way. This person
What does the term in vain mean? According to Vocabulary and Dictionary, the English language term in vain, pronounced ɪn-veɪn, means that something is done with no result or effect. If some effort or action is marked by futility or
What does the acronym OOTD stand for? According to Urban Dictionary, the acronym OOTD stands for “outfit of the day.” This is a piece of internet slang that people will use in a caption or hashtag when they are posting
What does the phrase under the weather mean? According to Collins Dictionary, Cambridge Dictionary, and other dictionary apps, the phrase under the weather means not feeling well, or feeling slightly ill. This English idiom may be used to describe someone
What does the phrase strong suit mean? According to Merriam-Webster English Dictionary, Dictionary, and other American English dictionary apps, the term strong suit is an idiom that refers to something that one excels in, or someone’s strength. Alternately, this phrase
What is the meaning of the English phrase to no avail? According to the Merriam-Webster American English Dictionary and other dictionary apps, the phrase “to no avail” means “without success.” It means that one has tried something, but that they
What does the phrase time is of the essence mean? According to Dictionary, the phrase time is of the essence is said when there is something that must be done immediately. There is no time to waste, and whatever is
What does the acronym WTG stand for? According to Urban Dictionary and Cyber Definitions, the internet slang term WTG stands for “way to go.” Merriam-Webster Unabridged English Dictionary states that the term way to go is used to compliment someone
What does the word decency mean? According to Merriam-Webster Unabridged English Dictionary as well as other dictionary apps, the word decency is a noun that means propriety or some standard of propriety, or the quality or state of being decent
What does the phrase at bay mean? According to Merriam-Webster Unabridged English Dictionary and other dictionary apps, the idiom at bay is used to describe something that is in the position of being unable to move closer while the person
What is the definition of give the benefit of the doubt? According to Merriam-Webster Unabridged English Dictionary as well as other dictionary apps, the phrase the benefit of the doubt means that someone is choosing to believe someone or accept
What does the term save face mean? According to Merriam-Webster Unabridged English Dictionary, the idiom save face is a phrasal verb that means to preserve one’s reputation or to avoid having others lose respect for oneself. This phrase is often
What does the phrase slow burn mean? Slow burn is an idiom that, according to the American English Dictionary, means a gradual buildup or increasing feeling of a show of anger toward a boiling point, in opposition to an immediate
What does the French phrase c’est la vie mean? According to Merriam-Webster Unabridged English Dictionary and The Hindu, the phrase c’est la vie, pronounced “se lah vee” is a French expression that means “such is life,” or “so it goes.”
What does the phrase as above so below mean? According to Linguaholic and Learn Religions, the English phrase as above so below has many possible interpretations. The most straightforward definition means that anything that happens on Earth is also happening
What does the abbreviation IKR mean? According to Urban Dictionary and Grammarly, amongst other dictionary apps, the term IKR is a piece of trending internet slang that most commonly stands for “I know, right?” This term is used to express
What does the acronym FWIW stand for? According to Cambridge Unabridged English Dictionary, the abbreviation FWIW is an internet slang term that stands for “for what it’s worth.” How to Geek and Collins Dictionary state that the phrase for what
What does the word fringe mean? According to Merriam-Webster Unabridged English Dictionary and Cambridge English Dictionary, the word fringe (pronounced frɪndʒ) has a few different meanings. First, it can be used as a noun to describe some ornamental border, decorative
What does the term follow suit mean? According to Dictionary and Cambridge English Dictionary, the idiom follow suit means to do the same thing as someone or something else, or to imitate someone. While this term was originally used in
What does the phrase down to earth mean? According to Learning English and Cambridge Unabridged English Language Dictionary, the term down to earth is an idiomatic adjective that is used to describe someone or something that is practical and reasonable.
What does the phrase tit for tat mean? According to Merriam-Webster Unabridged English Dictionary and Collins English Dictionary, the phrase tit for tat, sometimes represented as tit-for-tat, is some action in which someone takes revenge on someone else in an
What does the phrase rain check mean? According to Dictionary and Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language, the term rain check is a noun that can refer either to the physical ticket stub that one can use to attend
What does the word casanova mean? According to Merriam-Webster Unabridged English Language Dictionary and Your Dictionary, a casanova (pronounced ˌkæsəˈnəʊvə) is a man who is known for seducing women and having many lovers. This person might have amorous adventures. In
What does the term bon appetit mean? According to Merriam-Webster Unabridged English Dictionary and The Idioms, the French phrase bon appetit literally translates to “good appetite.” This phrase is used in English to mean “enjoy your meal,” and to wish
What does the term cop out mean? According to Cambridge Dictionary of the English Language and Merriam-Webster Unabridged English Dictionary, as well as other dictionaries like Collins English Dictionary and American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, the verb cop
What does the term black sheep mean? According to Collins English Dictionary, a black sheep is a noun that refers to someone who is a member of some family or group, but who is considered bad or worthless by the
What does the acronym GFY stand for? According to Cyber Definitions and Urban Dictionary, the full meaning of GFY is go fuck yourself. While this is one of many versatile slang terms that you might see on social media or
What does the phrase food for thought mean? According to the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language and Dictionary, the noun phrase food for thought refers to something that should be thought about or considered carefully. This term is
What is the difference between beside and besides? Beside and besides are two common words we often take for granted. They are vital for describing spatial awareness and denoting what things are together and which things are separate. But despite
What is the difference between much and many? "Much” and “many" are common English words we use to describe large quantities of things, and both quantifiers are often interchangeable with phrases like "a lot of” or “lots of." But while
What does the phrase touch base mean? According to Grammarly and Cambridge English Dictionary, the term touch base is an idiom that is used commonly in business contexts to mean to connect with, chat with, or check in with someone.
What does the word unhinged mean? According to Merriam-Webster Unabridged English Dictionary, the word unhinged is an adjective pronounced ʌnˈhɪndʒ that means disturbed, unstable or insane. This is more than just an unhinged gate or unhinged door; unhinged is used
What does the word bet mean? According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary of the English Language and other dictionaries like Collins English Dictionary and American Heritage, the word bet is a noun that refers to some stake or pledge between two
What does the word prior mean? According to Collins English Dictionary and the American Heritage Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language, the word prior means preceding in time, earlier, previous or former. Many things can be “prior” including a prior
What does the word bet mean? According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary of the English Language and other dictionaries like Collins English Dictionary and American Heritage, the word bet is a noun that refers to some stake or pledge between two
What does the term alma mater mean? According to Vocabulary and Collins English Dictionary along with many other English dictionaries like the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, the term alma mater is a Latin phrase that refers to
What does the term cold feet mean? According to Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary, the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language and Collins English Dictionary, the term cold feet is a plural noun that refers to an apprehension or doubt that
What does the word tribulations mean? According to the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language and others like American Heritage and Collins English Dictionary, the word tribulations is the plural form of the noun tribulation. The word tribulation means
What does the word apropos mean? According to Collins English Dictionary of the English Language, the word apropos can be used as an adjective, adverb or preposition. The word apropos describes something that is related to the subject or topic
What does is the meaning of the phrase beyond the pale? According to Your Dictionary, the term beyond the pale is an idiom that describes behavior that is outside the bounds of morality, good behaviour or judgment. A pale is
What does the word tough mean? According to Collins English Dictionary and the American Heritage Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language, the word tough is an adjective that means rough, violent, strong, difficult, strict, or firm. Many things can be
What does the term cloud nine mean? According to the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language and Collins English Dictionary, the term cloud nine refers to a state of perfect happiness. This state of elation and psychological state of
What does the word indeed mean? According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as well as other sources like the American Heritage Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language and Collins English Dictionary, the word indeed is an adverb that means without any
What does the phrase ignorance is bliss mean? According to Your Dictionary and other sources like the American Heritage Dictionary of the English language, the idiom ignorance is bliss means that sometimes it is better to not know the truth
What does the term dark horse mean? According to Merriam-Webster, Collins English Dictionary, and the American Heritage Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language, the term dark horse is a noun and idiomatic expression that refers to a little known or
What does the word bought mean? According to the American Heritage Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language and Collins English Dictionary, the word bought is the past tense and past participle of the word buy, a verb which means to
What does the word doubt mean? According to Collins English Dictionary and the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, the word doubt can be used as a noun or a verb to refer to a lack of conviction, state
What does the acronym IDM stand for? According to Pitchfork, Urban Dictionary and Cyber Definitions, the term IDM can either stand for intelligent dance music or I don’t mind. The latter is a slang term or shorthand that one might
What does the term knock on wood mean? According to The Conversation, Cambridge English Dictionary and The Idioms, the phrase knock on wood is a superstitious term that is said by a person in order to avoid bad luck. This
What does the word kin mean? According to Collins English Dictionary and the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, kin can be used as a noun or an adjective to refer to a relative or someone who is related
What does the word silver lining mean? According to Merriam-Webster, Collins and the American Heritage Unabridged Dictionary of the English language, the term silver lining is a proverb and idiom that refers to an element of hope or redeeming quality
What does the word pendejo mean? According to Dictionary and Urban Dictionary, the word pendejo is a Spanish slang term for “asshole” or “idiot.” Literally, this word translates to public hair. The word pendejo is a masculine noun and would
This list of words that end in ‘ic’ will help you in word games such as Scrabble, Upwords, WordHub and Words With Friends. Here is a list of 1076 English words that end in ‘ic’, broken down by the number
Dying and dyeing are present participles of the verbs die and dye. Dieing is not a standard English word, but it is informally associated with using a die-cut machine. What is the difference between dieing and dying? Dieing is a
What is the difference between a roll call and role call? The phrase roll call references when a list of names is read aloud to check attendance. "Role call” is a common misspelling of “roll call,” but it’s easy to
What is the difference between yea and yeah? Yes. Si. Oui. Ja. Da. Yeah! Yea. Yep. Yasss. If you live in the United States, you know we have many different ways of saying “yes.” But when it comes to writing
What is figurative language? According to Collins English Dictionary, figurative language refers to ways in which writers can add color to their writing by using something that doesn't exist to enhance description. These figures of speech do not use the
What are phrasal verbs? Today we will explore the phrasal form of a verb, which is a combination of words that are used to form multi-word verbs. According to My English Pages, phrasal verbs consist of a verb and a
What is diction? According to Collins English Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, and the American Heritage Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language, diction refers to the choice of words in speech or writing, as well as enunciation, elocution or a manner of speaking.
What is euphemism? According to Your Dictionary, a euphemism is a polite expression used in place of words or phrases that might otherwise be considered harsh, offensive or unpleasant. If it has a negative connotation, it is called a dysphemism.
What is a figure of speech? According to Your Dictionary, a figure of speech is a type of figurative language that has a different meaning than its literal definition. These figures of speech do not use the literal meaning of
What is an idiom? According to Merriam-Webster, an idiom is a figure of speech or group of words which has a meaning that is established by common usage, and not deducible from the individual words. These common idioms do not
According to Dictionary, the term GOAT ([ goht/ (ɡəʊt) ] or [ jee-oh-ey-tee ]) refers to the acronym for Greatest of All Time. While not many individuals can claim to be “The GOAT,” there are some who can be called
What Does the Term Incel Mean? According to Merriam-Webster and Vox, an incel is a person, usually male, who identifies as “involuntarily celibate.” This is a man who wants to have sex and harbors extreme resentment and anger toward those
We have all heard our fair share of cliches, but what does the term cliche actually mean? Where did this common word originate? This article will cover the meaning of the word cliche, translations of cliche, synonyms of the word
You may have heard about AAVE in the news or on social media. While this is a vernacular that has birthed many popular slang terms, AAVE is commonly misused and appropriated in American culture. Learn more about AAVE today so
Have you ever laughed at one of those videos on Facebook or Twitter where a person runs into a tree, falls off their bike, or gets hit in the face with a branch? Finding pleasure and humor in the misfortune
What does it mean when a person says something in a tongue in cheek way or when a comment is tongue in cheek? This article will cover several different topics related to the term tongue in cheek, including the meaning
If you're wondering what the word vice means (pronounced as vaɪs or ˈvaɪsɪ), go ahead and give yourself a nice pat on the back — you're in the right place! In this post, we're exploring the term vice to uncover
The term pardon can be defined as the action of forgiving or being forgiven for an error or offense — but did you know that it has another definition? Read on as we explore the word pardon to uncover its
You've probably heard someone say devil's advocate before, but do you know what it means? Don't worry, many people aren't too sure of the definition of devil's advocate when they hear it in class, but we're here to help. In
When you hear someone compliment another by saying they have grit — what exactly do they mean? What is the definition of grit? And how can someone “have” grit? You have questions, and we have answers — read on to
From BFF and ROFL to AKA and OMW, there are a ton of popular acronyms frequently used today. While most of them are pretty self-explanatory — such as Jr., which simply means junior — others are a bit more of
After graduating from high school, you may mull over the idea of pursuing a college degree. From helping you to build a strong educational foundation to improving your technical skills, completing your undergraduate education can help you in more ways
You may have heard someone say the word muse before, but do you know what it means? From Ben Safdie’s muse Julia Fox in Uncut Gems to the muses of ancient Greece, there are muses all around us. Read on
In our always-changing society, standing up for what you believe in by being an advocate is more important than ever. Not sure what advocate means? Don't fret — we'll tell you. Read on as we explore the word advocate to
Whether you know it as the name of Dunder Mifflin's finest quality assurance manager (AKA, Creed Bratton) or as something you hear from your pastor at Sunday Mass, you've likely seen the word creed — but what does it mean?
Have you ever taken the five love languages test? Do you know your primary love language? This article will cover each of the five love languages and how to use them to deepen your relationship with your family or partner.
Helter Skelter: It’s a popular Beatles song from 1968 that many say was the predecessor of the heavy metal of the seventies. It was a song written to try and outdo the song “I Can See For Miles” by rival
The word “bold” has quite a few definitions, and it can be difficult to know its specific meaning when you see the word out in the wild. Although “bold” won’t appear on many complex word of the day word lists,
In a world full of confusing words — such as “affect” vs. “effect” or “principle” vs. “principal” — there are also easy terms. Take the word “rake” for example; just about everyone knows what a “rake” is. That said, not
Across the English language, there are several interesting words. Take "asset," for example — although it may appear small when written and tiny when spoken, the term asset has an arguably big and mighty meaning. Interested in learning more? We
When the COVID-19 pandemic forced many people into isolation via social distancing and lockdown, many people claimed to have cabin fever. That said, what does cabin fever mean? In the English language, there are a ton of idioms — AKA,
To some, virtue is one of the most valuable things in the world. While money, prestige, and power are nice, a person who displays moral qualities associated with virtue is almost always successful in life. It goes beyond material pleasures
Have you ever heard idioms like "variety is the spice of life"? This article will teach you all you need to know about the word variety. After reading this article, you will know the definition of the word variety, how
You may have heard the word loose in idioms like “hang loose!” But what does this word mean? This article will teach you how to use the word loose in different parts of speech, provide numerous example sentences containing the
Because of the globalized world we live in today, many aspects of different languages have influenced English. Sometimes, words from other languages will appear commonly in English speech. But this has been going on for much longer than in the
Have you ever taken a class on semantics? This article will define all of the types of semantics. Then,we will teach you how to use the word semantics in a sentence, provide translations of semantics, and cover synonyms of the
Have you ever heard the idiom “daft as a brush” and wondered what it means? This article will define the word daft and provide a plethora of additional information, including example sentences, related terms, and translations of this word of
One of the most exciting things about language is how many world languages borrow from each other. As scholars and linguists look at words in the modern world, they can often trace their roots back to languages that existed hundreds
Have you ever heard the phrase "slide into DMs" and wondered what it meant? This article will define the term DMs and provide alternate definitions for the acronym DMS. So, keep reading to learn all about DMs! Soon, you'll be
Do you know what a ram is? Do you know what RAM stands for? This article will define both the word ram and the acronym RAM. First, it will define the most common meanings of both RAM and ram. Then,
Between the sin of Pride and the joy of LGBTQ Pride parades, you might be a little confused about what the word pride actually means. Not to worry, though; we're here to help! In this post, we're exploring the term
The internet has completely changed our lives. Over the past few decades, we not only have dozens of new activities and hobbies that are a massive part of our culture, but we also have so many more idioms and jokes
You may have heard the word patience in idioms like “patience is a virtue.” But what is patience? What does it mean to be patient, and what does it mean to be a patient? This article will define the multiple
What is an idiom? You probably use idioms every day and don’t even know it! In this article, you'll familiarize yourself with all kinds of idioms. First, we'll start with the definition and origin of the word idiom. Then, you'll
We’ve all been through difficult times in our lives. Maybe, during a particularly rough patch, you’ve used the phrase “trials and tribulations” to describe your situation. It’s a fairly common phrase, especially in religious circles. But what does the word
Have you ever heard someone use the idiom hook up in a conversation and wondered what it meant? The term hook up has multiple meanings, and you may not be aware of all of them. This article will define the
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Give me liberty, or give me death! The word liberty appears in so many idioms and famous phrases. But what does this word of the day actually mean? This article will define liberty,
Pop quiz: What do the Stonewall Rebellion, Black Lives Matter, and Women’s Suffrage parade all have in common? If your answer was that each historic protest involves rioting, you’d be correct — but don’t get it twisted. These “riots” don’t
The word “meaning” is one that’s used in daily conversation, but do you know its definition? In other words, do you know what “meaning” means? Not to worry — we’re here to help! In this post, we’re exploring one of
There are some words in the English language that just seem a bit strange. Many words are historic and important, but they just don’t have as much usage in the modern-day as they once did. Ilk is one of those
There are so many acronyms out there. The rise of text messaging and social media has made prompt communication something that is incredibly desirable, so acronyms and abbreviations are just all over the place. Because there are so many acronyms,
We’ve all talked about the weather. It’s probably among the most common conversation topics of all time. Odds are, if you speak the English language, you have used the word weather. But there’s a bit more to this word than
If you're into fantasy or folklore, or even if you're into the wonderful world of sports, you have most likely heard the word legend used a time or two. It's a pretty common word, but whenever it's used it adds
Lie is one of the more common words found in the English language. It has multiple definitions, making it a flexible word with uses in all sorts of situations. Because of its multiple definitions, the word can also be a
Imagery and idioms are two incredibly powerful tools for writing and speaking. We can liven up our vocabulary by creating vivid comparisons to create more engaging conversations. The phrase “black swan” is one of those amazing combinations of words that
You might have heard the word hoe in American English idioms like “tough row to hoe,” but do you know the true meaning of this word of the day? In the following piece, we will cover topics like the definition
You might have heard the word claim in idioms like “stake a claim” or “lay claim,” but what does the word claim mean? This article will cover the definition of our word of the day: claim. We will provide a
You might have heard the word tweak in idioms like a tweak of the nose, but what does this word mean? In this article, we will teach you all about what the word tweak means and how to use it
You might have heard today’s word of the day in idioms like broad strokes, but what does the word broad actually mean? Today, we will cover all of the potential meanings of the word broad. By the end of this
From movies and tv shows to even some books and novels, the word "je ne sais quoi" is one that is commonly seen in various works of art — but what exactly does it mean? Where did it come from?
John Wooden — one of the greatest NCAA basketball head coaches of all time — once said, "Good things take time." Still, what exactly does the word good mean? Sure, it's the opposite of bad, but do you know the
Words are extremely powerful. They have the ability to crush a heart or heal it. They can liberate a soul or shame it. They can shatter a dream or give it life. They can move people to action or cause
If you ask us, there’s nothing better than the holiday season. From homemade hot cocoa with marshmallows to singing carols and snowball fights, there’s no denying that it’s the most wonderful time of the year. Another winter activity that we
Patience is a virtue that many wish to possess. Let's dive deeper into the meaning of this word. Learning about new words is always a blast, and we’re excited to teach you a few. If you've heard idioms like “patience
If you're compiling data to write an informative article, it's important to use citations to tell your readers that certain material in your writing came from another source. You see, citing the sources used in your research is a simple
When someone hears a loud eerie "BOO" in the middle of the night, their first thought is usually to call the Ghostbusters — but have you ever wondered why ghosts say boo? Where did this three-letter word come from, and
Just about every English speaker has used the word "yeah" before, whether in regular conversation or when jamming to Usher's 2004 club banger, "Yeah!" Despite how popular this little four-letter word is, not everyone knows its definition. Sure, it's commonly
When encountering a new word in a book or a conversation, it can be confusing if you don’t know all the possible definitions. One of those words is the word mean. It’s a simple word at first glance, but it
Certain words in the English language, especially swear words, often have multiple definitions. The simple, four-letter word “damn” has several definitions used by English speakers all the time. Because there is no one definition of damn, it can sometimes be
New words are so fun to learn, and we have yet another interesting one for you. Desist is commonly used in law documents, but it's not uncommon to see it in literature or hear it in everyday conversation. If you're
Spirits come in many forms, and it can be hard to keep up with them all. Are you curious about the meaning of spirit when the term is used in a religious context? What about the meaning of spirit when