The Phrase Finder
2,500 English idioms, phrases and proverbs that we use every day, with their meanings and origins explained.
Meanings and Origins
The meanings and origins of thousands of English idioms, expressions and sayings
Proverbs
A list of hundreds of the proverbs that give meaning to our language like no other form of expression.
American Expressions
Divided by a common language? Not when you understand the phrases that were born in the USA.
Phrases coined by Shakespeare
The Bard of Avon, he gave us more words and expressions than anyone else.
Nautical phrases
Ahoy there, me hearties, here’s the language that came from our nautical friends.
Phrases from the Bible
The single book that has given more sayings, idioms and proverbs to the English language than any other.
Categories of phrases
Expressions and sayings grouped under topic headings.
Resources
Tools, helpers and notes to help with writers block, or to settle an argument
Famous Last Words
When it comes to memorable quotations, many prominent people save the best until last.
See our list of Famous Last Words to find out who said what, just before they bit the dust.
Also, a special form of last words – notable suicide notes.
Phrase Thesaurus
The Phrase Thesaurus is a writers’ resource that stimulates ideas for headlines, copy, song lyrics, fiction writing etc.
Idioms
We also host a wide range of idioms and Words instead of collections.
A stylised exclamation of surprise, similar to ‘Heavens to Betsy’.
‘Heavens to Murgatroyd’ is American in origin and dates from the mid 20th century.
Popular today
Latest additions
- The meek shall inherit the earth Those who are humble, gentle, and unassuming will one day…
- That ship has sailed That opportunity has already passed; it is too late to…
- Sawing logs Snoring, breathing noisily during sleep, like the sound of logs…
- Pick your battles To be selective of the issues, problems, confrontations and debates…
- God willing and the creek don’t rise I/you/they will achieve my/your/their goal as long as there are…
- Hay is for horses A sarcastic response to the word ‘Hey’ used in greeting
- Clean as a whistle Completely and thoroughly.
- Bright eyed and bushy tailed Alertly eager, lively, full of energy and enthusiasm
- Always a bridesmaid never a bride Describing someone who frequently comes close to achieving a significant…
- A bad penny Something or someone is bad and unwanted.
- Light on one’s feet Agile, nimble, and capable of moving in a quick and…
- Pierce the veil To go beneath the surface to uncover a deeper truth.
- Coming down the pike Something is going to happen in the future (or soon…
- Wind beneath my wings If you say that someone or something is “the wind…
- In the books Something is finished or completed