Idioms · 15 entries
A sceptic who won’t accept a widely believed truth until seeing the evidence in person.
From the Biblical story of Thomas, the apostle who doubted Jesus’ resurrection.
The United Kingdom.
Britain. Used from the 13th century in its original religious sense and from the mid 19th century when referring to insurance claims.
USA, late 19th century.
USA, 19th century.
Britain, 17th century. From a biblical source.
USA, 18th century.
Britain, 17th century.
Britain, 17th century.
USA. From a 1940s film script.
Britain, 18th century.
Britain, 17th century.
USA, 1960s
Britain, 1960s
Entry 1
Meaning A sceptic who won’t accept a widely believed truth until seeing the evidence in person.
Usage Worldwide.
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Pronunciation
Entry 2
Meaning A persistent and difficult to ignore annoyance.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 3
Meaning Some event that is considered to be outside human control. Commonly used in insurance policies to refer to events that the insured cannot be held responsible for.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 4
Meaning Despite any great difficult or obstacle.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 5
Meaning Deteriorating and headed for complete disaster.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 6
Meaning Someone who compassionately helps another who is in need.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 7
Meaning Determined to achieve something at all costs.
Usage Worldwide, although more common in the USA than elsewhere.
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Entry 8
Meaning In an uncertain situation, over which you have no control (a reference to the state of being outside both heaven and hell).
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 9
Meaning Earn sufficient money in order to keep yourself alive.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 10
Meaning Someone who might claim to be of good behaviour but has in fact a sordid past.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 11
Meaning In a difficult situation and reliant on luck to get out of it.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 12
Meaning A person who takes a contrary position from the one being presented, either for the sake of argument or to test the validity of the opposing point of view.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 13
Meaning Said when someone that you have just been talking about arrives.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 14
Meaning enthusiastic Christian believers.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 15
Meaning The rhythm method of birth control.
Usage Worldwide.
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