Research

This section explains the methodology for compiling the 2000+ phrases listed on the site.

Meanings

The site provides meanings for phrases and idioms, particularly benefiting readers whose first language isn't English. Some phrases warrant special explanation due to widespread misunderstanding, such as "the exception that proves the rule" and "beg the question."

Origins

The author emphasizes that legitimate research requires documentary evidence rather than speculation or anecdotal claims. The critical first step involves determining when a phrase first appeared in print.

Sources of Early Printed References

Several digitized archives provide access to historical documents:

• Project Gutenberg - out of copyright books
• Early English Books Online - medieval collections
• The Internet Archive - 2 million public domain and contemporary works
• The British Newspaper Archive - 4 million historical newspaper pages
• The Newspaper Archive - 500 million global newspaper pages
• The Trove Archive - Australian materials
• Oxford English Dictionary - the authoritative historical reference

Doing the Research

The methodology involves:

1. Establishing the earliest known usage date
2. Determining whether that date represents the phrase's origin or a reuse of earlier material
3. Recognizing that some phrases (street slang origins) may never have documentable sources
4. Disproving incorrect theories through historical evidence

The author stresses that reliable sources maintain factual accuracy rather than offering unsupported speculation about phrase origins.