Word History and Origins Origin ofphrase1 First recorded in 1520–30; (noun) back formation fromphrases,plural of earlierphrasis,fromLatinphrasis“diction, style” (pluralphrasēs), fromGreekphrásis“diction, style, speech,” equivalent tophrá(zein)“to speak” +-sis-sis; (verb) derivative ...
Word History and Origins Origin of phrase1 First recorded in 1520–30; (noun) back formation from phrases, plural of earlier phrasis, from Latin phrasis “diction, style” (plural phrasēs ), from Greek phrásis “diction, style, speech,” equivalent to phrá(zein) “to speak” + -sis ...
Because the word “limb” can refer to the branches of a tree. So if someone climbed a tree and went out onto one of its branches, they would be going out on a limb. This might also be where the phrase got its “taking a risk” meaning from, because climbing trees can be a dange...
Tip:Know Your Phrase has themeanings and origins for phrases. I guess that’s not too surprising considering this website is about common expressions. Anyways, if you want to go through the list of available phrases on here, go to the menu at the top and choose a relevant letter. ...
If you’ve ever found yourself in a situation where you needed someone to be patient with you while you sorted things out, you may have used the expression “bear with me” or “bare with me.” While both phrases sound similar, they have different meanings and origins. ...
Discover the intriguing origins of the Michigan slang 'Ope' and its diverse meanings - from surprise to apology. Uncover 3 fascinating origin theories for 'Ope'.
The Facts On File Writer's Library includes dictionaries, encyclopedias, and other indispensable resources for writers, students, and serious readers. From the origins of words and phrases to the meanings of literary terms, the collection provides comprehensive information in a clear, accessible style...
While there are no exact origins of this Latin proverb, the phrase is often used in religious writing and is most often used by theologians and church doctors. Photo credits from: Pinterest Ex Nihilo A Latin phrase that means “out of nothing”, ex nihilo is a philosophical and religious ...
While the above theory is the certainly the most substantiated, there are at least two alternate theories as to the origins of the baker’s dozen. The first theory pertains to profit margin and predicts that bakers would sell thirteen loaves to public vendors and only charge them for twelve....
And while we’re on the subject,Christopher Culverhas aposton “Guides to little-known languages from the French publisher L’Harmattan”; if you read French and have any interest in little-known languages, you’ll want to bookmark it: “If you are interested in the Finno-Ugrian or Turki...