A-Z Database

A-Z Database

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Every now and then

Repeatedly, at short intervals, dates from the mid-17th century. 


Every one in a while

From time to time, less frequently than every now and then, US colloquial, dates from the early 19th century.


Every time a coconut

'Every time a coconut' or 'every one a coconut' is a British idiom that means repeated success at doing something or other. It can be used when succes...

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Every trick in the book

Every available method of achieving something or other, date from the early 19th century. Book here is used in the sense of a particular body of knowl...

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Everything but (or including) the kitchen sink

To throw or commit everything but (or including) the kitchen sink at something or other, is to commit absolutely everything. According to Eric Partrid...

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Evil to him who thinks evil

This is the translation of the French honi soit qui mal y pense the motto of the Order of the Garter, attributed to King Edward III in 1349.


Excrement

Jocular British students’ exclamation that means excellent; dates from the late 20th/early 21st century.


Excuse my French

see Pardon/Excuse my French


Extra string to one’s bow

see Another string to one one’s bow


Extract the Michael

see take the Mickey


Eye candy

Generally refers to women who are mouth wateringly good to look at, like a sweet or candy, an American expression from c. 1978. See also ear candy and...

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Eye for an eye

This expression reflects the spirit of vengeance in the Old Testament in contrast with the spirit of turning the other cheek in the New. The source is...

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Eye on the ball

see On the ball


Eye to eye

refer See eye to eye


Eye-opener

An experience or event that gives one a better understanding or disclosure, in the sense of seeing it clearly with eyes wide open, is an Americanism d...

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