A-Z Database
The fog of war means the uncertainty of war, and Carl von Clausewitz, the Prussian war strategist, defined the concept, if not the actual phrase, in h...
see Old fogey
see Have not the foggiest idea/notion
Trust one’s instincts or proceed in the most obvious direction dates from the 15th century and perhaps derives from hunting dogs.
An idiom that means to do as someone else has done or to follow their lead in repeating or imitating whatever has gone before. It derives from playing...
Something to ponder. Something that requires careful consideration. Dates from the late 19th century. Perhaps derives from 'having something to ch...
This expression frequently used to describe temporary happiness or security based on false hopes is often ascribed to Shakespeare Romeo and Juliet (15...
This expression was coined by Alexander Pope in his An Essay on Criticism (1711).
To have a foot in the door means that one has an introduction or a beginning that will lead on to greater things. The expression is American in origin...
Now means simply to pay the bill with the implication that one is paying for other people as well as oneself. The expression dates from the mid-19th c...
If something is bought or sold for a song, or if something is going for a song, it means very cheaply or for next to nothing. After all, what does a s...
For Africa is South African informal that means in abundance, large numbers or in excess as in these examples: “Crowded? There were people there for A...
see For my money
This is what is known as a minced oath or euphemism for ‘for Christ’s sake’ used to express annoyance or impatience. Although now prevalent on both si...
A phrase that means as if one’s life depended on it. It dates from the mid-1700s. See also For the life of me.