A-Z Database
see Hit the wall
As in a hit-and-run accident dates from the 1920s, but from the 19th century it was of course a defining term in baseball.
see Knock someone for six
An American expression derived from mining during the mid-1850s where to hit pay dirt was the same thing as striking it rich, literally striking or hi...
see Knock someone for six
Meaning to drink alcohol excessively dates from the late 19th century.
To get off to a brisk, successful start in any project, an American expression dates from the late 19th century. Its origin is not military as often s...
An American expression that dates from the late 19th century and means go to bed. Mattresses in those days were often nothing more than sacking stuffe...
This is 20th century American-Italian slang, typically Mafia, for going to war against rivals. It derives from sleeping rough, on mattresses, in safe...
Get to the precise point, to do or say something exactly right, its literal use of course as in carpentry must be centuries old, but its figurative us...
To leave, an American expression dates from the late 19th century.
Generally means to become very angry, but could also refer to prices, for example, that are excessively high. It is an American expression that dates...
see hit the hay/sack
Usually said of food or drink that satisfies perfectly is an American colloquialism from the mid-19th century.
Get into one’s stride, to be up and running and performing well; dates from the early 20th century. Itinerant bush workers in Australia would decamp,...