A-Z Database
Sometimes referred to as a touch of the collywobbles, which the OED describes as a pain or looseness in the bowels. The expression dates from the earl...
see Blimp
Common euphemism for sexual climax dates from at least the mid-17th century. As a noun for semen, it dates from the early 20th century; often written...
This metaphor is used to describe both physical and emotional disintegration dates from the early 20th century and derives from a garment that is fall...
If something or other comes back and bites a person, then that person is guilty of saying or doing something in the past that has triggered unfortunat...
This American expression from the late 19th/early 20th century meaning to make full and transparent disclosure, obviously borrows from expressions lik...
When events or issues come full circle, they come back to their original starting point, implying that little or no progress has been made. If the pro...
At first glance, the expression come hell or high water meaning that no obstacle can stand in the way of completing a task or assignment, appears almo...
see Chickens coming home to roost
To come home with flying colours alludes to the centuries-old Royal Navy practice of returning to home ports after being victorious in battle. They wo...
This figurative expression meaning to return to the fold as in a place of warmth, safety and shelter gained currency during the 1960s with the publica...
Usually used in the form of an exclamation and means, don’t exaggerate or don’t tell lies and generally expresses incredulity. It dates in this sense...
see Skeleton in the cupboard
This expression has nothing to do with discreet orgasms. It has rather been associated with police procedure since the late 19th/early 20th century bu...
Usually appears in the form of don’t come the old soldier with me and is a dismissive response to some attempted dodge or deceit perpetrated by the pa...