A-Z Database
A hot potato is a contentious or controversial issue that one might drop like a hot potato. Both expressions date from the 1850s.
Ready, willing and eager to get going, originally for sex and then later by extension for any activity. It derives from US black jive talk in the 1950...
Annoyance or anger from the uncomfortable heat of anger under one’s collar or around one’s neck, dates from the late 19th/early 20th century.
To be in hot water is to be in trouble, dates from the early 16th century.
see In cold blood
Originally, early 1600s, a bed of earth heated by fermenting manure for raising or encouraging plant growth, figurative use and meaning for the rapid...
A medley or jumble of different things dates from the 1400s and derives from the Old French hochepot, from hocher to shake, literally to shake the pot...
Headstrong, rash, impetuous person dates from the mid-17th century.
A showy, vacuous, impetuous person, an American expression dates from the 1920s. Its earlier reference to shooting, either recklessly or expertly, is...
Literally, one whose spur is hot from impetuous, fast-paced riding dates from the 1400s, hence one that is impetuous or fiery-spirited, which dates fr...
The source is the New Testament, Matthew, 12:21, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided again...
see Get on like a house on fire
A house proud person is someone who takes pride in keeping their home clean, tidy, and well organised. The expression dates from the early 19th centur...
American expressions of delight and triumph, usually inviting admiration or praise for something one has achieved or acquired, rather than a reply. So...
The source is the Bible, Samuel II, 1:25, “How are the mighty fallen in the midst of battle!” It is repeated two verses further on in 1:27, “How are t...