A-Z Database

A-Z Database

All A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Let sleeping dogs lie

This is a very old proverb meaning do not stir up unnecessary trouble, In the 1300s, Geoffrey Chaucer wrote, “It is nought good a sleeping hound to wa...

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Let the cat out of the bag

This expression dates from the 18th century and means to disclose secret or confidential information, often by mistake. The origin remains unresolved...

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Let the chips fall where they may

see Chips, let them fall where they may


Let the dog see the rabbit

This British idiom means to make way and give someone an opportunity or opening. It dates from the 1930s. Some sources say it derives from hunting wit...

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Let there be light

This expression is often used in a modern context as an appeal for illumination, both figuratively and literally, for example after a power cut. Its o...

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Level best

To do one’s level best is to do the best that one can do. The expression is of American origin and dates from the mid-19th century. Why level? There a...

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Level pegging

Is a British expression for a neck-and-neck race or contest; it dates from the early 19th century and derives from the game of crib or cribbage where...

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Lichgate, lych-gate

This is the name of the roofed gateway to a churchyard, especially a churchyard with a graveyard attached. The word lichgate dates from The Middle Age...

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Lick and a promise

A lick and a promise is a British colloquialism for a cursory, superficial and half-hearted effort and dates from the mid-19th century. It derives fro...

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Lick arse

see Kiss someone’s arse/ass


Lick into shape

More often than not, this expression is misused to mean to whip or knock into shape, which is not the original meaning at all. Lick into shape derives...

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Lick one’s chops

To lick one’s chops is to display hunger or, when used figuratively, means to anticipate something or other with relish, both usages date from the mid...

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Lick one’s lips

To lick one’s lips is to anticipate something with relish. In the literal sense, it derives from anticipating a tasty morsel of food and figuratively...

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Lick one’s wounds

Dogs, cats, rodents and primates all lick their wounds because saliva, when used sparingly, has bactericidal properties. The concept is extremely anci...

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Lick someone’s arse

see Kiss someone’s arse/ass


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