A - Z Database
This expression is a euphemism for true as God and dates from the early 20th century.
True blue has become a metaphor for loyal and steadfast without any connection to the colour blue per se. True blue dates in this sense of being loyal...
As in a game of cards, the word trump is an alternative form, a corruption really, of the word ‘triumph’ and dates from the early 1500s. It derives fr...
Why a touchdown in rugby is called a try goes back to when the game of rugby was evolving during the 19th century. The first focus then was on the kic...
see Teach your grandmother how to suck eggs
Tucker is a colloquial American word that means to grow weary or tired. Its origin is unknown and dates from c. 1839.
see Days of the week
see hit the hay/sack
As in the expression, “So, you have finally tumbled” meaning, “So, you have finally understood” is British slang from the mid-19th century.
As in a sudden attack of illness, faintness, or the like, dates from the late 18th century. Turn as in a stage or variety act e.g. a star turn, dates...
To turn a blind eye means to ignore something deliberately as if it was not there and dates from the early 19th century. It is generally acknowledged...
Most commonly expressed in the negative i.e. did not turn a hair or without turning a hair and means to remain calm and unruffled. This figurative use...
American euphemism for a prostitute plying her trade, dates from the early 20th century.
To go to bed, originally nautical and related to sailors’ hammocks, dates from the late 17th century. Turn oneself in (to the police or authorities) d...
To turn King’s or Queen’s evidence is to appear as a witness for the prosecution against one’s criminal accomplices. As a legal term, it dates from th...