A - Z Database
A damp squib is a disappointing outcome, a mediocre or failed enterprise, an anti-climax. A squib, which the OED maintains is an imitative word, is a...
see Put a damper on
To dance attendance is a metaphor that means to wait on someone in an ingratiating or assiduous manner. It is not known who coined the metaphor but it...
see Get one’s dander up
see Fine and dandy
This expression is used to describe a person facing an intimidating task or trial and the source is obviously the story of Daniel in the Bible, Daniel...
The word itself dates from the early 1400s when it originally meant heavy, strong, powerful or stout from the Middle Lower German or Middle Dutch dapp...
Literally, someone who is prepared to dare the devil and the word is first attested from the late 18th century when it was originally used to describe...
see Darkest Africa
This expression derives from horseracing where a dark horse was one that was unknown to bookmakers and punters alike. Thus, there was no form or infor...
To darken someone’s door or step is to be an unwelcome or unwanted visitor. It is usually expressed in the negative e.g. “Never darken my door/doorste...
The coining of darkest Africa is attributed to none other than Henry Morton Stanley the American journalist and adventurer who is perhaps most famous...
Originally, American slang for a Negro, which dates from the late 18th century, generally anglicised by the mid-19th century. It is also the mainly Br...
An American euphemism or minced oath for damn, which dates from the late 18th century.
A dash was originally a violent blow as in 'to dash to pieces' or an impetuous, fast movement of some kind, as in 'to dash off', dates in both these s...