Ginger’s Phrase of the Day provides you with a daily dose of interesting facts and trivia on some of the more, and less, common phrases in the English language. Learn the real meaning behind these phrases, when and how to use them and other less-known info behind each phrase.
‘Photobomb’ is when an unexpected person or thing that either intentionally or by accident appears as the photograph is being taken. Photobombing usually happens as a practical joke, and without the acknowledgement of the main subjects of the photo.
Example of use: “I can’t believe that almost all of our wedding photos were photobombed by that crazy pigeon. In one of them you can even see the moment he tried to attack my husband.”
The phrase ‘Snail Mail’ (or ‘Smail’) refer to mail that was carried by the traditional postal delivery service.
Example of use: Daria –”I didn’t get your wedding invitation yet and the wedding is in 3 days.” Ruth –”Well, I guess that’s why it’s called Snail Mail, cause I’ve mailed the invitations 2 weeks ago and they still haven’t arrived, though we live in the same city.”
The term ‘punch above one’s weight’ means performing or achieving results better than expected and beyond one’s ability, skill, experience etc.
Example of use: “Although Brad isn’t the best track runner, I think that if he trains hard and punches above his weight, he’ll be able to qualify for the upcoming competition.”
The phrase ‘Much Ado about Nothing’ is used when someone is overreacting and makes a big deal of fuss over something unimportant.
Example of use: “Some people make a big fuss about which seat they’ll get on the plane, but as far as I can see it’s much ado about nothing, since everyone will get to the same destination at precisely the same time.”
Something that is not an inconsequential matter, not a trifling thing.
Example of use: “When Daniel was chosen to be valedictorian, he was so proud, because the honor of being chosen to represent your entire class is nothing to sneeze at.”
The phrase ‘Prima Donna’ is usually used to describe someone who behaves in a demanding and arrogant way, often expecting special treatment and usually unable to work well with others.
Example of use: “When I served that famous singer in my restaurant, she requested that the chef change almost all the ingredients in her pasta, changed tables 4 different times and then got upset when the main course didn’t’ arrive as soon as she’d finished her hors d’oeuvre!! She’s truly the biggest Prima Donna I have ever met.”
To immediately start an activity and work very hard and with full commitment.
Example of use: “As soon as the CEO approval of the new product came through, the entire office hit the ground running”.
A Backseat Driver is someone who gives unwanted and unneeded advice. Usually interfering in affairs without having the authority and knowledge to do so.
Example of use: “Daisy is such a backseat driver, she needs to stop interfering – no one asked for her advice.”
The phrase ‘champagne taste on a beer budget’ refers to someone who lives above her means and likes expensive things she can’t possibly afford.
Example of use: Laura – “I can’t believe Kimberly spent her entire salary on her red Jimmy Choo’s.” Dana– “That doesn’t surprise me at all, she has a champagne taste on a beer budget.”
The phrase ‘No Spring Chicken’ is usually used in a negative way to describe someone who is no longer young, probably past his young adulthood, and sometimes doesn’t realize it and tries to look and act younger than his age.
Example of use: “I don’t know how old Mike is, but obviously he is no spring chicken.”