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.
The phrase ‘to hear something straight from the horse’s mouth’ means that you heard the information from someone who has personal knowledge on the spoken matter.
Example in use: “I don’t believe it that she did it. I’m going to go to ask her and hear it straight from the horse’s mouth.”
The phrase ‘not a spark of decency’ refers to someone who has no or very rude manners.
Example in use: “Class 207 showed not a spark of decency by refusing to stand up when their principle entered the classroom”.
See more...Example in use: “He’s too smart for you to try and put wool over his eyes. Think twice before you do it.”
See more...The phrase “a leopard never changes its spots” means that it’s impossible for one to change their character, even if they will try very hard. The expression, sometimes also used as “a leopard can’t change its spots”, is used to explain the idea that no one can change their innate nature.
Examples in use:
“Brendan: ‘Do you think he’ll ever stop lying to us?’ William: ‘I doubt it; after all, a leopard never changes its spots.’ ”
“The teacher tried to be kind to her students, but a leopard can’t change its spots, she was still very mean.”
The phrase “hit the sheets’ means going to bed or falling asleep.
Examples in use: “ Exhausted from her day at in the office, Hannah hit the sheets.”
See more...The phrase ‘A lemon’ typically describes a second hand vehicle that, once purchased, ends up having plenty of flaws.
Examples in use:
”My brothers’ car is a lemon. He spends half of his weekend fixing his car.”
“It’s fine to look for a good deal; just be sure that you don’t end up buying a lemon.”
See more...The phrase ‘a fool and his money are easily parted’ means to say that stupid individuals don’t know how to save their cash.
Example in use: “Mike likes living in style – but then a fool and his money are easily parted.”
See more...The phrase “don’t give up the day job ” means that you ought to keep doing what you are great at, instead of taking a stab at something new or turning your hobby into your profession.
Example of use: “I tasted the cupcake you baked yesterday. My feedback is: don’t give up your day job!”
See more...The phrase ‘wouldn’t be caught dead’ is used to say that you really don’t like something or wouldn’t want to be seen in that situation.
Examples in use: “He is very conscious of his public image and wouldn’t be caught dead doing anything that might batter his image.”
See more...The phrase ‘to see the back of” means that you’ll be glad when somebody leaves because you do not get along or do not like that persona.
Example in use: “My sister-in-law became an absolute pain, I was really pleased to see the back of her.”
See more...The phrase ‘off one’s rocker’ is used to say that someone is insane or not thinking properly.
Example in use: “If you think that you are going to win the jackpot this week, you are off your rocker.”
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