Meaning of Idiom ‘A Crying Shame’ A crying shame is a very unfortunate situation; a more emphatic way of saying ‘a real shame.’ Usage “Did you hear about all the layoffs? What a crying shame.” “It’s a crying shame Suan’s father died just before her wedding.” Origin Used since at least the first half of the … Read more
Next Page Come Hell or High Water Come hell or high water is an alliterative dyad which means “no matter what happens or how difficult it is.” This idiom is used to refer to a goal or intention that will be achieved at whatever cost. “I’m going to pass this exam come hell or high water.” … Read more
Next Page Bundle of Nerves, a A bundle of nerves is a very anxious, nervous, anxious, tense, fearful, or jittery person. “I’m always a bundle of nerves before a competition.” Burn One’s Bridges To burn your bridges means to take an irrevocable step that makes it impossible to go back to a previous position, situation, etc. … Read more
Meaning of Idiom ‘Half in the Bag’ To be half in the bag is to be mildly intoxicated by alcohol; almost drunk. This idiom is also used to mean ‘drunk or intoxicated’ (i.e. completely drunk). This usage reflects the earlier variation ‘in the bag’ which today is not as common. Originally, in the bag meant … Read more
A fable is a short fictional story featuring anthropomorphized animals, legendary creatures, plants, inanimate objects, or forces of nature that illustrates or leads to a particular moral lesson. Some of the most well-known and beloved fables come from Aesop, a slave and storyteller who lived in ancient Greece between 620 and 564 BCE. These stories … Read more
A mythological idiom in use since the late 1500’s. Meaning of Pandora’s Box Opening Pandora’s box is the same as opening a can of worms. It refers to a process that, once began, results in many unforeseen problems which were previously covered up. To open Pandora’s box is to let things get out of control. While … Read more