T he Lottery ends with a famously disturbing plot twist, one that has provoked controversy since the instant it appeared in The New... Read More.

Y our mom might have used this saying to explain why you have to take your little brother when you go to the movies... Read More.

C ensorship. It's increasing at an alarming rate. Like a lot of other topics, Plato has a lot to say on the subject.... Read More.

T he aphorism carpe diem was penned by the Roman poet Horace in 23 BCE, making it one of the oldest philosophical mottos in... Read More.

Starting with “a clean slate” is thought to be the oldest known idiom. It means a fresh beginning, one free of past mistakes or failures. And It originated in The Code of Hammurabi.... Read More

You could just say counter-clockwise. In a direction opposite to the usual. Or in a direction contrary to the apparent course of the sun. But that wouldn’t be nearly as much fun… now, would it? And not nearly as steeped in superstition. ... Read More

No, gobsmacked isn't a never-ending candy made by Willy Wonka. It's British slang. But, what is vernacular for? ... Read More