“The writing is on the wall” isn’t about graffiti, Egyptian hieroglyphics, or the stencils above Grandma's family pictures. What is it about?... Read More

Grassroots movement doesn't mean your lawn has become nomadic. What is in motion, then? And how did this idiom get started? ... Read More

"My Country Right or Wrong" is just one example of a well-worn adage that doesn't mean what we think it means. What does it mean?... Read More

Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness. A well-worn adage that doesn't actually mean what we think it means. What is its intended message? ... Read More

When pigs fly is a figure of speech that insinuates complete impossibility. Then there's John Steinbeck's Pigasus. What's that? Find out here.... Read More

Much of LGBTQIA+ identify involves the tension between “coming out” and staying “in the closet.” To kick off pride month, we’re looking at both idioms, their histories, and what it means to live on either side of the closet door.... Read More

The Road Not Taken is commonly cited as an ode to free will. But Robert Frost himself wasn’t so certain. So when two roads diverged in that yellow wood… did taking the one less traveled really make all the difference? ... Read More

For St. Patrick’s Day, we’re taking a look at the aphorism, “Luck of the Irish.” While used with a positive connotation today, a look into Irish history reveals a much darker past. But how could “good luck” be so sinister?... Read More

The aphorism "Great minds think alike" may not mean what you think it means. Discover its intended message here.... Read More

C harity begins at home. We’ve all heard the expression. Usually in response to financial aid going to other nations. Or when we’re asked... Read More.

"It's a cakewalk" is typically used to mean something so easy success is certain. But the origins of this expression are anything but easy.... Read More

"Go the extra mile" is just one example of a well-worn adage t hat doesn't mean what we think it means. What is it really telling us?... Read More