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  2. List of proverbial phrases - Wikipedia

    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_proverbial_phrases

    A proverbial phrase or expression is a type of conventional saying similar to a proverb and transmitted by oral tradition. The difference is that a proverb is a fixed expression, while a proverbial phrase permits alterations to fit the grammar of the context. [1] [2] In 1768, John Ray defined a proverbial phrase as:

  3. English-language idioms - Wikipedia

    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English-language_idioms

    An idiom is a common word or phrase with a figurative, non-literal meaning that is understood culturally and differs from what its composite words' denotations would suggest; i.e. the words together have a meaning that is different from the dictionary definitions of the individual words (although some idioms do retain their literal meanings – see the example "kick the bucket" below).

  4. Idiom - Wikipedia

    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idiom

    An idiom is a phrase or expression that largely or exclusively carries a figurative or non-literal meaning, rather than making any literal sense. Categorized as formulaic language , an idiomatic expression's meaning is different from the literal meanings of each word inside it. [ 1 ]

  5. List of idioms of improbability - Wikipedia

    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_idioms_of...

    Another idiom of improbability is 畑に蛤 (Hata ni hamaguri) which means "finding clams in a field". Latin – ad kalendas graecas ("to the Greek Kalends ") signified indefinite postponement, since the Greek calendar had no Calends period; also cum mula peperit = "when a mule foaled ".

  6. Greek to me - Wikipedia

    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_to_me

    Here, Casca's literal ignorance of Greek is the source of the phrase, using its common meaning to play on the uncertainty among the conspirators about Cicero's attitude to Caesar's increasingly regal behaviour. Shakespeare was not the only author of this period to use the expression.

  7. See a man about a dog - Wikipedia

    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/See_a_man_about_a_dog

    The original non-facetious meaning was probably to place or settle a bet on a race, perhaps accompanied by a wink. In the UK the phrase is generally used nowadays as a polite way of saying, "I am going out [or "have been out"], but don't ask where", often with the facetious implication that you are about to be, or have been, up to no good.

  8. Friend of Dorothy - Wikipedia

    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friend_of_Dorothy

    The precise origin of the term is unknown. Some believe that it is derived from The Road to Oz (1909), a sequel to the first novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900). The book introduces readers to Polychrome who, upon meeting Dorothy's travelling companions, exclaims, "You have some queer friends, Dorothy", and she replies, "The queerness doesn't matter, so long as they're friends."

  9. Tell it to the Marines - Wikipedia

    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tell_It_to_the_Marines

    In America, the phrase, while still retaining its original use and meaning, also acquired a second meaning: if there's a wrong to be avenged, tell the Marines, because they will do something about it. In 1917 in the United States, a recruitment poster shows a variation of the phrase and an enraged civilian who wants to enlist. This sense of the ...