Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
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).
Kentucky, North Dakota, and Vermont also have two mottos, one in Latin and the other in English. [3] [4] All other states and territories have only one motto, except for Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, which do not have any mottos. [5] English and Latin are the most-used languages for state mottos, each used by 25 states and territories.
The choice of the number nine may be related to the expression "To the nines" (to perfection). Use of the phrase became widespread in the 1980s and 1990s. Much of the interest in the phrase's etymology can be attributed to New York Times language columnist William Safire, who wrote extensively on this question.
The 18th edition of the dictionary, published in 2009. Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, sometimes referred to simply as Brewer's, is a reference work containing definitions and explanations of many famous phrases, allusions, and figures, whether historical or mythical.
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:
Historically, a number of everyday words and expressions used to be characteristic of different dialect areas of the United States, especially the North, the Midland, and the South; many of these terms spread from their area of origin and came to be used throughout the nation. Today many people use these different words for the same object ...
Kentucky: Unbridled Spirit [12] Louisiana: Feed Your Soul Pick Your Passion [13] [14] Maine: Welcome Home Discover Your Maine Thing The Way Life Should Be There's more to Maine [15] [1] Maryland: You're Welcome [16] Massachusetts: It's All Here [citation needed] Michigan: Pure Michigan: Say Yes to Michigan Great Lakes. Great Times. [1] [17] [18 ...
Notes Works cited References External links 0-9 S.S. Kresge Lunch Counter and Soda Fountain, about 1920 86 Main article: 86 1. Soda-counter term meaning an item was no longer available 2. "Eighty-six" means to discard, eliminate, or deny service A A-1 First class abe's cabe 1. Five dollar bill 2. See fin, a fiver, half a sawbuck absent treatment Engaging in dance with a cautious partner ab-so ...