Topics

May

A Tale Told by Idioms

by Meredith Mullins on May 6, 2019

Person in search of idioms, telling a story of proverbs and sayings. (Image © iStock/Borchee.)

An etymological quest
© iStock/Borchee

The Phases of Phrases: Proverbs and Sayings

Once upon a time there was a wandering etymologist—a true lover of language. She had been living high on the hog for many years, enjoying the materialistic pleasures of the world.

More often than not, she was three sheets to the wind. That was her choice at the time—so no crocodile tears need be shed for her. Someday, the world hoped, she would understand the importance of minding her Ps and Qs. Read more...

Meredith Mullins Comments

Proverbs & Sayings

Feb

A Taste of Italian Wordplay

by Joyce McGreevy on February 12, 2019

A woman serving gelato reminds the writer that Italian wordplay includes many Italian food idioms—that aren’t about food. (Image © Joyce McGreevy)

What’s as cool as gelato minus the calorie count? Italian wordplay!
© Joyce McGreevy

Spice Up Your Speech with Italian Idioms

One of the pleasures of travel in Italy is immersing yourself in the language. As you treat your palate to its cuisines, treat your tongue to Italian wordplay.

Oh, I see: Sampling Italian idioms is a rich, non-fattening way to savor Italian culture.

An array of Italian side dishes remind the writer that many Italian idioms refer to food. (Image © Joyce McGreevy)

Many Italian idioms were inspired by food—but are rarely about food.
© Joyce McGreevy

Complimenti Allo Chef!

In English we favor plain statements when seeking the simple truth: “Tell it like it is.” “Give it to me straight.” Read more...

Joyce McGreevy 4 Comments

Cultural Heritage & Traditions/Italy/Proverbs & Sayings

Sep

Wild and Woolly Wordplay

by Joyce McGreevy on September 24, 2018

A red panda in Wellington, New Zealand reminds the writer that animal idioms continues to influence everyday language. (Image © Joyce McGreevy)

Animal Idioms Around the World

Animal idioms have burrowed into everyday wordplay since Moses was a pup. It doesn’t take a fisheye lens to get the picture. Animal words prowl the planet.

You don’t have to be a bookworm or wear a deerstalker hat to ferret out examples. A simple mouse click ponies up swarms of animal buzzwords.

Fledgling Phrases

Animal idioms are cross-cultural and nest in every language. Some are as timeless as a phoenix rising from the ashes. Others are newly hatched. Read more...

Joyce McGreevy 1 Comment

Nature Discovery/Proverbs & Sayings/Worldwide Sites

World Views: