The expression to run the traps means “to perform due diligence” or “solicit a wide variety of opinions” or “investigate every angle thoroughly.” This metaphor derives from the literal sense of running the traps, which refers to hunting and fishing...
Aaron, a law enforcement employee in the Midwest, asks about honey hole, used at work for a spot where parking citations are easy to write. The phrase honey hole has many recorded uses and meanings, including a hole in a tree or ground filled with...
We spoke on the show not long ago about how the phrase to keep something at bay derives from hunting. A listener wrote in with an evocative description of its origin, referring specifically to that period when cornered prey is able to keep predators...
The French horn, a beautiful instrument known for its mellow sound, originated as a hunting horn. The French merely added some innovations that made it more of a practical, usable instrument. But professional musicians often prefer to call it simply...
It used to be that you called any mixed-breed dog a mutt. But at today’s dog parks, you’re just as likely to run into schnugs, bassadors, and dalmadoodles. Also, if someone has a suntan, you might say he’s brown as a berry. But then, when’s the last...
Keeping something at bay comes from the baying sound that hunting dogs make when they’ve got their prey in a standoff. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Keeping At Bay” Hello, you have A Way with Words. Hi, this is Stacey from...
