The phrases Can’t died in the poorhouse, Can’t died in the war, and Can’t died in the cornfield are all jocular ways of encouraging someone to persevere despite difficulties or long odds. Sometimes this notion involves the...
John, a 10-year-old from Dallas, Texas, wonders why an unpredictable or uncontrollable person can be referred to as a loose cannon. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Loose Cannon” Hello, you have A Way with Words. Hi...
When a bird straightens and cleans its feathers with its own beak, it’s preening. If one bird is doing the same thing for another, that action is called allopreening. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Allopreen” If...
Liz from San Antonio, Texas, has noticed going west in World War I-era poems, letters, and accounts, usually meaning to die or be killed in combat. The euphemism go west is older than the war and is especially associated with writing from Scotland...
Kyle from Euless, Texas, wonders about the phrase I don’t cotton to this meaning “I don’t agree with this.” It originated in the textile industry, where cotton is prepared to adhere to another fabric. In the same way, some...
Don’t break my plate or saw off my bench just yet is a colorful way of saying I’ll be back. It’s somewhat like the phrase he hung up his spoon, referring to someone who has died. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of...