If one has a chip on one’s shoulder, they’re spoiling for a fight. The phrase derives from the old practice of literally putting a chip of wood or other small object on one’s shoulder and daring an adversary to knock the chip off...
Novelist Charles Dickens created many unforgettable characters, but he’s also responsible for coining or popularizing lots of words, like “flummox” and “butterfingers.” Also, the life’s work of slang lexicographer...
If you’re having a particularly tough time, you might say that you’re “having a hard fight with a short stick.” The idea is that if you’re defending yourself with a short stick, you’d be at a disadvantage against...
Hyperbolic Headlines Will Restore Your Faith In Humanity!!!! Or maybe not. You’ve seen those breathless headlines on the internet, like “You Won’t Believe What This 7-year-old Said to The President!” They’re supposed to...
OLF n.— «Navy officials announced Tuesday that they were scrapping plans to build a remote airfield in Washington and Beaufort counties. Even longtime opponents were taken aback. Some had fought plans for the outlying landing...
late train n.— «Haass recounted how the special interest donations start flowing to incumbents as soon as they are elected. All the people who supported the council member’s opponent get on the “late train,” as it is called...