A woman in Vancouver, Washington, wants to know the origin of the phrase the coast is clear, meaning “it’s safe to proceed.” It most likely has to do with a literal coast, whether from the perspective of a ship at sea or guards patrolling the...
supercedure n.— «When the virgin queen is of age, “They bring it to the old queen,” says Morrison. From there, it’s a battle to the death. Typically, “The younger and more vigorous queen will sting the older queen, and...