Reader Opinions
Tony – (till death do us part) September 24, 2026
Great answer. “Til death us do part” was an interim form, or incremental step, between “depart” and “do us part.” As such, it’s not more poetic or accurate, just a half-step. Compare to happiness (pursuit of, happily ever after), which meant fortune (having plenty of food or wealth) and not an emotional state. To live happily until Death departs us.
Vedha Nayagam – (shooting fish in a barrel) September 22, 2026
If the barrel is empty with no water in it, the fish is already dead! On the other hand, if it has water and fish, it’s an invisible moving target. A single shot at the barrel would drain all the water from it, and the fish will die soon!
Easy, sure success!
CKHenderson – (low hanging fruit) September 11, 2026
I was introduced to the term “low hanging fruit” in the past two or three years when I first heard the song about lynchings. I cringe and have a visceral reaction when I hear it. I feel sickened and sad.
I have noticed it’s recently frequently being used in business, news forecasts, sports news, ect as a new trendy descriptive phrase. I was going to protest its use, but in my research I have learned it may have originated in 1600s in agriculture as in “easy pickings.” It’s used in business sometimes positively, sometimes negatively. Its use is on the rise. Trendy.
I will deal with it.
HLH – (fine tooth comb) September 10, 2026
Is there a reliable source for this “New York-based periodical”? As shared, the context of the alleged passage is not an example of the ‘fine tooth comb’ idiom at work but a comparative statement. There are examples of ‘fine tooth comb’ actually and factually being used in the way of today’s popular idiom that predate this erroneous entry.
Mona – (once in a blue moon) September 9, 2026
It is obviously made out of yellow cheese.
Var – (shoot from the hip) September 6, 2026
No, explanation of Pete Iacullo is completely wrong. There is no historical evidence to confirm his theory. Perhaps, he read it (or even wrote by himself) in wikipedia.
The kid – (blowing smoke) August 24, 2026
I thought it was being cooked
Violet Phillips – (straight and narrow) August 6, 2026
Gdmorning, I BELIEVE in My Spirit, Is When You are Walking The Straight & Narrow Path, We Should Always Keep OUR Mind, Heart, & Soul Rooted & Grounded In The Ways Of Your LORD & SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST, Because He’s The ONLY “WAY To “ETERNITY”
Bob – (one man’s trash is another man’s treasure) July 31, 2026
In the spirit of being universally grateful: ‘One man’s ex-wife is another man’s vexed life.’
(I just today found this wonderful site / resource. Thank you for it!)
John – (good as gold) July 19, 2026
I was looking for a name that means good as gold
