Investigating the origins of American words, names, quotations and phrases. Over 41,000 entries.
"I find it ironic that the colors red, white and blue stand for freedom until they are flashing behind you" is a jocular saying that has been printed on ecards and posters. The…
"Why is it that our nose runs, but our feet smell?" is a joke that dates back to at least 1902, when this joke appeared in many newspapers: "The following is told by a teacher in the…
"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" is from John 8:32 of the King James Bible. "Thou shalt know the truth, and the truth shall make you mad" is from…
"May our home/walls know joy, each room hold laughter, and every window open to great possibilities" is a saying that has been printed on many posters. The saying has been cited in print…
Entry in progress -- B.P. "Dressage takes two lifetimes to master" is a similar saying. Wikipedia: FencingContemporary fencing is the modern state of the western art of combat with the…
Entry in progress -- B.P. "Fencing takes two lifetimes to master" is a similar saying. Wikipedia: DressageDressage (/ˈdrɛsɑːʒ/ or /drɨˈsɑːʒ/; a French term, most commonly…
"Dressage" is a French term meaning "training," where a horse and rider perform predetermined movements. Dressage is often called "horse ballet." "Col.…
"If you're the smartest person in the room, then you're in the wrong room" is a saying that has been printed on many posters. The saying is usually not credited to any author.…
The term "hamburger bun" has been cited in print since at least 1902. Seeded bread has long been popular, and seeded hamburger buns add to the flavor and texture. "HAMBURGER Served…
"If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you" is a motivational saying that has been printed on many posters. The saying was…
"The best angle from which to approach any problem is the try-angle" is a motivational saying that has been printed on many posters. The saying was cited in 1921 in the Bostnn (MA) Sunday…
"If you stumble, make it part of the/your dance" is a motivational saying that has been printed on many posters. "If you stumble, make it part of your dance" was cited on…
If "Plan A" (the first option) doesn't work, people either quit or move on to "Plan B" (the second option). "If 'Plan A' didn't/doesn't work,…
"You manage things; you lead people" has been credited to Rear Admiral Grace Hopper (1906-1992). In a 1982 navy magazine, she was quoted: "We manage things. We lead people."…
"Deja brew" (déjà vu + brew) is a pun that has applied to both beer and coffee. "Deja brew" was cited as a crossword clue in New York magazine in 1985. "Deja Brew - the…
George S. Patton Jr. (1885-1945), a United States Army general who commanded the Seventh United States Army in the Mediterranean and European Theaters of World War II, believed in leading his…
Many people order a cappuccino at the end of a meal. "I believe cappuccino is the dessert form of coffee" was cited in print in 1995. "Cappuccino is the dessert form of coffee"…
The economist John Kenneth Galbraith (1908-2006) coined the word "bezzle" from "embezzle" in his book, The Great Crash, 1929 (1954). The "bezzle" was defined as…
John Mitzewich ("Chef John") made the YouTube video How to Make Falafel - Crispy Fried Garbanzo Bean/Chickpea Fritter Recipe for "Food Wishes" on March 6, 2015. Chef John said:…
“The old adage, 'Never believe weather forecasters or politicians'" was cited in a 2015 North Vancouver (British Columbia) newspaper, when a former CBC meteorologist decided to go…