Investigating the origins of American words, names, quotations and phrases. Over 41,000 entries.
"Summer vacation is a time when parents realize that teachers are grossly underpaid" is a one-line saying that has been printed on many images. "Summer vacation - a time when parents…
PROVERB: “Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day; teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime." ANTI-PROVERB: "Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day; teach a man to…
Spain requested a financial bailout from the Eurozone in 2012. CNBC popularized the name "Spailout" (Spain/Spanish + bailout) in news articles on June 10th and 11th, 2012. Twitter use of…
The term "a gaggle of reporters and camera men" has been cited in print in 1935 and "a gaggle of journalists" has been cited in print in 1971. The "gaggle" of press…
"Confidence is the feeling you have before you fully understand the situation" is a popular saying in business and finance that has been printed on many gift items, such as posters and…
Brooklyn-born Vince Lombardi (1913-1970) took over as head football coach of the Green Bay Packers in 1959. According to Packers quarterback Bart Starr, Lombardi said in his first speech before the…
"We/I can't direct the wind, but we/I can adjust our/my/the sails" is a proverb that has been printed on many gift items, such as posters. American country music singer Jimmy Dean…
An "info babe" (or "info-babe" or "infobabe") is a woman who works on screen in a visual news medium, such as television broadcasting. The television networks CNN, Fox…
Taco Cabana aired 2012 commercials with its spokesperson wearing a "Mex addict" T-shirt. A "Tex-Mex addict" (or "Mex addict") is someone who crazes Tex-Mex cuisine.…
A popular quote, attributed to German-born physicist Albert Einstein (1879-1955), is: "Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole…
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it's dressed in overalls and looks like (hard) work" is a quotation usually credited to American inventor Thomas Edison (1847-1931), but…
"Diplomat: A gent who thinks twice before he says nothing" is a jocular saying that has been cited in print since at least August 1953. Another version is, ""A diplomat is…
"To do a great and important work, two things are necessary — a definite plan, and not quite enough time" is a jocular statement about accomplishing goals. "Not quite enough…
"One thing you can give and still keep is your word" is a proverb/riddle that has appeared in many collections of sayings. The proverb can be used in politics and in business, where trust…
"I always give 100% at work: 12% Monday, 23% Tuesday, 40% Wednesday, 20% Thursday, 5% Friday" is a popular saying on many gift items, such as T-shirts and posters. The daily percentages…
"It's not the hours you put in your work that counts, it's the work you put in the/your hours" is a popular business aphorism. "It is not the hours you put in your work,…
"Don't practice until you get it right; practice until you can't get it wrong" (or "Amateurs practice until they can get it right; professionals practice until they…
"Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt" is the official oath of the Special Olympics (athletic competitions for people with disabilities). The Special Olympics…
Entry in progress -- B.P. Google BooksThe Yale Book of QuotationsEdited by Fred R. ShapiroNew Haven, CT: YaleUniversity Press2006Pg. 617:"Opportunity never knocks twice."Chicago Daily…
"Money doesn't grow on trees" is a popular financial proverb from at least the early 19th century. "If money doesn't grow on trees, why do banks have so many…