Investigating the origins of American words, names, quotations and phrases. Over 41,000 entries.
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…
"Why does a round piza come in a square box" is a question that has been added to many lists of supposedly unanswerable (or "stupid") questions. A frequently given answer is…
"A boat is a hole in the water into which you pour money" is a popular saying that has been printed on gift items, such as T-shirts and posters. "A yacht, they say, is a hole in the…
"Pay the farmer or pay the doctor" means that one should eat healthy food (that costs a little more than processed food) and stay healthy, or one should pay the doctor after eating…
"When the tide goes/is out, the table is set" is a seafood harvesting adage popular in the Pacific northwest. Razor clams, clams, oysters, mussels, crabs, seaweed, limpets and other sea…
"BLT" usually refers to a BLT sandwich (bacon, lettuce and tomato). Dieting organizations such as Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig have another meaning for "BLT" -- bites, licks…
"You can't wring your hands and roll up your sleeves at the same time" means that one can't despair ("wring your hands") and take action ("roll up your…
"Founder's trap" describes a problem that many new companies experience. A founder might be able to handle most of the responsibilities of a small company, but that founder might be…
"Founder's syndrome" is not a medical condition, but describes a problem that many new companies experience. A founder might be able to handle most of the responsibilities of a small…
"Founder's disease" is not a medical condition, but describes a problem that many new companies experience. A founder might be able to handle most of the responsibilities of a small…