Browse by era
1900s
Nautical
poshElegant, luxurious, or characteristically upper-class in a stylish and sometimes ostentatious way; smart, fashionable and expensive-seeming.
Folk Etymology1914
Domestic
sleep tightA warm parting wish that someone sleep soundly and securely through the night, typically said at bedtime.
Folk Etymology1916
Theatrical
cut to the chaseTo get to the point at once, leaving out unnecessary preamble and coming directly to the most important or interesting part.
Attested1929
First recorded 1900s
back to square oneTo return to the very beginning of a task or process after an effort has failed, so that all previous progress is lost.
Folk Etymology1952
First recorded 1900s
piece of cakeA task or achievement that is very easy to do, requiring little effort, skill, or difficulty on the part of the person concerned.
Attested1936