Browse by verdict
Unproven
First recorded 1800s
Face the musicTo accept the unpleasant consequences of one's own actions; to confront a difficult situation rather than avoid it.
Unproven1834
Military
chew the fatTo chat in a leisurely, friendly way about nothing in particular, often at length and simply to pass the time.
Unproven1885
First recorded 1900s
the cat’s pyjamasAn excellent, stylish or thoroughly admirable person or thing; the very best of its kind, worthy of enthusiastic praise.
Unproven1919
cloud nineA state of intense, almost dizzying happiness, as if lifted above ordinary life by joy, excitement or elation.
Unproven—
First recorded 1800s
hunky-doryEntirely satisfactory, fine and going well, with everything in good order and no cause whatsoever for worry or complaint.
Unproven1866
First recorded 1700s
kick the bucketTo die, used as a light, faintly comic euphemism that avoids the bluntness of saying someone has simply died.
Unproven1785
Theatrical
break a legAn ironic phrase said to performers before they go on stage, wishing them good luck by seeming to wish the opposite.
Unproven1948
First recorded 1800s
the third degreeThe third degree is prolonged, aggressive questioning intended to force a confession or extract information through relentless pressure.
Unproven1883
First recorded 1800s
mad as a hatterTo be mad as a hatter is to be completely crazy or eccentric, behaving in a wildly irrational and unpredictable way.
Unproven1829
First recorded 1700s
let the cat out of the bagTo let the cat out of the bag is to disclose a secret, often carelessly or prematurely, revealing something that was meant to be hidden.
Unproven1760