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Questions tagged [expressions]

This tag is for questions about expressions. Expressions are words or phrases used to convey an idea, or else a particular term used conventionally to express something. Consider phrase-requests and expression-requests if you are looking for an expression, phrase-meaning if you are unsure about the usage of a given phrase.

Use this tag for questions that are about expressions.

Consider the question check list if your question fits the tag. You can also look at the example questions. If this tag doesn't fit your question have a look below at somehow related tags that might fit your question better.

Question checklist

  • Is the question about an expression?
  • Does the question contain the expression?
  • Is the question NOT about the usage or meaning of the expression?

Examples of expressions

  • When in Rome, do as the Romans do
  • Better safe than sorry
  • There's nowt so queer as folk

Not what you are looking for?

5676 questions
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6 answers

Is x plotted against y or is y plotted against x?

Given a diagram where the x axis is the horizontal one and the y axis is the vertical one. Which of these alternatives are the right and or best way of writing it: plotting x against y plotting y against x plotting x versus y plotting y versus…
jonalv
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6 answers

What's the meaning of the word "brand" in the expression "brand new"?

What meanings might be conveyed by something being called brand new, as opposed to it simply being called new? What's behind the word brand here?
Ollie Glass
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8 answers

"How do you solve a problem like Maria?"

The nuns in the 1965 movie "The Sound of Music" are singing about Maria, who is difficult to deal with: How do you solve a problem like Maria? Being non-native (and only seeing a still frame of the scene) I thought it meant "How does Maria solve…
Christian Macht
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4 answers

What does "Roger" mean in war movies?

Is "roger" equivalent to "Ok"? I hear it in war movies, movies like Star Wars Clone Wars, and in war games.
John John Pichler
  • 479
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6 answers

Neither do I / Nor do I / Me neither / Me either

In this circumstance, which would be the most correct / natural answer? Person 1: I don't eat meat Person 2: Neither do I / Nor do I / Me neither / Me either This says both "neither do I" and "Me neither" are often used. But I have also heard /…
Suchi
  • 671
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votes
6 answers

Does English use "red thread" as expression for theme?

In Swedish the expression "röd tråd" (literally "red thread") is used to describe that something follows a theme. For instance, if a piece of text has a "red thread", it's written with a consistent thought throughout the text. The expression…
norq
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"Related work" or "related works"

Which expression should be used as a section heading of an academic paper: related work or related works? This is a question that has been bothering me for years, as googling shows that both have a large number of usages.
derekhh
  • 617
26
votes
11 answers

Is there a name for the expression "the end justifies the means?"

[Revised question] Is there a name for expressions or sayings such as "the end justifies the means?" After searching online I found that this expression is defined as consequentialism. But what I'm asking is whether there is a name for this types of…
Devil07
  • 4,046
26
votes
8 answers

Is there a polite way of saying "people like you"?

It seems that "people like you" is almost always used as an insult (similar to "your kind"). e.g. A shop owner might say to an annoying customer that doesn't buy anything, "Go away, I don't have time to deal with people like you." Can it be used in…
CaptainCodeman
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What expression would be the opposite of "Deal Breaker"?

I understand that "Deal breaker" is an expression used for a feature/characteristic that would make one not go for a deal (or terminate a contract), even if the deal's other features are great. What expression would be the opposite of "Deal…
Adriano Carneiro
  • 351
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5 answers

Why do some people say "Happy New Years" with an "s" at the end of "years"?

Why do some people say "Happy New Years" (with an "s" at the end of "years")? Here are some examples on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/search/%22happy%20new%20years%22 It seems like "year" should be singular, because there is only one new year.
Alec
  • 471
22
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2 answers

Is "soul-to-soul talk" a common expression in English?

Is "soul-to-soul talk" a common expression in English for describing a sincere talk between two people? Or is it not common at all?
brilliant
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22
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2 answers

Expression "enter [somebody]"

I would like to know what's the meaning and in which situations would one use the expression "Enter [somebody]", like "we were trying to find a solution. Enter John".
719016
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Common expression for having a rich man's taste but a poor man's budget?

What is the common expression for having a rich person's taste and poor person's budget?
IdahoBob
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21
votes
4 answers

Is the construction "It allows to ..." proper English?

I frequently encounter phrases like this: "It allows to apply these features to customisable sets of fonts". My question is whether this is proper English or not? In my mind, "it allows the application of ..." or "it allows one to apply ..." sound…
Vegard
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