PODCAST · education
if the PHRASE fits
by Brian Foden
An entertaining podcast about the meanings and origins of famous English idioms, proverbs, and other phrases. It's a show for both native English speakers who love the language and upper-intermediate to advanced ESL learners who want to build their vocabulary. Hope you like it! If you do, please consider following. Episodes released weekly. Also, downloading episodes is convenient for future listenings, especially if you're a language learner. To suggest a phrase or make a comment, please contact me at [email protected].
Episodes
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Special Announcement
This isn't exactly an episode. It's really an announcement. First, I'd like to let you know I'll be starting a YouTube version of if the PHRASE fits. It's the same concept and name, but with graphics! Hope you enjoy it. Second, in order to develop the YouTube channel, I'm stepping back from…
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Accepting the Negative
Life isn't all a bowl of cherries. Sometimes, things don't go your way. In this episode, I look at 3 expressions people use to console themselves or others when failure occurs: That's life; There's no use crying over spilt milk, and You can't win 'em all.
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Famous Misquotes: Idioms & Proverbs Different from the Original Expressions
On this episode, find out how the following misquotes were originally stated: We're not in Kansas anymore; Houston, we have a problem, and Money is the root of all evil.
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More Expressions to Describe People
In this podcast episode about expressions based on people's habits and behavior, learn the interesting origins of Night owl, Early bird, and Tightwad.
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The Beauty of it all: Expressions about Beauty
In this episode, I take a look at 3 famous expressions about physical appearance: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder; Beauty is only skin deep, and Eye candy. Find out about the fascinating history and origins of these idiomatic terms.
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If the Flag Fits: Idioms with Nationalities
In this episode, I look at 3 idioms related to different nationalities: It's Greek to Me; Pardon my French, and Go Dutch. Find out the interesting origins of these expressions.
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Pearls of Wisdom: Proverbs that Offer Advice
Featuring 3 famous proverbs about advice: Don't judge a book by its cover; Don't bite off more than you can chew, and Rome wasn't built in a day.
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Irish Expressions - Just in time for St. Patrick's Day
Leave it to the land of the leprechauns to come up with some colorful expressions that will make you scratch your head. In this episode, I look at 3: Crack; Away with the fairies, and The Jacks. Happy St. Paddy's Day to you all on March 17!
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Expressions We Get from Shakespeare: if the PHRASE fits
Believe it or not, the knock, knock joke may have come from the Bard himself. Other expressions in this episode include What's done is done and Wild goose chase. Find out which famous Shakespearean plays these phrases come from.
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Music to My Ears - Idioms with Musical Words
Learn about the origns of 3 phrases that feature either the word "music" or musical words in them: Face the music; Change one's tune, and Strike a chord. Ironically, perhaps, none of them are used to talk about actual music these days!
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Sometimes You Gotta Be Rude
It's not nice to be rude, of course, but sometimes people push you too far. Find out the origins of these rude, but not profane, expressions: Get off my back; Put a sock in it, and Get lost! Any suggestions or comments? Please email me at [email protected]
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The Interesting Chinese Origins of English Phrases
Happy Lunar New Year! In this episode, I look at the origins of Long time no see, No can do, and Gung-ho. You'll never look at those expressions the same way again after this episode! Any suggestions or comments, please contact me at [email protected]
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Business Idioms about Working Hard
In this episode, I look at the meanings and origins of 3 phrases: Burn the midnight oil, Burn the candle at both ends, No pain, no gain.
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Twisting the Truth: Phrases about Lying & Cheating
Take a walk on the dark side of the English language by looking at the origins of expressions about lying and cheating: Rip off (also Rip-off); Pull a fast one, and Take (something) with a grain of salt.
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G'day, Mate: The Meanings and Origins of 3 Expressions Common in Australia
This time, travel Down Under (at least virtually) to look at 3 Aussie phrases: Mickey Mouse; No Worries, and Hit the Frog and Toad. Complete with some bad Australian accents on my part.
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British Idioms: Expressions about Differences & their Origins
Time for something different. British expressions as interpreted by a Canadian. What could go wrong? Find out as I tackle the meanings and origins of 3 interesting and fun Briticisms: Chalk and cheese; Swings & roundabouts, and As broad as it is long.
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Sticking Your Neck Out and Other Expressions about Taking Risks
Have fun learning about the interesting origins of the following phrases about risk-taking: Stick Your Neck Out; Throw Caution to the Wind, and Calculated Risk. No danger involved while listening to this podcast (watch out for cars, though)!
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Right Up Your Alley: Idioms about Likes and Dislikes
Find out why we say the following expressions: (Not) my cup of tea; Right up your alley; Take a shine to.
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A New Year's Toast to You
Happy New Year! Discover why we Make a Toast, Ring in the New Year, and Turn over a New Leaf (hint: it's not about trees).
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Merry Christmas & other Seasonal Expressions
Ho, ho, ho! Wishing you a Merry Xmas. Hopefully, this Christmas-themed podcast will help you get even more into the spirit of the season. In this show: White Christmas; 'Tis the season; Merry Christmas.
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Dogs, Leopards, and Mules: What animals show us about stubborn human behavior
In this episode, I examine two proverbs and one idiom about stubbornness: You can't teach an old dog new tricks; A leopard never changes its spots; As stubborn as a mule.
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Money Idioms
Since money is an important aspect of life, (indeed, "money talks"), it's not surprising there are lots of phrases and other expressions with that valuable word in it. In this episode, find out the origin of Time is money, Money doesn't grow on trees, and Money talks. #money #idioms #Time is…
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When Pigs Fly and Other Idioms of the Impossible
Ever wonder when we started saying "When pigs fly" and why? I also discuss "When Hell Freezes Over" and "Over my dead body." #idioms, #phrases, #English, #history, #humor, #language
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Elvis has Left the Building and Other Phrases
In this episode, I look at that famous phrase about Elvis Presley and two others about things being over and not being able to change things: It ain't over till the fat lady sings (The fat lady has sung), and The die is cast.
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The Magic of 3: The origins and meanings of English expressions with the number 3
In this new format, I look at 3 idioms with the number 3 in them: Third time lucky (or Third time's a/the charm); Three-ring circus; Three sheets to the wind.
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Weather Idioms and their Origins: if the PHRASE fits
Weather is an important aspect of life, so it's no surprise there are a lot of idioms based on various forms of weather. Check out the origins of these phrases: Get wind of something; the Perfect Storm; Calm before the storm; Lightning fast; Take a rain check
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In the Know: Expressions related to knowledge and wisdom (or lack thereof)
The meanings and origins of idioms and other phrases used to talk about what people know and don't know: Know something inside (and) out; In the loop; In the dark; Born yesterday; With age comes wisdom.
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Idioms about Problems: if the PHRASE fits
Check out the interesting and entertaining origins of the following problem idioms: Between a rock and a hard place; Open a can of worms; Tip of the iceberg; Uphill battle, and Back against the wall.
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Work Idioms: Expressions related to bosses and employees
In this episode, I step into the world of work and discuss the origins of the following common words and phrases that can be used to talk about people in corporations, including: Head honcho; Big wig; Slave driver; Low man on the totem pole, and Clock-watcher.
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Diving Beneath the Surface of Water Idioms
Check out the origins of idioms related to life's essential element - water. In this episode, discover why we say the following phrases: Water beneath the bridge; Muddy the waters; Hold water; In hot water, and Pour cold water on something.
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It's Time Again: Origins of Idioms about Time
Check out these famous phrases all related to time: Time flies; In the blink of an eye; Kill time; Time will tell, In the nick of time
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Idioms about Love
Find out about the origins of famous phrases related to everyone's favorite emotion: Head over heels; Love at first sight; Have the hots for someone; Love conquers all; Love is blind.
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Decision Time: Origins of Expressions about Making Decisions
In this humorous podcast, find out the meanings and history behind 5 interesting and fun phrases and idioms about decision-making: On the fence; No-brainer; Toss-up; Pros and cons; Flip-flop.
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Memorable Idioms: Unforgettable Phrases about Memory
Check out the origins and meanings of 5 idioms all related to memory: On the tip of one's tongue; Rings a bell; Jog one's memory; Draw a blank; Slip one's mind.
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Oops! English Expressions about Mistakes: if the PHRASE fits
Learn about why we use idioms and other expressions related to making mistakes. In this episode, the origins of: To err is human, Barking up the wrong tree, Red herring; Eat one's words; Failure is the mother of success.
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Expressions related to age: meanings and origins of 5 phrases about old age and youth
In this episode, learn about why we say the following proverbs and idioms: Can't teach a dog new tricks, Over the hill, No spring chicken, Salad days, Make hay while the sun shines.
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Going Nowhere Fast: Origins of idioms related to failure.
Learn about the origins and meanings of idioms all related to failure: Stuck in a rut; Spin your wheels; Go nowhere fast; Go round in circles; Comfort zone (OK, this one is not really failing, but it can lead to it). #fun #idioms #history #language #humor
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The Seeds of Success: Idioms related to trying hard to succeed.
In episode 15, I look at the following hard-working idioms: Push the envelope; Knuckle down; Pull out all the stops; Go the extra mile; and Go for broke.
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if the PHRASE fits: Sports idioms
Check out these idioms that refer to sports in some way and learn about their interesting origins: Ballpark figure/ On the ball/ Drop the ball/ The ball is in one's court/ Give it one's best shot.
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If the Phrase fits: Lucky 13 - Origins of idioms based on superstitions
Check out the interesting origins of 5 idioms that all have some basis in superstitious beliefs: Evil eye/ Speak of the Devil/ Knock on Wood/Keep your fingers crossed/ Get off on the wrong foot
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if the PHRASE fits: A Numbers Game - Origins of idioms with a number in them.
Learn about the reasons why we say the following phrases: Catch-22 / Behind the eight ball/ On cloud nine/ Six of one, half a dozen of the other/ A dime a dozen
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Food for Thought: Origins and meanings of 5 expressions with a food or beverage in them.
Learn about why we say several interesting idioms related to food and drinks: A piece of cake; Take the cake; Go bananas; Don't cry over spilt milk; Spill the beans. A fun, interesting and humorous look at the history of idioms and phrases.
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A Word to the Wise: Meanings and origins of phrases about being careful
Learn about the history of five very common expressions related to caution in this entertaining and informative podcast: Better safe than sorry; Don't count your chickens before they hatch; Don't put all your eggs in one basket; Skate on thin ice; Play with fire
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The Colors of Your Life: The origins of Idioms with colors in them
An entertaining, interesting, and informative podcast about English expressions featuring a different color in each one: See red; Green with envy; Be or feel blue; White lie, and Brown-nose. Great for native speakers who want to know more about the #history of the #English language as well as...
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Body Part Idioms: Origins and meanings of famous expressions that include various parts of the body
Discover the mysteries that the English language holds about the following idioms: Play it by ear; Heart of gold; An arm and a leg; Break a leg; See eye to eye. This #podcast is great for native speakers who love the #English language and its #history and for upper-intermediate to advanced #ESL...
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Angry Words: Origins and meanings of idioms expressing anger and frustration!
Learn the interesting origins of 5 phrases about the powerful emotion of anger: Blow a fuse; Have a short fuse; Hit the Roof; Make one's blood boil, and Go ballistic. And yes, there are some exploding sound effects in this #podcast! Great for native speakers who love the #English language and its...
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Origins of Expressions Related to Gambling
Check out the origin stories and meanings of the following gambling expressions on Episode 6 of "if the PHRASE Fits": Beat the odds; Poker face; Luck of the draw; When the chips are down, and Roll the dice. Great for native English speakers and upper-intermediate to advanced English learners!
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It Takes all Kinds of People: 5 idioms to describe individuals
In this episode, I look at 5 expressions related to describing people: Pain in the neck/ Cold fish/ Couch potato/ Movers & Shakers/ Smart Cookie. This #podcast is designed for native speakers who love the #English language and its colorful #history and upper-intermediate to advanced #ESL…
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If the PHRASE fits: origins and meanings of English idioms, proverbs, and other phrases
In episode 4 of this entertaining podcast, learn about the origins and meanings of the following phrases: Jump the Gun; Stick to Your Guns; Bite the Bullet; Shoot Down, and Shoot Yourself in the Foot (ouch!). Great for native speakers who love the English language and upper-intermediate to…
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if the PHRASE fits -Ep. 3 English expressions based on animals
The English language is full of phrases related to all kinds of creatures, great and small, the cute and cuddly ones, and the not-so nice ones, too. Learn about the origins and uses of the following expressions: Don’t Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth/ Hold Your Horses/ Birds of a Feather Flock...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
An entertaining podcast about the meanings and origins of famous English idioms, proverbs, and other phrases. It's a show for both native English speakers who love the language and upper-intermediate to advanced ESL learners who want to build their vocabulary.
Hope you like it! If you do, please consider following. Episodes released weekly. Also, downloading episodes is convenient for future listenings, especially if you're a language learner. To suggest a phrase or make a comment, please contact me at [email protected].
HOSTED BY
Brian Foden
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does if the PHRASE fits have?
if the PHRASE fits currently has 52 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is if the PHRASE fits about?
An entertaining podcast about the meanings and origins of famous English idioms, proverbs, and other phrases. It's a show for both native English speakers who love the language and upper-intermediate to advanced ESL learners who want to build their vocabulary. Hope you like it! If you do, please...
How often does if the PHRASE fits release new episodes?
if the PHRASE fits has 52 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to if the PHRASE fits?
You can listen to if the PHRASE fits on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts if the PHRASE fits?
if the PHRASE fits is created and hosted by Brian Foden.
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