“Caught red handed” likely began as a literal reference to blood on a criminal’s hands. Today it means caught in the act.

“Dog in the manger” describes someone who prevents others from using something they do not want themselves. Here is the story behind it.

Laconic comes from Laconia, the Spartan region of ancient Greece, and it still means using very few words, often bluntly.

Denote is a word’s direct meaning. Connote is the feeling or idea it suggests. Here is how to choose the right one.

“Muddy the waters” began as a literal image of cloudy water. Today it usually means making an issue more confusing or less clear.