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Most people believe the phrase "close, but no cigar" comes from a fairground tradition, but a paper trail reveals something stranger.
Matt Hoffman|
Stuck on today's Wordle puzzle? Discover essential 5-letter words starting with 'E' to keep your winning streak alive and secure today's answer.
Nitya Rao|
From "across the board" to "hedge your bets," these phrases have their roots in blackjack, horse racing, and more.
Paul Anthony Jones|
Is lychee pronounced "lie-chee" or "lee-chee"? Learn why both pronunciations are correct and how the fruit’s Chinese origins shaped the word in English.
Jane Alexander|
You speak more French than you think—probably before breakfast. Discover 12 words you might not have realized have French origins.
Matt Hoffman|
Ever wondered why a secret advantage is called an "ace in the hole"? Discover the 19th-century poker origins behind this iconic idiom.
Paul Anthony Jones|
Long before it described cathedral arches, spooky novels, or head-to-toe black clothing, calling something "Gothic" was a major insult. Here is how Renaissance art critics turned a Germanic tribe’s name into a centuries-long slur.
Jane Alexander|
Ever wonder why we say "o'clock"? Discover the medieval origin of the phrase, how mechanical clocks changed timekeeping, and why the contraction stuck.
Nitya Rao|