Bryan Collins's Blog, page 11

Albatross Around My Neck – Idiom Meaning & Origin

Are you scratching your head at the idiom “albatross around my neck”? We’ll explain the origins of this phrase and what it means so you can use it in your writing.

You might have come across the phrase “albatross around my neck” when reading or during a conversation with someone and had no idea what it meant. While you might have taken a guess and thought it had something to do with birds, the phrase is used to describe a heavy burden one carries.

This meaning was captured by Alan Cohen ...

Unsung Hero: Meaning, Origin & Correct Usage

Are you curious about the meaning of the term “unsung hero”? This phrase describes people who don’t get credit for saving the day; let’s learn how to use it correctly.

You might have heard the term “unsung hero” and wondered about its meaning. After all, aren’t heroes generally praised for their good deeds? This phrase is an idiom used to describe someone who has done something heroic but didn’t receive any recognition for it.

This meaning was captured perfectly by Dwayne Johnson when he s...

Mold or Mould: What is the Difference?

Should you use mold or mould? Learn the difference between these two words in this article.

Are you confused about using mold or mold in your writing? This comes as no surprise when you consider that the two words are pronounced the same and mean the same thing. Mold is the preferred spelling in American English, while mould is the British spelling.

In this article, we’ll get to the bottom of the differences between the two words. From etymology and meanings to regional varieties, we’ll co...

Mistrust vs. Distrust: What’s the Difference?

Mistrust vs. distrust express a lack of trust but aren’t the same. Learn their subtle differences and discover how these words confuse many English learners.

Mistrust vs. distrust — surely, there’s a difference between these words, right? After all, English is the most powerful language.

Speakers and writers of English are spoiled by the myriad of words at their disposal, and it is important to select your turn of phrase with precision, to communicate your meaning accurately.

There are ...

Blindside or Blind Side? Meaning, Origin & Correct Usage

Are you wondering what the phrase “blindside” means? Is it blindside or blind side? Let’s learn more about this saying and how to use it correctly.

Blindside is a commonly misunderstood English term because it sounds just like blind side. So, what does blindside mean?

Blindside, when spelled as one word, means to surprise someone in a negative way or from the direction that they aren’t looking. Joel C. Rosenberg captured this definition when he said, “To misunderstand the nature and threat...

Birds Of A Feather Flock Together – Proverb Meaning & Origin

Are you puzzled about the English proverb “birds of a feather flock together”? We’ll detail the origin and meaning of this saying so you can confidently use it.

You might have heard the phrase “birds of a feather flock together” and were confused about what it means. This is an old proverb referring to people with similar interests, characters, or personalities who will get on with one another.

The saying is generally attributed to 16th-century writer William Turner. Although Turner did no...

Champing at the Bit vs. Chomping at the Bit – Idiom Meaning, Origin & Correct Usage

Are you wondering whether the saying is “champing at the bit” or “chomping at the bit”? Let’s learn about this idiom and how to use it correctly.

You might have heard a lot of people use the terms “champing at the bit” and “chomping at the bit” interchangeably. Chomping and champing are commonly confused words in the English language, so which of these is accurate in this scenario?

It turns out that neither of these phrases is incorrect, but the original saying was “champing at the bit” as...

12 Best Robert Ludlum Books: High-Stakes Spy Thrillers from the Creator of the Bourne Trilogy

Traverse the globe and uncover intricate plots of world domination with our list of the best Robert Ludlum books .

Fast, explosive action and incredible plots are guaranteed with every entry in our list of the best Robert Ludlum books.

Robert Ludlum (1927-2001), was the American author best known for creating the Bourne series. He graduated from Connecticut’s Wesleyan University in America with a degree in Drama. After college, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps and worked as a producer and...

George R.R. Martin Net Worth: A Comprehensive Analysis

Read our article: George R.R. Martin net worth, and discover the success of the author behind the global blockbuster Game of Thrones. 

Born in Bayonne, New Jersey, in 1948, American author George R.R. Martin has decades of writing under his belt, but he is best known for creating the world of Game of Thrones. Martin started writing and selling his work when he left high school. According to his official website, his first sale as a writer occurred when he was 21, and he sold a story to Galaxy...

Kickoff or Kick-off: What’s The Difference?

Choosing between kickoff or kick-off can be confusing. This guide will help you identify which one is correct in specific situations.

Do you get confused between kickoff or kick-off? While the two words mean the same thing, they shouldn’t be used synonymously. The reason for that is simple: while kickoff is the standard spelling in American English, kick-off is the correct spelling when using British English.

Still, many people confuse the two. To avoid a mistake in your writing, you need ...