Common Phrases And Sayings Starting With "B"
Learn English and International Phrases and Sayings
Bed And Breakfast
"Bed and breakfast" (often abbreviated as B&B) is a type of accommodation where guests are offered a room for the night and breakfast in the morning, typically in a private home or a small establishment. It is usually more personal and intimate than a hotel, and prices may vary depending on the facilities and location.
Been Able To
"Been able to" is a phrase used to express the ability or capacity to do something in the past, present, or future. It usually follows the modal verb "have" or "has" and indicates that a certain action has been, is, or will be within someone's power or capability. For example:<br><br>- I've been able to speak Spanish fluently since I was a teenager.<br>- She hasn't been able to visit her family due to the pandemic.<br>- By next year, they will have been able to complete the project.
Been There Done That
"Been there, done that" is an idiomatic expression used to convey that someone has already experienced a particular situation or event and is familiar with it. It implies that they have lived through it and possibly learned from it.
Beg For Mercy
The phrase "beg for mercy" means to ask someone, often in a desperate or humiliating way, to show compassion or forgiveness, usually after being caught or punished for a wrongdoing. It typically involves a display of contrition, apology, and often a change of heart, in the hopes of avoiding further punishment or retribution. The person begging for mercy may be motivated by fear, regret, or a desire to make amends, and may use phrases such as "please forgive me" or "have mercy on me" to convey their plea.
Beg To Differ
"Beg to differ" is an expression used when someone respectfully disagrees with another person's opinion or statement. It indicates that the speaker wishes to assert their own viewpoint, politely disagreeing with what has been previously said.
Beg Your Pardon
"Beg your pardon" is an expression used to politely ask someone to repeat what they said or to apologize for misunderstanding or interrupting them. It's a way to show respect and seek clarification.
Believe It Or Not
"Believe it or not" is an expression used to introduce a statement or fact that may be surprising, astonishing, or hard to believe. It suggests that the listener might find it difficult to accept what is being said, but regardless of their skepticism, it is indeed true.
Bend Over Backwards
"Bend over backwards" is an idiomatic expression that means to make a great effort or go to great lengths to do something, often to please someone or to achieve a particular goal. It suggests going beyond what is normally expected or reasonable.
Benson And Hedges
Benson and Hedges is a brand of premium cigarettes, known for their distinctive yellow packaging with a curved filter. The name refers to two fictional characters created by British advertising agency J. Walter Thompson for an advertising campaign in the 1950s. The brand is associated with luxury and sophistication, although smoking is not considered a healthy habit.
Best Of All
"Best of all" means the most excellent or favorable among all options or aspects. It highlights something that stands out as exceptional compared to others.
Better Than Most
"Better than most" means that something or someone is superior or more accomplished compared to the majority of others in a particular context or category. It implies that they excel or surpass the common standard or average.
Beyond The Pale
Beyond the pale means something that is unacceptable, outside of acceptable limits or behavior, or beyond what is tolerable. It comes from the old phrase "beyond the pale," which referred to areas outside the boundary fence (the pale) of English settlements in Ireland, considered unsafe or lawless. In modern usage, it describes actions, ideas, or behaviors that are considered deeply offensive or intolerable.
Big Boys Don't Cry
The phrase "big boys don't cry" is an idiomatic expression that means that mature, strong, and capable individuals, especially men, should not display emotions like crying, which are typically associated with weakness or vulnerability. In other words, it implies that grown men should have self-control and not show signs of emotional distress, such as crying. This phrase is often used to discourage boys or men from expressing their emotions, especially in situations where they might be seen as "unmanly" to do so. However, it's worth noting that this phrase has been criticized for promoting gender stereotypes and the suppression of emotions, and some people now consider it an outdated and harmful expression.
Big Girls Don't Cry
The phrase "big girls don't cry" is often used to imply that strong or mature individuals, particularly women, should not show emotional vulnerability or tears, suggesting that crying is somehow weak or inappropriate. However, this phrase can also be seen as dismissive of valid emotions and can discourage open expression of feelings.
Bill Of Freight
The "bill of freight" is a document issued by a carrier or shipping company that details the goods being transported, the origin and destination of the shipment, the terms and conditions of the transport, and the applicable fees or charges. It serves as a contract between the shipper and the carrier, outlining the responsibilities of both parties and providing proof of the cargo's receipt and shipment.
Bill Of Lading
A bill of lading is a legal document that serves as evidence of the shipment of goods from one party to another. It typically outlines the details of the shipment, including the goods, quantity, weight, and condition, as well as the party responsible for the goods during transit, the port of departure and arrival, and any relevant instructions for storage or delivery. The bill of lading is used to facilitate international trade and commerce by providing a written record of the goods being shipped, which can be used for customs purposes, insurance, and court proceedings.
Bill Of Rights
The Bill of Rights refers to the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution. These amendments were adopted to guarantee certain fundamental individual rights and freedoms, such as freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and the right to bear arms. They also outline protections in criminal proceedings and limit the power of the federal government. The Bill of Rights serves as a cornerstone of American constitutional law and is a key part of the country's legal framework.
Bir Mourad Rais
The phrase "bir mourad rais" does not have a widely recognized or specific meaning in English. It appears to be a combination of words from different languages or a misspelled phrase. Without more context, it's difficult to provide an exact translation or explanation. If you can provide additional information or correction, I'd be happy to help further.
Bit By Bit
"Bit by bit" means gradually or slowly, often referring to the process of something being done in small increments or pieces over time.
Bits And Bobs
"Bits and bobs" is an informal British English expression referring to small, miscellaneous items or bits of information. It's often used to describe a collection of various things that don't have a specific category or are not easily defined.
Black And Blue
The phrase "black and blue" typically refers to a state of being badly bruised or injured, where the skin appears in various shades of black and blue due to blood accumulation under the skin. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation where someone has suffered emotionally or psychologically.
Black And Tan
The phrase "black and tan" typically refers to a mix of two colors, specifically black and brown, often used to describe the appearance of a dog breed called the Irish Wolfhound or a type of beer that has a mixture of dark and light-colored ale. In other contexts, it can also be a term for a uniform with those colors, historically worn by some police forces in Ireland.
Black Eyed Peas
"Black-eyed peas" is a phrase referring to a type of legume, also known as cowpeas or black-eyed beans. They are named for their distinctive appearance, featuring a black spot or "eye" on one side of the cream-colored pea. Black-eyed peas are commonly used in various cuisines, especially in the Southern United States, where they are often served during New Year's Day for good luck.
Blah Blah Blah
"Blah blah blah" is an expression used to represent meaningless or uninteresting conversation, often used when someone is talking excessively without saying anything significant. It can also be used to mimic the sound of someone speaking without paying attention to their words.
Blanc De Blanc
"Blanc de blanc" is a French term that refers to a type of champagne or sparkling wine that is made exclusively from white grapes, typically Chardonnay. It literally means "white of whites" in English.
Blanc De Blancs
"Blanc de blancs" is a term used in the champagne and wine industry to describe a type of sparkling wine that is made exclusively from white grapes, typically Chardonnay. The phrase translates to "white of whites" in French, referring to the fact that only white grapes are used in its production, resulting in a pure and light-colored wine.
Blanche Of Castile
Blanche of Castile was a medieval queen who lived from 1188 to 1252. She was the daughter of King Alfonso VIII of Castile and Eleanor of England, and she became the queen consort of France when she married King Louis VIII in 1200. After her husband's death in 1226, Blanche acted as regent for their young son, King Louis IX (St. Louis), until he came of age. She played a significant role in the governance of France and was known for her strong will and political acumen.
Block And Tackle
Block and tackle is a mechanical system used to lift, move, or manipulate heavy objects by means of a series of pulleys and ropes or chains. It simplifies the process of exerting force by dividing the effort required into smaller, more manageable components. The "block" refers to a solid object with a wheel and pawl mechanism that holds the rope in place when tension is applied, while the "tackle" consists of multiple lines and sheaves (pulleys) that allow for greater leverage and control over the load being moved.
Bo Xi Lai
The phrase "bo xi lai" () is a Chinese phrase that means "to arrive unexpectedly" or "to surprise". It is often used to describe a situation where someone shows up unannounced or arrives at a place without being expected.
Bob's Your Uncle
The phrase "Bob's your uncle" is an informal British expression used to mean "there you go" or "it's that easy." It serves as a quick and lighthearted way to indicate that something has been taken care of or solved without much effort. It is often used to express surprise or simplicity in a situation.
Boils Down To
The phrase "boils down to" means that something can be simplified or reduced to its most essential or basic point. It implies that after considering various aspects, the main idea or essence is condensed into a single, straightforward concept. For example, "The problem boils down to a lack of communication."
Bois De Boulogne
"Bois de Boulogne" is a park located in the western part of Paris, France. It is one of the largest parks in the city and is known for its gardens, lakes, and forests, offering recreational activities like walking, jogging, and boating. The name translates to "Wood of Boulogne" in English, referring to its wooded nature.
Bois De Vincennes
"Bois de Vincennes" is a reference to a large park located in the eastern part of Paris, France. It is one of the largest parks in the city and offers green spaces, forests, lakes, and various recreational facilities.
Bond Of Caution
The phrase "bond of caution" typically refers to a sense of responsibility or duty that one feels towards being careful or restrained, often out of concern for potential risks or negative consequences. It implies a connection or commitment to exercising prudence and caution in a particular situation or relationship.
Bone Of Contention
A "bone of contention" is a point or issue that causes disagreement or dispute between people. It refers to something that is a source of conflict or contention, typically when two or more parties have differing opinions or interests regarding it.
Bone To Pick
The phrase "bone to pick" refers to an issue or disagreement that someone has with another person, usually a minor matter that needs to be addressed or discussed. It comes from the idea of a dog picking at a bone, indicating a persistent concern that won't go away until it's attended to.