Common Phrases And Sayings Starting With "E"
Learn English and International Phrases and Sayings
E F Benson
E.F. Benson is an abbreviation for Edward Frederic Benson, an English author who lived from 1867 to 1940. He was known for writing novels, short stories, and biographies, with a particular focus on supernatural and horror themes. Some of his most famous works include the "Mapp and Lucia" series, which satirizes English social life in the 1920s and 1930s.
E Pluribus Unum
"E pluribus unum" is a Latin phrase that means "Out of many, one." It has been traditionally used as a motto of the United States, symbolizing the idea of unity and diversity, representing the union of the 13 original colonies into a single nation.
Eamon De Valera
Eamon de Valera was an Irish political leader and statesman who played a key role in Ireland's struggle for independence from Britain. He was born in New York City in 1882 to an Irish mother and a Spanish father, hence the name "de Valera." De Valera served as Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland three times and was also the president of the country for two terms. He was a prominent figure in Irish politics for several decades and is remembered for his dedication to Irish nationalism and his efforts to shape modern Ireland.
Ear, Nose And Throat
"Ear, nose, and throat" refers to the medical specialty that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the ears, nose, and throat, as well as the head and neck region. It is also known as otolaryngology.
Earl Of Shaftesbury
The "Earl of Shaftesbury" is a title in the British peerage. It refers to a person who has been granted this noble rank, typically inherited through a family line. The title originates from the town of Shaftesbury in Dorset, England. The Earl of Shaftesbury is associated with historical figures who have played roles in politics, society, and sometimes philanthropy. The most famous among them might be Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury, who was a prominent 19th-century social reformer.
Easy Come Easy Go
"Easy come, easy go" means that something was acquired or gained quickly and easily, and can also be lost or taken away just as quickly. It suggests that one should not become too attached to possessions or successes that were obtained without much effort, as they may not last.
Eat Too Much
To "eat too much" means to consume an excessive amount of food, beyond what is necessary or recommended for a regular meal. This can lead to feeling uncomfortable, full, or even ill, and may contribute to health issues if done regularly.
Eau De Cologne
"Eau de Cologne" is a type of fragrance or perfume, typically with a lower concentration of scent oils compared to other fragrances like eau de parfum or perfume. It usually has a fresh and light scent, often containing citrus and floral notes, and was originally created in Cologne, Germany. The term "eau de cologne" is now used generically for any light, refreshing perfumed water.
Eau De Parfum
Eau de parfum (EDP) is a type of fragrance that contains a higher concentration of essential oils compared to eau de toilette and eau fraîche. It typically contains a concentration of 10-20% essential oils, which gives it a stronger and more intense scent than eau de toilette but not as intense as perfume. Eau de parfum is often used for everyday wear and is considered to be a more versatile and subtle option compared to perfume.
Eau De Toilette
Eau de toilette is a type of fragrance, typically used as a perfume, that has a lower concentration of aromatic compounds compared to more concentrated fragrances like eau de parfum or perfume. It usually contains around 5-15% of scent ingredients mixed with alcohol and water. Eau de toilette is often used for daily freshness and has a lighter, more subtle scent that lasts for several hours.
Ebb And Flow
"ebb and flow" refers to the rhythmic movement of water in a tide, where it recedes (ebb) and then comes back in (flow). Metaphorically, it means a fluctuation or alternation between two states or conditions, often used to describe the dynamic nature of situations, emotions, or activities.
Edgar Allan Poe
Edgar Allan Poe was an American writer, poet, and literary critic known for his dark and mysterious works. He is famous for his tales of horror and suspense, as well as for his contribution to the development of the detective fiction genre. Some of his most well-known works include "The Raven," "The Tell-Tale Heart," and "Annabel Lee." Poe's writing often explores themes of death, madness, and the subconscious.
Edward Bouverie Pusey
Edward Bouverie Pusey was an important figure in the 19th-century Church of England. He was a theologian, priest, and one of the leaders of the Oxford Movement, which aimed to restore Catholic practices and doctrines within Anglicanism. Pusey was known for his influential writings on religion and his advocacy of sacramental theology.
Ee Bah Gum
"EE Bah Gum" is an expression used mainly in Northern England, particularly Yorkshire, to show surprise or enthusiasm. It's a colloquial way of saying "Oh my goodness" or "Goodness gracious."
Ee By Gum
"EE by gum" is an expression used mainly in Northern England, particularly in Yorkshire, to show surprise or excitement. It is a colloquial phrase that can be translated to "Oh my goodness" or "Goodness gracious."
Eel Pie Island
"Eel Pie Island" is a small island located in the Thames River, west of London, England. It is known for its historical associations with music and counterculture, particularly in the 1960s when it was a popular venue for jazz and blues clubs, as well as hosting performances by famous musicians. The name comes from the traditional dish served on the island, eel pie, which was a local specialty.
Eeny Meeny Miney Mo
"Eeny meeny miney mo" is an old children's counting rhyme often used to make a random selection, typically between two or more items. It usually goes like this:<br><br>Eeny, meeny, miney, mo,<br>Catch a tiger by the toe.<br>If he hollers, let him go,<br>Eeny, meeny, miney, mo.<br><br>In some versions, the word "tiger" is replaced with "spider" or other words, and the phrase has been adapted over time. It's a playful way to choose something or make a decision without bias.
Effeuiller La Marguerite
"Effeuiller la marguerite" is a French phrase that translates to "pluck the daisy" in English. It refers to an old tradition or game where a person pulls off the petals of a daisy, saying "he loves me, he loves me not" with each petal to determine the feelings of someone they are interested in. It is a way to try to divine if someone loves you or not.
Eid Al Adha
Eid al-Adha, also known as the "Festival of Sacrifice" or "Sacrilegious Feast", is the second of the two major Islamic holidays, celebrated by Muslims around the world. It commemorates the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) as an act of obedience to Allah's command. According to Islamic tradition, Allah subsequently replaced Ismail with a ram, which Ibrahim was supposed to sacrifice instead. The celebration of Eid al-Adha is marked by the sacrifice of an animal, usually a sheep or goat, and the distribution of its meat to the poor and needy.
Eid Al Fitr
Eid al-Fitr is a significant religious holiday celebrated by Muslims around the world to mark the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. The word "Eid" means "festival" or "celebration", and "Fitr" means "breaking of the fast". Eid al-Fitr is a time of great joy and celebration, where Muslims gather with family and friends to share food, gifts, and festivities, and to give thanks for the blessings of the Almighty.
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
"Eine kleine Nachtmusik" is a German phrase that translates to "A Little Night Music" in English. It is the popular name for Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Serenade No. 13 in G major, K. 525. This is a well-known classical composition often performed by orchestras and is associated with the elegance and charm of the Viennese Classical period.
Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze
Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze was an American painter known for his historical paintings, particularly "Washington Crossing the Delaware," which depicts George Washington leading his troops across the Delaware River during the American Revolutionary War. The phrase provided does not form a specific idiom or expression; it is simply the name of an artist.
Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is an iconic skyscraper located in New York City, United States. It was completed in 1931 and, at the time, was the tallest building in the world. The phrase "Empire State Building" typically refers to this famous landmark, which stands as a symbol of American architecture, engineering, and urban development.
En Bon Point
"En bon point" is a French phrase that translates to "in good shape" or "in good condition" in English. It is often used to describe someone who is physically fit or an object that is well-maintained.
En Coup De Sabre
"En coup de sabre" is a French term that translates to "in a stroke of the saber" in English. It is often used metaphorically to describe a swift, decisive, or dramatic action or event that cuts through a situation like a sword stroke. It can refer to anything that makes a striking and powerful impact, usually in a positive context, such as a brilliant idea or a sudden resolution to a problem.
En Grande Tenue
"En grande tenue" is a French phrase that translates to "dressed up" or "in formal attire" in English. It refers to being dressed in one's best or most elegant clothes, typically for a formal occasion or event.
En Plein Air
"En plein air" is a French phrase that means "in the open air." It is often used to describe the act of painting or creating art outdoors, where artists can work directly from nature and capture the natural light and surroundings. The term is particularly associated with the Impressionist movement in art, where painters would venture outside to paint landscapes and scenes directly, rather than working in studios.
En Ronde Bosse
The phrase "en ronde bosse" is a French term that refers to a specific technique in woodworking or sculpture. It means "in round carving" or "carving in the round." It describes the process of carving a three-dimensional shape from a block of wood, where the sculpture is free-standing and complete in all directions, without being attached to a background or base.
En Ventre Sa Mere
"En ventre sa mere" is a French phrase that translates to "in his mother's womb" in English. It refers to a situation where something or someone is still in the stage of development inside its mother's uterus before birth.
End To End
"End to end" refers to a complete process or system that starts from one point and proceeds through all necessary steps or stages until it reaches its final destination or conclusion. It implies a seamless, uninterrupted connection or flow from the beginning to the end.
Enjoy Your Day
"Enjoy your day" is an expression used to wish someone a pleasant and enjoyable time during their day. It's a friendly and polite way to convey your hope that they will have a good day filled with happiness or fun activities.
Enjoy Your Meal
"Enjoy your meal" is an expression used to wish someone a pleasant and satisfying dining experience. It is often said by servers in restaurants or by friends and family when sharing a meal together.
Epater Le Bourgeois
"Epater le bourgeoisie" is a French phrase that translates to "shock the bourgeoisie" or "to outrage the middle class." It comes from the 19th-century French literary and artistic movement known as the "Baudelairean spirit" or "Decadent movement." The phrase refers to the desire of artists and intellectuals to challenge conventional values, shock the conservative establishment, and push social boundaries. It embodies the idea of creating controversy and provoking a reaction from the middle class, which was often seen as prudish and restrictive.
Erich Von Stroheim
Erich von Stroheim is a phrase referring to an Austrian-American film director, actor, and writer who was active during the silent era of cinema. He was known for his work as a "supervillain" character actor and for his influential but controversial directing style. Von Stroheim's films often explored themes of decadence, corruption, and moral decay, and he was famous for his attention to detail and insistence on realism. One of his most notable films is "Greed" (1924), which originally had a much longer runtime before being heavily edited by the studio.
Ernst And Young
"Ernst & Young" (often abbreviated as EY) is a multinational professional services firm that provides audit, tax, consulting, and advisory services. It is one of the "Big Four" accounting firms, along with Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), and KPMG. The company was originally founded in 1903 and has since grown to operate globally with a presence in numerous countries.
Errare Humanum Est
"Errare humanum est" is a Latin phrase that means "To err is human." It suggests that making mistakes is a natural part of being human, and implies that everyone is susceptible to errors or imperfection.