Common Phrases And Sayings Starting With "N"
Learn English and International Phrases and Sayings
Native English Speaker
A native English speaker is someone who has grown up speaking English as their first and primary language, typically from birth or at a very young age. They have acquired English naturally and have a deep understanding of its grammar, vocabulary, and nuances, often without having formally studied it.
Nay Pyi Taw
Nay Pyi Taw is the capital city of Myanmar (also known as Burma). It was purpose-built and became the capital in 2006, replacing Yangon (Rangoon). The name "Nay Pyi Taw" translates to "royal capital" or "abode of kings" in Burmese.
Ne Bis In Idem
"Ne bis in idem" is a legal principle that means "not twice for the same thing." It refers to the concept that a person cannot be prosecuted or punished twice for the same offense. It is a fundamental principle of fairness and double jeopardy in many legal systems.
Ne Impediatur Legatio
The phrase "ne impediatur legatio" is a Latin phrase, and it translates to "lest the embassy should be hindered" or "that the embassy may not be impeded".
Ne Plus Ultra
"Ne plus ultra" is a French phrase that translates to "nothing further beyond" in English. It originally referred to the ancient belief that the Strait of Gibraltar was the end of the known world, and there was no land beyond it. metaphorically, it means the ultimate or the pinnacle, suggesting that something cannot be surpassed or exceeded.
Nec Plus Ultra
"Nec plus ultra" is a Latin phrase that means "nothing beyond" or "nothing further beyond." It signifies the idea of something being the ultimate or the highest possible achievement, beyond which nothing can surpass it.
Need To Know
"Need to know" is an expression used to indicate that someone has a legitimate requirement or urgency to be informed about certain information because it is essential for them to perform their duties or make informed decisions. It implies that the information is necessary for them to know in order to do their job effectively and that they aren't being given unnecessary details. This phrase is often used in contexts where access to information is restricted, such as in security clearance or confidential matters.
Needle In A Haystack
"Needle in a haystack" refers to something that is extremely difficult to find because it is lost or hidden among many similar things, much like trying to locate a small needle in a large pile of hay. It is often used metaphorically to express the idea of searching for something nearly impossible to find.
Needless To Say
"Needless to say" means that something is so obvious or well-known that it doesn't require further explanation or emphasis. It is often used to introduce a statement that is self-evident or can be easily inferred.
Neither Of Us
"Neither of us" refers to both individuals or things being mentioned, indicating that neither one is included or applicable in a particular situation. For example, "Neither of us likes sushi" means that both people do not have a liking for sushi.
Neither One Of
"Neither one of" refers to none of the two options or individuals being mentioned. It implies that both are not applicable or true in a given situation. For example:<br><br>"I neither like apples nor oranges; I prefer bananas." In this sentence, it means the speaker doesn't have a preference for either apples or oranges.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader, and philanthropist who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the country's first black head of state and the first elected in a fully representative democratic election. Mandela spent 27 years in prison for his anti-apartheid activism, becoming an international symbol of resistance to racial segregation. He is widely respected for his commitment to forgiveness, reconciliation, and social justice, earning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.
Nemo Me Impune Lacessit
The phrase "nemo me impune lacessit" is Latin, and it is the motto of Scotland and the Order of the Thistle. It translates to "No one provokes me with impunity" or "No one will go unpunished for provoking me".
New South Wales
"New South Wales" is a state located in southeastern Australia. It was named after the British colony established there in 1788, which initially included much of the eastern part of the continent. Today, it's the most populous state in Australia and includes major cities like Sydney, Newcastle, and Wollongong. The capital city is Sydney, which is also the country's largest city.
New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve refers to the last day of the year, December 31st, when people celebrate the upcoming New Year. It is a time for gatherings, parties, countdowns, and fireworks to mark the transition from one year to the next.
New York City
New York City, often abbreviated as NYC, is the most populous city in the United States. It is located in the state of New York and is known for its iconic landmarks, diverse culture, vibrant arts scene, and financial center. The city consists of five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. It is a global hub for business, entertainment, and tourism, with attractions such as Times Square, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and the Empire State Building.
New York Times
The New York Times is a major American newspaper based in New York City, known for its comprehensive and in-depth reporting on news, politics, business, sports, and culture.
Newcastle Upon Tyne
Newcastle upon Tyne is a city located in the northeast of England, UK. It sits on the banks of the River Tyne and is known for its historical landmarks, cultural attractions, and football club, Newcastle United. The "upon Tyne" part of the name refers to the city's position on the River Tyne.
Next Of Kin
"Next of kin" refers to a person's closest living relative or relatives, typically used in situations where legal or medical decisions need to be made on behalf of an individual who is unable to do so themselves. It can include a spouse, parent, child, or sibling, depending on the specific context and the laws of the jurisdiction.
Nice To Meet You Too
This phrase is a response to someone who has said "nice to meet you." It indicates that the speaker is also pleased to have met the other person.
Nice To Meet You
"Nice to meet you" is an expression used when you are greeting someone for the first time, indicating that you are happy or pleased to make their acquaintance.
Nice To See You
"Nice to see you" is an expression used when greeting someone you know or have met before, expressing pleasure in their presence or the opportunity to see them again. It's a friendly and polite way to acknowledge and greet someone.
Nickel And Dime
"Nickel and dime" is an idiomatic expression that refers to small amounts of money or to be bothered with insignificant details or trivial matters. It means to charge someone for small expenses or to focus on petty issues.
Nil Sine Labore
"Nil sine labore" is a Latin phrase that means "nothing without work" or "nothing comes without effort." It emphasizes the importance of hard work and dedication in achieving success or obtaining anything valuable.
Nineteen To The Dozen
The phrase "nineteen to the dozen" is an idiomatic expression that means something is abundant or plentiful. It originally referred to the way eggs were traditionally sold in the UK, where a dozen eggs were packaged with an extra egg, making it 19 in total. So, when someone says something is "nineteen to the dozen," they mean there is an abundance of that thing, almost to the point of excess.
Nip And Tuck
"Nip and tuck" is a phrase that refers to minor adjustments or alterations, often in the context of cosmetic surgery where small changes are made to improve one's appearance. It can also be used metaphorically to describe making small fixes or modifications to something.
No Holds Barred
"No holds barred" is an idiomatic expression that means there are no restrictions or limitations, allowing for an unrestricted and intense confrontation or competition. It can be used in various contexts, such as in a debate, a fight, or any situation where all strategies and tactics are fair game.
No It Isn't
This phrase is a simple negation of a statement or question. It means that whatever was previously stated or asked is not correct or does not apply.
No Matter What
"No matter what" means regardless of any circumstances or obstacles, implying that something will happen or be true under any condition.
No One Else
The phrase "no one else" refers to no other person or individual apart from the ones already mentioned or considered. It emphasizes exclusivity, suggesting that there is nobody else involved or affected by a situation.
No Thank You
"No thank you" is a polite way of declining an offer or refusal, usually used when someone offers you something you don't want or need. It's a way of being courteous and respectful by acknowledging their offer while still declining it.
Noblesse De Robe
"Noblesse de robe" is a French term that refers to the nobility or aristocracy that originated from legal or administrative positions rather than from birthright or land ownership. It typically describes individuals who gained noble status through their occupation, such as judges, high-ranking officials, or members of the judiciary. These individuals were not born into the nobility but were elevated to it due to their professional roles and achievements.
Noli Me Tangere
"Noli me tangere" is a Latin phrase that translates to "touch me not" or "do not touch me." It is often used in a biblical context, referring to the moment when Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene after his resurrection and she was instructed not to touch him (John 20:17 in the New Testament). The phrase has also been used in literature and art to convey a sense of restraint, intimacy, or a warning against interference.
Nom De Guerre
"Nom de guerre" is a French phrase that translates to "war name" or "fighting name" in English. It refers to a pseudonym or alias that someone adopts, particularly in military or revolutionary contexts, to conceal their true identity or for symbolic reasons. It is commonly used by soldiers, guerrilla fighters, or artists who want to maintain anonymity or create a distinctive identity.
Nom De Plume
"Nom de plume" is a French term that refers to a pen name or a pseudonym used by an author instead of their real name. It is typically adopted for various reasons, such as to maintain anonymity, to separate their work from their personal identity, or simply to have a more memorable or appealing name for publishing purposes.
Non Obstante Veredicto
"Non obstante veredicto" is a legal term that comes from Latin and means "notwithstanding the verdict." It refers to a situation where a judge can override a jury's decision or find a different judgment, typically due to a legal technicality or error in the trial process. In essence, it allows the judge to set aside the jury's verdict and make their own ruling.