Catch Phrase

We select an English phrase from one of our stories and explain its meaning. For English language learners and young people who want to improve their English with stories.

Wit’s End – Catch Phrase

In Rudyard Kipling’s story The Cat that Walked by Himself, a mother complains that she’s at her wits’ end, because the baby will not stop crying. Do you know the meaning of this English phrase to be at your wits end?

At Any Rate – Catch Phrase

Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland has some fantastic phrases in English, and today we’re going to be looking at a phrase you hear a lot in English conversation – ‘at any rate’.

Short Straw – Catch Phrase

What does it mean to Draw the Short Straw? Listen to a story the story and hear the English phrase in context.

Open Secret – Catch Phrase

You probably know what a secret is: it’s a piece of information that you keep hidden and don’t tell certain people. But do you know what an open secret is? We explain this English phrase by example.

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