If you ever tried to walk on a fallen tree log, you understand what the expression means.

VOA: special.2009.06.07

Experts on language say the expression was born more than two hundred fifty years ago, when pirates sailed the seas, attacking and robbing trade ships.

VOA: special.2009.05.24

One of these is the expression, carry a chip on your shoulder.

VOA: special.2010.01.17

Word expert Charles Funk thinks the expression comes from sailors on ships.

VOA: special.2010.05.16

Another "easy" expression is to "go easy on a person".

VOA: special.2009.06.07

The expression is "both feet on the ground.

VOA: special.2009.03.08

Another financial expression is "run on the bank."

VOA: special.2009.04.26

He says the syndicate was formed primarily for financial reasons, and he does not expect it to really take on the battle for freedom of expression.

VOA: standard.2010.08.09

"In the 21st century, expression and assembly are carried out on the Internet so we are going to continue to support those Iranians who wish to circumvent and be able to communicate without being blocked by their own government."

VOA: standard.2010.03.09