But beans are used to describe something of very little value in the expression, not worth a hill of beans.

VOA: special.2010.01.31

The expression probably comes from the physical act of turning your back toward someone, instead of speaking to him face-to-face.

VOA: special.2009.12.13

The words hot potato,for example, give you no idea at all to the meaning of the expression,hot potato.

VOA: special.2009.12.06

The expression was first used in the southern part of the United States to describe the use of force to win an election.

VOA: special.2009.02.15

The phrase to be left holding the bag is as widely used as the expression to let the cat out of the bag.

VOA: special.2009.01.25

But in the nineteen sixties, the expression rolling stone became famous in the world of rock-and-roll music.

VOA: special.2010.10.17

Another common expression, to hold water, is about the strength or weakness of an idea,opinion or argument.

VOA: special.2009.05.10

Some language experts think this different taste is responsible for the birth of the expression baloney.

VOA: special.2010.09.26

For example, you hear the expression, ace in the hole, used by many people who would never think of going near a poker table.

VOA: special.2009.11.22

An old expression of the sailors that is still heard is to sail under false colors.

VOA: special.2009.05.24

Those words are part of the First Amendment, which guarantees freedom of expression and other rights.

VOA: special.2009.12.24

One of Washington's officers, Royall Taylor, used the expression in a play about Daniel Shay's rebellion.

VOA: special.2009.01.25

A listener from Venezuela sent us a question about the meaning of the expression mayday.

VOA: special.2010.04.18

Now,people use the expression to mean to prepare for dealing with any kind of trouble.

VOA: special.2009.05.24