ENGLISH HORN
A double-reed woodwind resembling an oboe but longer and lower in pitch.
Other meanings and uses↓
- The term may also refer by extension to the part written for this instrument.
- In ensemble discussion, it can identify the player assigned to that musical part.
LEAPFROG
A children’s game in which players vault over the stooped backs of others.
Other meanings and uses↓
- As a verb, it means to jump or move ahead by passing over an intervening position.
- It can describe rapid advancement past a competitor, stage or level.
ALPHA DOG
An individual regarded as dominant, forceful or highest-ranking within a group.
Other meanings and uses↓
- Literally, it may describe a dog perceived as holding the dominant position.
- The phrase is often used informally for conspicuously assertive behavior.
SWEETBREAD
A culinary term for the thymus or pancreas of a calf, lamb or another young animal.
Other meanings and uses↓
- The plural SWEETBREADS commonly refers to portions prepared and served as food.
- It can appear as a menu term for a dish made from these organs.
HOT POTATO
An awkward, controversial or difficult issue that people prefer not to handle.
Other meanings and uses↓
- In a literal phrase, it can mean a potato that is physically hot.
- The expression can describe a responsibility repeatedly passed between people.
MANTIS SHRIMP
A predatory marine crustacean belonging to the order Stomatopoda.
Other meanings and uses↓
- The plural MANTIS SHRIMP can refer collectively to multiple species or individuals.
- The name is used broadly for stomatopods with specialized grasping or striking limbs.
SUNFLOWERS
Tall flowering plants known for large heads surrounded by bright ray-like petals.
Other meanings and uses↓
- The word can refer to the blooms cut from those plants for display.
- It may also denote multiple cultivated plants grown for seeds or oil.
BIG CHEESE
An informal term for a powerful, influential or high-ranking person.
Other meanings and uses↓
- The expression is often used humorously or with mild irony.
- With a determiner, it commonly labels the person in charge of an organization.
AMERICAN GOTHIC
A phrase describing something that combines an American setting or identity with Gothic style.
Other meanings and uses↓
- It can characterize American fiction, imagery or design with dark Gothic qualities.
- The words may function together as a descriptive cultural or stylistic label.
GRAPE-NUTS
The brand name of a crunchy, grain-based breakfast cereal.
Other meanings and uses↓
- The name functions grammatically as a product label rather than a common count noun.
- It commonly appears unchanged when referring to a serving or package of the cereal.
CAMPBELL'S SOUP CAN
A can used to package soup sold under the Campbell’s brand name.
Other meanings and uses↓
- The phrase may describe the container itself rather than the soup inside it.
- Grammatically, CAMPBELL'S is a possessive modifier identifying the associated brand.
DUCK DUCK GOOSE
A children’s circle game in which a chosen player is tagged and gives chase.
Other meanings and uses↓
- The repeated words are spoken as part of selecting the player who must chase.
- The phrase can be used as the name of a group activity without an article.
TOP BANANA
An informal expression for the chief, leader or most prominent person.
Other meanings and uses↓
- The phrase can refer specifically to a leading comic performer in a show.
- It is frequently used in a lighthearted way for whoever ranks first.
THE SCREAM
A phrase referring to a particular loud, sharp cry of fear, pain, anger or excitement.
Other meanings and uses↓
- The definite article indicates a specific scream already identified by context.
- The phrase may serve as a descriptive heading or label for a notable cry.
MUSICAL CHAIRS
A game in which players circle chairs to music and seek seats when the music stops.
Other meanings and uses↓
- Figuratively, it describes repeated exchanges of jobs, roles or positions.
- The expression can suggest competitive rearrangement when too few places are available.
HEAVYWEIGHT
A person, animal or object that is above average in weight or size.
Other meanings and uses↓
- In sport, it denotes a competitor or division in a high weight class.
- As an adjective, it can describe something substantial, serious or unusually powerful.
