To coin a phrase
phrase
To introduce a new expression or restate a known one in a clever or original way.
Bob, to coin a phrase, is as busy as a bee these days.
Often appears as...
- as busy as a bee
- to coin a phrase
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To use a cliché, commonly used phrase or saying.
I wouldn't touch that with a ten-foot pole, to coin a phrase.
Often appears as...
- wouldn't touch that with a ten-foot pole
- to coin a phrase
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To introduce a new expression or restate a known one in a clever or original way.
Bob, to coin a phrase, is as busy as a bee these days.
Often appears as...
- as busy as a bee
- to coin a phrase
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To use a cliché, commonly used phrase or saying.
I wouldn't touch that with a ten-foot pole, to coin a phrase.
Often appears as...
- wouldn't touch that with a ten-foot pole
- to coin a phrase
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Fresh Twist
Use it when giving a familiar idea some new flair or perspective.
He's reinventing the wheel, to coin a phrase, with his innovative designs.
Pro Tip 2/3Unexpected Context
Apply it to make a known saying sound surprising or creative.
She's got a green thumb, to coin a phrase, in technology.
Pro Tip 3/3Witty Rephrasing
Shows a clever or humorous change to a common expression.
He's not avoiding work, he's on a permanent coffee break, to coin a phrase.
Pro Tip 1/3Fresh Twist
Use it when giving a familiar idea some new flair or perspective.
He's reinventing the wheel, to coin a phrase, with his innovative designs.
Pro Tip 2/3Unexpected Context
Apply it to make a known saying sound surprising or creative.
She's got a green thumb, to coin a phrase, in technology.
Pro Tip 3/3Witty Rephrasing
Shows a clever or humorous change to a common expression.
He's not avoiding work, he's on a permanent coffee break, to coin a phrase.
Pro Tip 1/3Fresh Twist
Use it when giving a familiar idea some new flair or perspective.
He's reinventing the wheel, to coin a phrase, with his innovative designs.
Pro Tip 2/3Unexpected Context
Apply it to make a known saying sound surprising or creative.
She's got a green thumb, to coin a phrase, in technology.
Pro Tip 3/3Witty Rephrasing
Shows a clever or humorous change to a common expression.
He's not avoiding work, he's on a permanent coffee break, to coin a phrase.
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