Words, Words, Words
I thought it was time for another Cliché Corner when I “ran” across this saying the other day – “run of the mill.” Of course, I asked our Cliché Corner contributor, Mary Pat, for her input. Here is what she found: “Run of the mill today means ordinary or average, but it originated as things produced by a mill or factory that were released before they were graded or checked for quality. The quality could be excellent, average, or poor – the purchaser had no idea.” Who knew?
That response prompted me to look into more expressions using “run” – there are a TON! I found several more at www.thoughtco.com/idioms-and-expressions-with-run-4117103, and https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/run.
Many, of course, have to do with movement, but some are . . . huh? “Run a tight ship,” “run a temperature,” and the one with which I started the post – to “run” across something. Can you think of more? Do you use any expressions using “run”?
From The Blog
HR “Speak” – Part Two
In my October, 2025, blog post (“HR” Speak – BB’s Words), my HR expert friend, Maggie Peters, gave me some language that HR people use…
Animal Groups
In honor of National Pet Month (May), here are words for groups of animals (in case you want to adopt several animals 🤗🥰.) Did you…
Confusing Adjectives (or Nouns?)
American English puts adjectives before nouns. Okay. Not too confusing. We even add a LOT of adjectives in a row and finally get to the…
Books from Barbara P. Burke
Mr. Smiles® Stories
(Also available in Spanish)
-
How Mr. Smiles® Got His Name
$8.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Mr. Smiles® and the Power of Smiles
$8.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Mr. Smiles® and the Listening Lesson
$8.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Mr. Smiles® and Changing Cruel to Cool
$8.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Mr. Smiles® and the Spend or Save Question
$8.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Title World Tales™
More Great Books
Persuasive Communication™ Training
Do you have a lot of thoughts but can’t seem to put them together? As the “Thought Connector,” Dr. Burke will help you organize your thoughts to best convey your message to your customers or clients.
