to coin a phrase
to coin a phrase
A set phrase said after one uses a new expression. It is typically used jocularly to indicate the opposite (i.e. that one has just used a well-known or trite saying). Well, we can't do anything about it now, so "que sera sera," to coin a phrase.
See also: coin, phrase
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
to coin a phrase
You say to coin a phrase to show that you are using an expression that people will know. Stunned Jackson was, to coin a phrase, `sick as a parrot'. Note: To coin a new word means to invent it or use it for the first time. In this expression, the term is being used ironically.
See also: coin, phrase
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
to coin a phrase
1 said ironically when introducing a banal remark or cliché. 2 said when introducing a new expression or a variation on a familiar one.See also: coin, phrase
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
to coin a ˈphrase
used for introducing an expression that you have invented or to apologize for using a well-known idiom or phrase instead of an original one: Oh well, no news is good news, to coin a phrase.See also: coin, phrase
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
coin a phrase, to
To fashion an expression. This term, dating from the 1940s, is often used ironically to apologize for using a cliché, as in “He acts like the cock of the walk, to coin a phrase.” Of course it can also be used straightforwardly and refer to inventing an expression, a usage dating from the late 1500s.
See also: coin
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
- come again
- come again?
- How long is a piece of string?
- eggs is eggs
- coin a phrase, to
- you do you
- (one's) best foot forward
- best foot forward
- from my cold, dead hands
- how about