Appraise The Phrase

Underdog Podcasts

The show that puts your favorite (or not so favorite) everyday expressions under a microscope and into the hot seat. Tune in as Mario and his special guests dive into the meanings and origins of common sayings, expressions, and idioms. We may introduce you to a few too! Once it's all said and done, will these sayings live up to their common usage or will they crash and burn from some investigation? Join us as we take a moment to appraise the phrase! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 6d ago

    Bigger Fish to Fry

    Where did "bigger fish to fry" actually come from — and does it even hold up? We trace the idiom from Cervantes to a 1900s dime novel. On this episode of Appraise The Phrase, Mario and Twenty unveil the origin, confirm the meaning, and assess the value of the idiom "bigger fish to fry." They start with Sancho Panza in Cervantes' Don Quixote (1605–1615), move through English diarist John Evelyn's 1660 journal entry ("I have other fish to fry" — not published until 1818, over a century after his death), and land on the early-20th-century American novel that's actually responsible for the "bigger" version we use today: Edward Stratemeyer's "True to Himself, or Roger Strong's Struggle for Place." Along the way, they compare Merriam-Webster, Cambridge, and Collins definitions, debate whether the phrase is a personality trait or just a circumstance, and run through pop-culture parallels — the Andy Warhol diaries, Charles III's coronation echoing the English Restoration, Steve Jobs' return to Apple, and the Access Hollywood tape — before handing out a final Power Grade. Then it's on to the Dictionary of Misinformation, where they debunk the myth behind Cinderella's glass slipper (spoiler: it was never supposed to be glass). If you're into word origins, etymology, idioms, and the stories behind the phrases we use without thinking, this one's for you. 0:00 – Independence Day (1996) 0;47 - Appraise The Phrase Theme 2:43 – Movie Talk: The Odyssey & The Return 6:32 – Introducing Today's Phrase: "Bigger Fish to Fry" Confirm The Meaning  9:22 – Dictionary Showdown: Merriam-Webster vs. Cambridge vs. Collins Unveil The Origin 17:41 – Origins in Cervantes' Don Quixote & Sancho Panza 26:53 – 1660: John Evelyn's Diary & the First "Fish" Version 30:23 – The English Restoration & the Royal Society 40:12 – How "Bigger" Entered the Phrase (Stratemeyer's Novel) Story Time 19:30 – Personal Reflection: Our Own Verbal Tics 31:18 – Pop Culture Parallels: Warhol, Charles III, Steve Jobs, Access Hollywood 42:40 – Personal Reflection: Suspicion, Priorities & Growing Up  Assess The Value 46:39 – Phrase Grades: Rating "Bigger Fish to Fry" Dictionary of Misinformation 51:32 – Cinderella's Glass Slipper 53:49 – Outro & Shop LINKS Subscribe to Appraise The Phrase on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheUnderdog Appraise The Phrase official site: appraisethephrase.com ATP Shop — mugs & merch: appraisethephrase.com/shop Check out our other ATP produced shows: appraisethephrase.com/community Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4jLFx2WLEslKF3BHWWvIlv?si=367e5762bdb9464a Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/appraise-the-phrase/id1570186367 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theappraisethephraseshow Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@appraisethephrase Follow us on X/Twitter: https://x.com/TheATPShow Previous Episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmMMLmEcgaa3C1d_wZrZuWAJGB_mYQraB&si=Igvwjz9UT5dbnx7T Episode Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@AppraiseThePhraseClips ABOUT APPRAISE THE PHRASE Appraise The Phrase is a weekly podcast from the Underdog Podcast Network where the hosts unveil the origin, confirm the meaning, and assess the value of the everyday phrases and idioms we all use without ever asking where they came from. Each episode ends with a Power Grade and a round of the Dictionary of Misinformation, debunking a popular word-origin myth. New episodes every week. Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don't miss the next one. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. Aug 5

    Call A Spade A Spade

    In this episode, Mario and Twenty delve into the origins and meanings of everyday expressions, particularly focusing on the phrase 'calling a spade a spade.' They explore its historical context, cultural significance, and the nuances of truth and bluntness in communication.  As the episode continues, Mario and Twenty expose the complexities of language, accountability, and the implications of phrases like 'call a spade a spade.' They explore the historical context and mistranslation of the term, its racial connotations, and the importance of reclaiming language.  Appraise The Phrase emphasizes the power of words and the responsibility that comes with using them, ultimately leading to a reflection on how language shapes our understanding of truth and accountability. SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheUnderdog   00:00 Bill Burr And Black Dynamite: Calling A Spade A Spade 00:30 The ATP Intro Theme 01:01 Breaking Bread GOAT Phrase Champ Review 05:36 That's All I Have To Say About Calling A Spade A Spade 08:33 Confirm The Meaning: Cambridge Dictionary, Merriam Webster's, Dictionary.com definitions 11:47 Unveil The Origin: Greek of Plutarch's Apophthegmata 16:09 Unveil The Origin: The World Plutarch Wrote In: The Second Sophistic Sparta 20:33 Storytime: The nostalgia gap: What past era do we idolize today, that we actually would have a tough time surviving a week living in? 26:47 Unveil The Origin: The Common Misconception of The Call A Spade A Spade Passage 27:30 Unveil The Origin: Philip II of Macedon (Alexander The Great's Father) 30:56 Storytime: Will Smith's Oscars Slap - The Internet Called It An Assault In Real Time. Which Side Were You On? 36:19 Unveil The Origin: The Mistranslation That Gave Us Call A Spade A Spade 39:42 Unveil The Origin: Is It Racist To Call A Spade A Spade? 49:11 Storytime: Will You Stop Using The Word Spade? 51:02 Appraise The Phrase: Phrase Grades For Calling A Spade A Spade 55:25 The Dictionary of Misinformation: Samson and Delilah Follow Appraise The Phrase:  Official Site: ➡️ https://appraisethephrase.com/  ATP YouTube: ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClhOT41ItFBzpXanbzfT0oQ (Shorts and exclusive clips)  Twitter: ➡️ https://twitter.com/TheATPShow Instagram: ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/theappraisethephraseshow TikTok: ➡️ https://www.tiktok.com/@appraisethephrase Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. Jul 29

    Season 5 GOAT Phrase Champion Episode

    In this episode of the Appraise The Phrase Show, Mario and 20 welcome the Expression Appraisal Team to discuss the GOAT Phrase Tournament. The conversation covers the structure of the tournament, the significance of the phrases, and the cultural implications behind them. The hosts share personal anecdotes and insights, making the discussion both entertaining and informative. Myron, D Lee, Fave, and Kristy Love take on the Tournament Challenge format that includr strategy, pop culture, history, and linguistic puzzles. They delve into the significance of timing in business and negotiation, the impact of pop culture on language, and the importance of teamwork in achieving success. The discussion culminates in a trivia showdown that tests their knowledge of idioms and phrases, highlighting the interplay between language and culture. The Final Four are: (1) Breaking Bread (10) Strike While The Iron Is Hot (11) Push The Envelope (12) The Jury Is Still Out SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheUnderdog   00:00 The Final Four GOAT Phrase of 2025 ft. Deon Cole & Kevin Hart  01:21 The Appraise The Phrase Show 1:52 Introduction to the GOAT Tournament 07:13 Reviewing the Tournament Structure 13:49 Matchup Analysis: Breaking Bread vs. The Jury is Still Out 31:11 Matchup Analysis: Strike While the Iron is Hot vs. Push the Envelope 40:41 The Energy of Strategy 43:41 Pop Culture and Its Impact 48:10 Reviving Old Phrases 53:00 Breaking Bread vs. Best Foot Forward 01:07:30 Final Showdown: Strategy and History Trivia Follow Appraise The Phrase: Official Site: ➡️ https://appraisethephrase.com/  ATP YouTube: ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/@producedbyappraisethephrase (Shorts and exclusive clips) Twitter: ➡️ https://twitter.com/AppraisePhrase  Instagram: ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/appraisethephrasepodcast  TikTok: ➡️ https://www.tiktok.com/@appraisethephrase  Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theatpshow.bsky.social Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. 11/19/2025

    The S5 GOAT Phrase Rankings Episode

    In this final episode of the season, Mario Hines, Twenty, Fave, and Myron explore the origins and meanings of the 13 phrases from Appraise The Phrase Season 5 in preparation for the 5th Annual GOAT Phrase Tournament. They reflect on the significance of phrases like 'when push comes to shove', 'two wrongs don't make a right', and 'the world is your oyster', discussing their cultural implications and personal connections. The conversation highlights the evolution of language and the importance of understanding the roots of our expressions, culminating in a celebration of the power of words in communication. In this engaging conversation, the speakers explore the evolution of language and the meanings behind various phrases. They discuss the importance of accountability in communication, particularly through the lens of the phrase 'practice what you preach.' The conversation is filled with humor and cultural references, highlighting how language reflects societal values. As they wrap up, they share predictions for the future of language and the significance of community in shaping expressions. And, finally, they reveal the GOAT Phrase rankings, matchups, and make some surprise picks. SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheUnderdog 0:00 Lisa On Ice: Head to Head Matchups In The Simpsons 0:45 The ATP Show Intro Theme 1:14 The Finale Is Crazy! 2:30 The Expression Appraisal Team Check In: Fave & Ms. Megabyte + Myron Happy To Be Almost Done 6:11 Season 5 Phrase Recap 7:28 When Push Comes to Shove 9:50 The Jury Is Still Out 12:27 Two Wrongs Don't Make A Right 13:23 The World is Your Oyster 17:02 Leave No Stone Unturned 19:23 Put Your Best Foot Forward 21:46 Can't Teach An Old Dog New Tricks 24:13 Better Safe Than Sorry 28:45 Breaking Bread 30:54 Rob Peter To Pay Paul 32:12 Push The Envelope 36:55 Strike While The Iron's Hot 42:47 Practice What You Preach 46:56 Phrase Rankings Revealed! 48:07 Phrase Tournament Predictions + Phrase Saves 54:56 Season 5 Close Out: See You in 2026! Follow Appraise The Phrase: Official Site: ➡️ https://appraisethephrase.com/ ATP YouTube: ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClhOT41ItFBzpXanbzfT0oQ (Shorts and exclusive clips) Twitter: ➡️ https://twitter.com/TheATPShow Instagram: ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/theappraisethephraseshow TikTok: ➡️ https://www.tiktok.com/@appraisethephrase Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. 11/12/2025

    The ATP 100th Episode Spectacular in Washington DC

    Join Mario and Twenty as we celebrate a major milestone: ATP's 100th episode! To honor the occasion, our hosts get together in the nation's capitol, Washington DC! They visit the awesome Planet Word Museum, take to the streets to talk to the people of DC, and give a behind the scenes look at the thoughts and ideas that allowed them to get to 100 episodes.   SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheUnderdog   00:00 The Simpsons 138th Episode Spectacular Spoof 00:28 The ATP Intro Theme 00:58 Mario and Twenty Meet at the Capitol Building in Washington DC 02:33 Visiting Planet Word Museum in Washington DC 02:50 Where Do Words Come From? 05:51 The Power of Words In Music: Song Lyrics & Karaoke 06:42 Guess The Phrase 07:53 Denzel Washington's Speech From Remember The Titans 08:58 Tecniques of Persuasion 10:54 Where'd That Come From? On The Streets of DC 11:48 You Are What You Eat vs A Broken Clock Is Right Twice A Day 20:29 Knock On Wood vs Elephant In The Room 26:00 A Broken Clock Is Right Twice A Day vs Elephant In The Room 29:57 We Hate Classism 33:39 Behind The Scenes with Mario and Twenty in Old Town Alexandria 47:18 Close Out at The Galactic Panther Follow Appraise The Phrase:  Official Site: ➡️ https://appraisethephrase.com/  ATP YouTube: ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClhOT41ItFBzpXanbzfT0oQ (Shorts and exclusive clips)  Twitter: ➡️ https://twitter.com/TheATPShow Instagram: ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/theappraisethephraseshow TikTok: ➡️ https://www.tiktok.com/@appraisethephrase Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. 11/05/2025

    Practice What You Preach

    In this week's episode, Mario & Twenty are joined by the founder of Mental Peace Performance and host of The Mental Health Playbook, Coach Travis Harmon to explore the origins and meanings of everyday expressions, particularly focusing on the phrase 'practice what you preach.' They discuss the importance of mental health in sports, the historical context of the phrase, and the challenges of maintaining integrity in the face of temptation. The dialogue is enriched by personal anecdotes and reflections on leadership, communication, and the influence of role models. Throughout the episode, Coach Trav, Twenty, and Mario Hines delve into the complexities of personal growth, the impact of coaching, and the challenges of authenticity in the age of social media. They reflect on their athletic experiences, the importance of mentorship, and the hypocrisy often found in leadership roles. The discussion emphasizes the need for integrity and accountability, both in sports and in life, while also addressing the influence of social media on perceptions of reality. SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheUnderdog  0:00 The Last Temptation of Krusty: Simpsons Practice What You Preach Example 1:24 The ATP Intro Theme 1:51 Check In: The Filler Episode? 5:08 Coach Trav Is In The Building 12:00 That's All I Have To Say About That Practice What You Preach 22:13 Confirm the Meaning: Merriam Webster's Dictionary, Cambridge Dictionary, Oxford Dictionary 29:14 Unveil The Origin: Titus Maccius Plautus' Roman Comedy, Asinaria 35:17 Story Time: How To Align Your Desires With Your Integrity 48:43 Unveil The Origin: Matthew 23: 3 - Jesus Criticizes The Pharisees 50:10 Story Time: Social Media's Impact On Outward Appearance and Integrity 55:51 Unveil The Origin: Charles Dickens' Novel The Old Curiosity Shop 57:53 Story Time: Have You Used Someone Slse’s Hypocrisy To Excuse Your Own Questionable Choices?  1:08:02 Assess The Value: Phrase Grades 1:12:49 Dictionary of Misinformation: Thumb Sucking Is Not Harmful To Your Baby Follow Appraise The Phrase:  Official Site: ➡️ https://appraisethephrase.com/  ATP YouTube: ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClhOT41ItFBzpXanbzfT0oQ (Shorts and exclusive clips)  Twitter: ➡️ https://twitter.com/TheATPShow Instagram: ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/theappraisethephraseshow TikTok: ➡️ https://www.tiktok.com/@appraisethephrase Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  7. 10/29/2025

    Strike While The Iron Is Hot

    In this week's episode of ATP, Mario and 20 are joined by Child Nutrition Specialist Tierre Jones to explore the origins and meanings of everyday expressions, particularly focusing on the phrase 'Strike While the Iron's Hot.' They discuss its historical context, its relevance in modern life, and personal anecdotes related to loyalty and breaking societal rules. The dialogue is enriched with humor and insights into child nutrition and community impact, making it a multifaceted discussion. In this engaging conversation, the hosts explore the nuances of breaking rules, the power of language, and the historical context of idioms and quotes. They share personal anecdotes about challenging societal norms, discuss the importance of children's nutrition, and debunk common misconceptions about famous quotes. The dialogue is infused with humor and insight, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. Tierre Jones is a hospitality and Food Service leader dedicated to shaping the future of child nutrition. With over a decade of experience in school and child nutrition programs, I currently serve as an Area Supervisor overseeing federal child nutrition programs across public schools, where I mentor and empower a team of cafeteria managers and workers.  SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheUnderdog  00:00 Future-Drama: Milhouse Strikes While The Iron Is....Sad? 00:55 The ATP Intro Theme 01:22 Got That Saratoga Sparkling Water In My Cup! 05:26 Meet Child Nutrition Program Specialist Tierre Jones 11:05 That's All I Have To Say About Strike While The Iron Is Hot 13:46 Confirm The Meaning: Merriam Webster Dictionary, Cambridge Dictionary, and Oxford Dictionary 17:55 Unveil The Origin: Richard Edwards’ “The excellent comedie of two the moste faithfullest freendes, Damon and Pithias“ 22:25 Story Time: Proving Loyalty In Friendships 26:19 Story Time: How To Work A Room 32:10 Unveil The Origin: Lord Hardwicke’s Marriage Act of 1754 38:24 Story Time: Breaking Rules - Is The Freedom Worth The Risk? 47:16 Unveil The Origin: 1782 letter from the famous statesman Benjamin Franklin to Reverend Richard Price 51:13 Story Time: Song Lyrics And Movie/TV lines That You're Saying Wrong 59:15 Assess The Value: Phrase Grades 1:03:00 More About Child Nutrition 1:06:03 The Dictionary of Misinformation: The Only Thing We Have To Fear Is Fear Itself Debunked Follow Appraise The Phrase:  Official Site: ➡️ https://appraisethephrase.com/  ATP YouTube: ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClhOT41ItFBzpXanbzfT0oQ (Shorts and exclusive clips)  Twitter: ➡️ https://twitter.com/TheATPShow Instagram: ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/theappraisethephraseshow TikTok: ➡️ https://www.tiktok.com/@appraisethephrase Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  8. 10/15/2025

    Push The Envelope

    In this week's episode of ATP, , Mario Hines and 20 are joined by Natasha Nelson to explore the origins and meanings of everyday expressions, particularly focusing on the phrase 'push the envelope.' Natasha shares her multifaceted identity as a nonprofit owner, educator, and caregiver, emphasizing the importance of positive discipline in parenting and community support. The discussion delves into personal limits, the concept of the flight envelope in aviation, and the challenges of balancing life as a caregiver while pursuing professional ambitions. The episode highlights the significance of prioritizing family and community over personal ambitions, ultimately encouraging listeners to reflect on their own limits and growth. In this engaging conversation, the speakers explore themes of risk, community, and personal growth through the lens of astronaut experiences and military service. They discuss the concept of 'the right stuff' in relation to personal choices, parenting, and the importance of interdependence. The conversation also delves into the space race, the motivations behind sending astronauts into space, and the impact of societal expectations on decision-making. Finally, they reflect on the phrase 'push the envelope' and its implications, alongside a discussion on health misinformation regarding natural oils. Natasha Nelson, also known as Supernova Momma is a disability advocate, Certified Positive Discipline Educator(CPDE)in the home, classroom, and early childhood education center, Certified National Alliance on Mental Illness(NAMI) Family Support Group Facilitator, Certified Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences (HOPE) Facilitator, highly decorated veteran, and mother to two autistic Black girls. She is the Founder and CEO of Supernova Parenting, a national, U.S.-based, neuro-affirming nonprofit organization (501(c)3) committed to disability social justice and empowering caregivers of families of color who are navigating neurodivergence, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and mental health vulnerabilities, and the ECHO Autism Georgia Stat Early Diagnostic Model Family Advocate Natasha is also neurodivergent, diagnosed with ASD, ADHD, OCD, GAD, SPD, PTSD, and SSD. Natasha and her family played a prominent role in the highly revered documentary “Navigating Autism in Communities of Color”. Produced and directed by the esteemed School of History and Sociology and the School of Literature Media and Communication at Georgia Tech, in collaboration with The Color of Autism Foundation. Natasha was chosen by The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) as its 2022 recipient of the Creating Community Together Award.. She is a 2023-2024 Georgia Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (GaLEND) program trainee graduate. Recently, the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) chose Natasha as one of their Emerging Leaders for 2024-2025. https://supernovaparenting.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

The show that puts your favorite (or not so favorite) everyday expressions under a microscope and into the hot seat. Tune in as Mario and his special guests dive into the meanings and origins of common sayings, expressions, and idioms. We may introduce you to a few too! Once it's all said and done, will these sayings live up to their common usage or will they crash and burn from some investigation? Join us as we take a moment to appraise the phrase! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.