rhyme or reason

Meaning: Any logical sense or reasonable explanation.

Language: English

Literally: (Already vivid in English)

Category: The Absurd

Origin: The phrase draws from the idea of narrative coherence: something that neither rhymes (has pattern) nor has reason (has sense) is utterly nonsensical.

More idioms — The Absurd

  • blow up in one's face — To fail spectacularly or cause a plan to collapse in an embarrassing way.
  • tilt at windmills — To waste effort fighting against imaginary enemies or pursuing hopeless causes.
  • one is a poet and doesn't know it — Someone has unintentionally created a rhyme or spoken in verse without realizing it.
  • train wreck — A spectacular, inevitable disaster that is witnessed by many people.
  • break the bank — To win or spend so much money that a casino or financial institution loses its entire ava…
  • Augean stables — An extremely filthy, corrupt, or morally decayed place or situation that seems impossible…

More English idioms

  • drop in the bucket — A contribution or action so small it is negligible compared to a massive problem.
  • bed of roses — A situation or life that is entirely easy, comfortable, and free from hardship.
  • made in the shade — Assured of comfort, success, or an effortless, favorable position.
  • back up the truck — To make a large purchase by taking advantage of a favorable price.
  • haul someone over the coals — To scold or reprimand someone severely for wrongdoing.
  • make a fist of — To accomplish something with reasonable competence or success.

From our compliments & insults

  • Sei un fenomeno — You're amazing — exceptionally good at what you do.
  • Eres la leche — You're the best — absolutely fantastic.
  • Eline sağlık — Praise and thanks to someone — especially a cook — for something made beautifully by hand.

Browse all compliments & insults →

← Back to Idioms