Native or borrowed?

We all like a little bit of learning

Every day is a school day so they say and education is wasted on the young.

Tony takes you back to the classroom, as a proper old disciplinarian headmaster in cap and gown, to teach you what you really want to know – the origins of our language.

'Dressed to the nines'?

The best dressed regiment?

The ninth was always a good looking regiment of footguards so could this be the origin of the phrase? What about 'at sixes and sevens'? 'Robbing Peter to pay Paul'? Tony’s talk will reveal all.

Military history - 'We're all at sea'

The UK is an island race and we have been invaded many times by our European neighbours but not for a couple of centuries. When Johnny Foreigner came a calling, he left some of his language behind and because of our military and maritime traditions much of what we say now in everyday speech comes from bygone days of full sail and gunpowder. So ... 'Shake a leg', 'Pull your finger out' and book this talk by Tony. You’ll be 'as happy as a sandboy' that you did.

'Currying favour'?

What on earth has this got to do with Greek mythology and a centaur who couldn’t reach his hind flanks? Tony will tell you and you’ll learn why thrusting your hand through a hole in a cathedral door may not be a good idea. Go on ... 'Chance your arm'!

'The bee's knees'?

Bees, cats, cream and a promise

What’s so good about their knees? Why is it only the cat that got the cream? And why does the kitty wear pyjamas? So many odd words and phrases, it's a magical hour and if you don’t hear at least one you didn’t know before you’ll get your money back or Tony’s a phoney…….