What English phrases really mean

English communication frequently involves a disconnect between literal word meanings and intended messages, primarily through the use of hyperbole and understatement. Hyperbole, such as describing a minor work inconvenience as a "mare" (short for nightmare), serves to add emphasis or humor to daily life. Conversely, British culture heavily utilizes understatement to signal serious situations without appearing to take oneself too seriously, which is considered a social "no-no." Social interactions often rely on phrases like "it's all good" or "no worries" to mask feelings of being "miffed" or annoyed, primarily to avoid a "barney" or loud argument with others. These linguistic nuances, including the evolution of the Greek-derived term hyperbole—meaning "to overthrow"—demonstrate how social context and cultural norms like "the done thing" dictate the true meaning of common English expressions.