Phrases can be no longer than 10 words. Title and author are required for each phrase. Please understand that this is supposed to be unique research and not theft of another's works.
Ask yourself:
• Does the phrase instantly conjure up an image in the mind’s eye?
• Can the phrase exist independently outside the context of the story so that it can be adapted and used in another situation as well?
• Does the phrase ultimately boil down to one word?
• Is the phrase a cliché or an aphorism?
Accepted phrases:
Phrases that inspire creative writing:
Thoughts that rustled and quivered round him like leaves in a summer breeze (Rabindranath Tagore)
A different turn of phrase or unique way of viewing something:
wore her Southern background like a magnolia corsage, eternally fresh (Toni Morrison)
veins of quartz like congealed lightening (E. Annie Proulx)
Common, but dated, phrases no longer in everyday use:
chew the cud of sweet and bitter fancy (often attributed to Sir Walter Scott)
A clever capturing of thought:
the ways of what, with shabby innuendo, with licentious decency, many call love (Suyin Han)
a compliment is something like a kiss through a veil (Victor Hugo)
A comparison not commonly thought of, yet evocative:
Worn to the thinness of writing paper (Stephen Crane)
Denied phrases:
As a general rule, we have avoided adding phrases containing cultural slurs. We try to avoid negative phrases towards nationalities, cultures, religions, and otherwise divisive subjects.
Rejected phrases typically fit into two categories:
• Phrases that prove difficult to use (again) in unique way
Flowery or overly poetic phrases
we ran as if to meet the moon that slowly dawned behind the trees
Long and overly detailed phrases
poetry has feet of marvelous alabaster, and her eyes are the rainbow, and in the deepest mine and on the highest tower sings in the same clear voice
• Common phrases
Overused phrases and clichés
the grass is always greener on the other side
slippery career ladder
Self-defining phrases
reachable reality
blush of shame
Phrases found in quote or phrase books will not be accepted. Whereas these phrases are certainly worth repeating, we will not infringe on the work of another phrase collector. We ask that you do not submit phrases directly from such a collection. If we find that you do so, we may disable your ability to submit phrases.
If you are an author of a phrase book and wish to use our interface to sell your products, please contact us.