coin a phrase

Meanings

1. 1phraseidiom

   To invent a new expression or use an existing one in a new way.

   Grammar: Used as a verb phrase; the object is the phrase itself, and it is most often in the past: she coined the phrase.

   Patterns

   • coin a phrase
   • coin the phrase
   • coin a term
   • coin a word

   The writer coined the phrase 'the silent majority' in a speech in 1969.

   Nobody knows who first coined the phrase 'fake news'.

   He coined a phrase for the feeling of being tired but unable to sleep.

2. 2phrasefixed phrasehumorous

   Used before saying a familiar expression, to show you know it is a cliché.

   Grammar: A fixed aside, usually at the end of a sentence, often humorous and slightly apologetic.

   Patterns

   • to coin a phrase

   It was, to coin a phrase, a game of two halves.

   She's the boss — the head chef, to coin a phrase.

Common combinations

coin a phrase

Who actually coined the phrase 'shop till you drop'?

coin a term

Scientists coined the term 'greenwashing' in the 1980s.

coin a word

Shakespeare coined many words that we still use today.

widely credited with coining

She is widely credited with coining the slogan.

to coin a phrase

It was, to coin a phrase, a perfect storm.

Synonyms and how they differ

invent

Much more general; use it for objects, stories or ideas, not usually for expressions.

mint

Means to make a coin from metal; it is the literal origin of 'coin' but is not used for phrases.

Word family

coinage noun

A word or phrase that has been newly invented, or the act of inventing one.

coined adjective

Used of a word or phrase that someone has invented: a coined term.

Commonly confused: coin a phrase or coin?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “coin a phrase”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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