However, that was long after freezing brass monkeys became a popular phrase, so the origins of the expression will probably remain obscure.

The title refers to the popular phrase the calm before the storm.

As with any popular phrase of this kind, a multitude of variations and more or less humorous replies exist.

You come here to switch off, take time out, get back in touch with yourself - all those popular phrases that sound fine until you actually have to do them.

The dictionary also yields information on rhyming words, individual pronunciation, meaning, usage, names of plants and animals, popular phrases, and customs of the times.