Idioms are a crucial part of our daily language, often used to add flavor and interest to our conversations. But have you ever stopped to think about the surprising stories behind these everyday expressions? From ancient myths to historical events, the origins of idioms are often fascinating and unexpected.
In this list, we’ll delve into 25 surprising stories behind everyday idioms, exploring their unique histories and the circumstances that led to their creation.
1. Cost an Arm and a Leg
The phrase “cost an arm and a leg” originated in the 19th century, when it was used to describe something that was very expensive or costly. The phrase was originally used to describe the fact that some medical procedures, such as amputations, were so expensive that they would cost a person a limb.
2. Turn a Blind Eye
The phrase “turn a blind eye” originated in the 19th century, when it was used to describe the act of deliberately ignoring or overlooking something. The phrase is still used today to describe someone who is willfully ignorant or is choosing to ignore a particular issue or problem.
3. Beat Around the Bush
This idiom originated in the 15th century when hunters would use beaters to scare game out of the underbrush and into the open.
If someone was “beating around the bush,” they were failing to get to the point or accomplish their goal, much like a hunter who is unable to scare out the game.
4. On the Same Page
The phrase “on the same page” originated in the 17th century, when it was used to describe people who were reading from the same book or manuscript.
The phrase is still used today to describe people who are in agreement or have a shared understanding of a particular issue or concept.
5. Wild Goose Chase
The phrase “wild goose chase” originated in the 15th century, when it was used to describe a type of horse racing where the lead horse would be released and the other horses would chase after it. The phrase is still used today to describe a pursuit or quest that is futile or meaningless.
6. Take It with a Grain of Salt
The phrase “take it with a grain of salt” originated in ancient Rome, where it was believed that a grain of salt could neutralize poison.
The phrase is still used today to advise people to be skeptical or cautious when receiving information, and to take it with a healthy dose of skepticism.
7. Make a Mountain Out of a Molehill
The phrase “make a mountain out of a molehill” originated in the 16th century, when it was used to describe someone who was exaggerating or magnifying a small problem.
The phrase is still used today to describe someone who is making a big deal out of something that is not that important.
8. You Can’t Have Your Cake and Eat It Too
The phrase “you can’t have your cake and eat it too” originated in the 16th century, when it was used to describe the impossibility of having two things that are mutually exclusive.
The phrase is still used today to advise people against trying to have it both ways or seeking to achieve two conflicting goals at the same time.
9. Give Someone the Cold Shoulder
The phrase “give someone the cold shoulder” originated in the 19th century, when serving a cold shoulder of meat was a way of showing that a guest was not welcome to stay for a warm, hearty meal.
The phrase is still used today to describe someone who is deliberately ignoring or showing indifference to another person.
10. Practice What You Preach
The phrase “practice what you preach” originated in the Bible, where it was used to advise people to live according to their principles and values.
The phrase is still used today to encourage people to put their words into action and live consistently with their beliefs.
11. Bite Off More Than You Can Chew
The phrase “bite off more than you can chew” originated in the 17th century when it was used to describe someone who was taking on more responsibility or tasks than they were capable of handling. The phrase is still used today to advise people against overcommitting or overextending themselves.
12. Under the Weather
The phrase “under the weather” originated in the 19th century, when it was used to describe someone who was feeling unwell or sick.
The phrase was originally nautical in origin and referred to the fact that a ship that was “under the weather” was being blown off course by strong winds.
13. Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve
The phrase “wear your heart on your sleeve” originated in the 16th century, when it was used to describe someone who was openly and publicly displaying their emotions.
The phrase is still used today to describe someone who is being transparent and honest about their feelings.
14. Cry Over Spilled Milk
The phrase “cry over spilled milk” originated in the 16th century, when milk was a valuable commodity and spilling it would be a significant loss.
The phrase was used to caution people against wasting time feeling sorry for something that had already happened and could not be changed.
15. In a Nutshell
The phrase “in a nutshell” originated in the 16th century, when it was possible to enclose a small piece of writing, such as a summary or a poem, inside a walnut shell. The phrase is still used today to describe a brief and concise summary of a complex idea or concept.
16. The Pot Calling the Kettle Black
The phrase “the pot calling the kettle black” originated in the 17th century, when it was used to describe the hypocrisy of someone who was accusing others of something that they themselves were guilty of. The phrase is still used today to describe someone who is being hypocritical or self-righteous.
17. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
The phrase “let sleeping dogs lie” originated in the 14th century, when it was believed that waking a sleeping dog could provoke it to attack.
The phrase is still used today to advise people against stirring up trouble or controversy by bringing up a sensitive or contentious issue.
18. Rain on Someone’s Parade
The phrase “rain on someone’s parade” originated in the mid-20th century, when it was used to describe someone who was spoiling or ruining a festive or celebratory occasion. The phrase is still used today to describe someone who is being a buzzkill or a spoil sport.
19. Throw Someone Under the Bus
The phrase “throw someone under the bus” originated in the mid-20th century, when it was used to describe the act of betraying or sacrificing someone for personal gain.
The phrase is still used today to describe someone who is willing to sacrifice others in order to advance their own interests.
20. Burn the Midnight Oil
This phrase originated in the 17th century when people would work late into the night and need to burn extra oil to keep their lamps lit. The phrase is still used today to describe someone who is working late into the night, often to meet a deadline or complete a task.
21. A Piece of Cake
The phrase “a piece of cake” originated in the 19th century, when it was used to describe something that was easy or effortless. The phrase was originally used to describe the fact that eating a piece of cake was a simple and enjoyable experience.
22. Break a Leg
The idiom “break a leg” originated in the theater, where it was believed that it was bad luck to wish someone “good luck” directly. Instead, people would say “break a leg” as a way of expressing a positive sentiment while avoiding the actual words “good luck.”
23. Bite the Bullet
The phrase “bite the bullet” comes from the mid-19th century, when soldiers were given a bullet to bite on before undergoing a painful medical procedure, such as amputation.
The idea was that the soldier would bite down on the bullet to distract themselves from the pain and help them cope with the trauma.
24. Cut to the Chase
The phrase “cut to the chase” originated in the film industry, where it was used to describe the process of skipping unnecessary scenes and getting to the exciting part of the movie – typically a chase scene.
Today, the phrase is used to describe someone who is getting to the point or the most interesting part of a conversation.
25. Blood is Thicker Than Water
The phrase “blood is thicker than water” is often attributed to the idea that the bonds of family and blood are stronger than any other relationship.
However, the original phrase was actually “the blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb,” which referred to the idea that the bonds of loyalty and friendship formed during times of conflict or hardship were stronger than those formed by family ties.
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