“Cutting a carpet” was a slang term for dancing in the 1920s and persisted into the 1940s. The term’s origins are disputed, but some believe it refers to skilled dancers wearing out a carpet. Others suggest it relates to moving furniture to create space for dancing. The term saw a brief resurgence in the late […]
The American expression “angrier than a wet hen” refers to the furious temper of chickens in water. The phrase is common in rural communities and implies extreme anger. It should not be confused with “crazy like a hatter” which refers to insanity. Other expressions related to chickens include “putting all your eggs in one basket” […]
The phrase “in your blood” refers to a trait that someone has because a family member has it. It can be positive or negative and implies that the trait is permanent. It applies to physical, personality, and character traits, but it is not always accurate. Generally, if someone tells you that something is “in your […]
The idiom “happy-go-lucky” describes someone with a carefree and positive attitude. Carefree people handle stress well and appreciate the good in difficult situations. The origin of idioms is often unclear, but they can spread through casual conversation or literature. People’s attitudes can change over time due to life experiences. The phrase “happy-go-lucky” is an idiom […]
The phrase “rosemary for remembrance” predates Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, but its association with memory and funerals is referenced in the play. The exact quote does not include the phrase, but it is believed to foreshadow Ophelia’s death. Rosemary has been used in funerals and weddings, and was thought to repel evil spirits and cure theft. […]
The expression “throwing the baby out with the bathwater” means not rejecting an entire concept if parts of it are good. Its origin is German, and it may have come from the unsanitary nature of baths in Europe before the 16th century. The expression encourages keeping the good parts of an idea or practice and […]
The English idiom “Hot to trot” can mean eagerness to start a project or a sexual encounter. Its origin is debated, possibly from the Trotters clan or horse riding. It’s important to use it with caution and consider the context to avoid misinterpretation. It has been referenced in popular culture. “Hot to trot” is an […]
Falling in love is not a universal expression and can be difficult to define. It involves heightened romantic interest and a sense of helplessness. It can cause physiological reactions but is not solely chemical. Maintaining a relationship after the initial rush can be difficult, so it’s important to take time to get to know someone. […]
Antedating or backdating is the act of applying a date in the past to a document or transaction. It is commonly used in commercial matters, accounting, and commercial instruments. While it can be legitimate, it often carries the suggestion of fraud or underlying illegality. Legitimate reasons for antedating include paperwork sorting, replacing a previously written […]
Death by a thousand cuts is an ancient Chinese torture that has different meanings, including slow change being perceived as less negative than big change, and the literal sense that a thousand small cuts will kill a person. It was abolished in 1905, but photographic records still exist. The phrase is also used in business […]
The saying “beauty is only skin deep” means that physical appearance does not determine a person’s true qualities. It is often used to remind people not to judge others solely based on their looks, as inner qualities may be more attractive. This lesson can be applied to both men and women and can also be […]
The idiom “be careful what you wish for” warns people of the negative consequences that may come with getting their wish. It can be paradoxical when combined with phrases like “it might come true.” Examples include winning the lottery but facing money problems or wanting a promotion but have added stress. The idiom “be careful […]
“Dirty dog” is an English idiom used to describe someone who is untrustworthy or has engaged in underhanded behavior. It can also be used as a compliment for someone who is resourceful. The phrase comes from the animal kingdom and was first used in the 1920s. If someone is called a “dirty dog,” the speaker […]
“Home sweet home” is an idiom that implies one’s home is the best place. It draws on the idea of home as a refuge from problems and has been popular since the 19th century. It originated from a song and is used in popular culture, often referring to a physical abode or a city. “Home […]
The term “four-eyes” is a derogatory term used to describe people who wear glasses for vision correction. It implies physical weakness and a lack of participation in physical activities. However, people who wear glasses are often in good physical health and engage in a wide range of activities. The term is considered a sign of […]
The phrase “you reap what you sow” means that actions have consequences and efforts will be rewarded appropriately. It originated in early Christianity but is also present in other religions and non-religious situations. The concept is used to encourage positive behavior and discourage negative activity. Some people may experience spiritual, emotional, or social crises when […]
The phrase “to extend an olive branch” means to offer peace or reconciliation, with its origins in the Old Testament and ancient Greece and Rome. The olive tree’s slow growth makes it a deliberate choice as a metaphor for peace. Offering an olive branch can be important on a personal and national level, but must […]
The phrase “my brother’s keeper” comes from the biblical story of Cain and Abel. Cain, who killed his brother, claimed he had no responsibility for him. The phrase is often used to suggest that people have a responsibility to care for their fellow humans. The phrase “my brother’s keeper” is a reference to the biblical […]
“The book” is an English idiom meaning to do something correctly, possibly originating from the Christian Bible. Idioms are difficult to learn as their literal translations don’t convey their true meaning. Similar to “by numbers,” it reflects following rules closely, but “according to the book” is more general. The phrase “the book” is an English […]
“Heart of steel” is an English idiom used to describe someone who is not influenced by emotions and makes decisions based on facts. It implies coldness and insensitivity towards others. Idioms are symbolic phrases that evolve in meaning over time within a culture. If someone is described as having a “heart of steel,” it means […]
