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- Origin: This idiom most likely comes from the real Riot Act, an act passed by the British government in 1714 to prevent unruly assemblies. In the 18th century King George I and the government were fearful of being overthrown by supporters of the previous Stuart dynasty.
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May 25, 2018 · You use these idioms all the time, but did you ever think about where they came from?
- Rugile
- Cat Got Your Tongue. Meaning: Said to someone who remains silent when they are expected to speak. Origin: There are two stories on how this saying came into being.
- The Walls Have Ears. Meaning: Be careful what you say as people may be eavesdropping. Origin: The face Louvre Palace in France was believed to have a network of listening tubes so that it would be possible to hear everything that was said in different rooms.
- Bury The Hatchet. Meaning: End a quarrel or conflict and become friendly. Origin: During negotiations between Puritans and Native Americans men would bury all of their weapons, making them inaccessible.
- Cold Feet. Meaning: Loss of nerve or confidence. Origin: This idiom originates from a military term, warriors who had frozen feet were not able to rush into battle.
- Overview
- “Turn a blind eye”
- “Feeling under the weather”
- “Beat around the bush”
- “Read the riot act”
- “Spill the beans”
- “The proof is in the pudding”
- “I’ve got it in the bag”
An idiom is a phrase that is common to a certain population. It is typically figurative and usually is not understandable based solely on the words within the phrase. A prior understanding of its usage is usually necessary. Idioms are crucial to the progression of language. They function in a manner that, in many cases, literal meanings cannot. We ...
Meaning: To refuse to acknowledge a known truth
Example: I’ll turn a blind eye once, but next time you’ll be in trouble.
Meaning: To feel ill
Example: My son was sick yesterday, and now I’m feeling a bit under the weather.
Meaning: To circle the point; to avoid the point
Example: Stop beating around the bush and tell me what really happened.
Meaning: To reprimand someone for behaving badly, with the intention of improving that person’s behavior
Example: Taylor was being too loud in class, so I read her the riot act.
Meaning: To leak a secret
Example: Stop being so coy. Just spill the beans!
Meaning: Depending on who you ask, you’ll actually find an array of definitions for this odd idiom. Here are some of the most commonly used definitions:
1. There is evidence to back up a previously made claim, specifically evidence intrinsic to the object in question. (Example: Of course this project will be successful, the proof is in the pudding.)
2. The process of achieving something isn’t important as long as the end product is good. (Example: I may have had to walk 1,000 miles to find this treasure, but the proof is in the pudding.)
3. The success of something can only be measured by putting it to its intended use. (Example: You’ll have to try it out before you buy it, since the proof is in the pudding.)
Meaning: Secured success
Example: I’m not even worried about the interview. I’ve got it in the bag.
- Armed to the teeth. Definition: Being overly prepared or too well equipped. Origin: A possible origin is 17th century pirates who wanted to make sure they never ran out of ammunition, and held a gun in each hand.
- Barking up the wrong tree. Definition: Following a false lead or having misguided thoughts about a situation or event. Origin: The phrase may have stemmed from the use of hunting dogs, who would bark up the trees into which they’d seen their prey run.
- Basket case. Definition: A thing or person considered useless or not able to cope. Origin: The phrase initially referred to soldiers who lost their limbs, and possibly originated in 1919, when rumors circulated that limbs of decapitated soldiers arrived in baskets at a hospital.
- Bite the bullet. Definition: To accept something unpleasant or difficult. Origin: During a war or in times when doctors did not have anesthesia, they would distract the patient from pain by asking them to bite hard down on a bullet.
It's very interesting to learn the origins behind the phrases and how they came into existence. As you learn about idioms, you also learn about history, geography, and culture. Idioms are usually derived from local culture and customs in each individual language.
Apr 24, 2023 · Have you ever wondered about the origins of some of your favorite English idioms? From biting the bullet to spilling the beans, these phrases have become a part of our everyday language. However, the origins of idioms –even the most common ones– remain a mystery even to some native English speakers.
Jul 5, 2011 · The idiom "my two cents" is one of a number of expressions in U.S. English tied to a notion of "two cents" as a paltry or negligible amount. Related expressions include "for two cents," "like two cents," and "[not] worth two cents."
