What's the origin of the phrase 'Across the pond'? A Piece of CakeA task that is simple to complete; something that is easy to do. A Chip on Your ShoulderBeing angry about something that happened in the past; holding a grudge.​2. Here is a list of 15 commonly used phrases in the English language. 4. In the course of January 1915, The Times (London, England) published multifarious explanations sent by its readers. What is this site about? This entry was posted in Uncategorized and tagged Alcoholics Anonymous, Bill's Story, Phrase origins and meanings, The goose hung high, The Old Farmer's Almanac, TheFreeDictionary.com on January 22, 2014 by dchaffin2014. Then you’re left to wonder: “What does that mean, and where does it come from?”. You won’t believe these truly SHOCKING origins of common phrases! Origin: In the olden days, when doctors were short on anesthesia or time during a battle, they would ask the patient to bite down on a bullet to distract from the pain. Cry Over Spilled MilkOne shouldn’t worry over things that have already happened and that cannot be changed.​13. Irish twins: the meaning and origin of the phrase explained February 11, 2021 by Conor Wickham Irish twins is a term that most people are familiar with across the world, but many may not actually be aware of the meaning, origin, and history of the phrase. Here is a list with some of the more commonly used sayings for feelings like happiness and sadness. We have a list full of hundreds of phrases and sayings. Origins: The origins of this bizarre phrase are obscure, though it was first recorded in 1651 in the poet Henry Vaughan’s collection Olor Iscanus. Barking Up The Wrong TreeTo make a wrong assumption about someone or something. 6. Learn what ‘taking something with a grain of salt’ means. Burst Your BubbleTo ruin someone’s happy moment or mood, usually by telling them disappointing news or information. 3. More phrases will be added to the list in time, so be sure to check back again to see what’s new. Origin: The phrase originally meant ‘swift and brutal murder’, and was first used in Macbeth. What's the origin of the phrase 'Fifth column'? The most commonly received explanation of where “bringing home the bacon” comes from builds upon ‘bacon’ being a … Mola claimed he had additional troops within the city. Cup of JoeA cup of joe is an American nickname for a cup of coffee. Chances are, you’ve used at least one of these racist words or phrases in casual conversation without knowing its problematic past. 11. … Limelight. A common way to... 3. Macduff utters the words on hearing of the death of … Cut To The ChaseTo get to the point, leaving out all of the unnecessary details. 3 Point-blank. It is professional enough to satisfy academic standards, but accessible enough to be used by anyone. According to Merriam-Webster, the phrase has its origins in drag culture and has absolutely nothing to do with the drink. MEET A DEADLINE. Speculation as to its origins ranges from medieval superstition to Norse mythology, but it may even be a reference to dead animals being washed through the streets by floods. ORIGIN OF TO GO WEST The primary meaning—i.e., to die—of the phrase to go west is probably based on the notion of the setting sun symbolising disappearance or finality. You can use this list to learn about their meaning and origin. Unless, of course, it’s not your cup of tea. It simply means that it’s at least that old. 6 Put your back up. Explains the origins and meanings of 400 phrases commonly heard throughout the English-speaking world, introducing stories to explore the use of expressions such as "to eat humble pie" some of which originated as many as 2000 years ago. The phrase “sold down the river” means to be betrayed to a huge degree. You can use this list to learn about their meaning and origin. 4. However, it is not always clear where or how these expressions originated. See our list of Famous Last Words to find out who said what, just before they bit the dust. 14. Meaning: Get the real scoop, the good intel. The phrase “turn a blind eye”—often used to refer to a willful refusal to acknowledge a particular... 2. You’ll often hear these expressions in every day conversations while at work, school, or even at home. The OED defines a pond as 'a small body of still water of artificial formation'. Meaning: to praise or flatter someone, usually to gain a favor. In a nutshell, there are hundreds of common phrases and sayings on here for you to explore.