What is the origin of phrase?
Etymology. From Late Latin phrasis (“diction”), from Ancient Greek φράσις (phrásis, “manner of expression”), from φράζω (phrázō, “I tell, express”).
How do idioms come about?
What Is an Idiom? An idiom is a phrase that comes to mean something totally different from its literal meaning. This meaning typically comes from the context in which it was first used, and later evolves to be used in other situations.
Where did cat got your tongue come from?
On English sailing ships, anyone entrusted with a secret by a higher officer would be threatened with “the cat” for telling; thus, the saying ‘has the cat got your tongue?’ became slang for ‘are you afraid to tell?’
Why do we say for Pete’s sake?
“For Pete’s sake” originated as a substitute for “for Christ’s (or God’s) sake,” and other similar expressions—as using a shortened form of the disciple St. Peter’s name instead was considered less offensive.
Where did Cat got your tongue come from?
Where did the term ants in your pants come from?
To have ants in your pants Origin: This expression originated from the United States, where “underwear” is known as “pants”, but no logical explanation has ever been found. However, it’s easy to imagine a person who starts fidgeting and wiggling when ants or any insects invade those hidden areas.
Where did cold shoulder come from?
“Cold shoulder” is a phrase used to express dismissal or the act of disregarding someone. Its origin is attributed to Sir Walter Scott in a work published in 1816, which is in fact a mistranslation of an expression from the Vulgate Bible. There is also a commonly repeated incorrect folk etymology.
Where did the saying for crying out loud come from?
For crying out loud is an expression of frustration, impatience, or exasperation. The phrase for crying out loud originated in the United States in the 1920s, and the cartoonist Thomas Aloysius Dorian is credited with popularizing the idiom.
Where did stop ironing my head come from?
Armenian
Stop ironing my head! This old Armenian saying would definitely leave a painful mark if it was to be taken literally. The real translation means “stop annoying me”, which certainly seems like a less dangerous outcome!
What is an idiom?
An idiom is a phrase that comes to mean something totally different from its literal meaning. This meaning typically comes from the context in which it was first used, and later evolves to be used in other situations. Below are 23 common idioms that you’ve probably used at least once but never realized their origins.
When did the expression “to change the meaning of a word” originate?
The expression has been around since at least the late 1500s and is likely to continue until … well, you know. Check out these 15 everyday words that have completely changed their meanings.
Where did the saying Look a gift horse in the mouth come from?
This one comes from the 1900s, from when buyers would estimate the age of a horse by looking at its teeth. This is also where the idiom “look a gift horse in the mouth,” arose from as it was considered bad etiquette to inspect a gift.
What is the origin of the idiom play by ear?
Origins: This saying has its origins in music, as “playing something by ear” means to play music without reference to the notes on a page. This sense of the phrase dates back to the 16th century, but the present use only came into being in mid-20th century America, primarily referring to sports.