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Why Do We Say That? 101 Idioms, Phrases, and Sayings: Facts, Brief History, and Where They Originated

Jeremy Mitchell

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Why Do We Say That? 101 Idioms, Phrases, Sayings & Facts! A Brief History On Where They Come From!

by Scott Matthews

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Language	:	English
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Language is a fascinating and ever-evolving phenomenon. It is a living, breathing entity that constantly adapts to the needs of its speakers. As a result, new words and phrases are constantly being created, while others fall out of use. Idioms, phrases, and sayings are a special type of language that often defy literal interpretation. They are often passed down from generation to generation, and their meanings can change over time.

In this article, we will explore the origins and meanings of 101 idioms, phrases, and sayings that we use in our everyday speech. We will uncover their rich history, cultural influences, and linguistic evolution. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this journey into the world of language!

101 Idioms, Phrases, and Sayings

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush - This proverb means that it is better to have something certain than to risk it for something better that may not come to fruition. It is thought to have originated in the 14th century.
A leopard cannot change its spots - This proverb means that it is difficult for someone to change their true nature. It is thought to have originated in the 16th century.
A penny saved is a penny earned - This proverb means that it is important to save money, even small amounts. It is thought to have originated in the 17th century.
Actions speak louder than words - This proverb means that it is more important to judge someone by their actions than by their words. It is thought to have originated in the 18th century.
All good things must come to an end - This proverb means that nothing lasts forever. It is thought to have originated in the 19th century.
An apple a day keeps the doctor away - This proverb means that eating an apple every day is good for your health. It is thought to have originated in the 20th century.
Barking up the wrong tree - This idiom means to be mistaken about something or to be on the wrong track. It is thought to have originated in the 19th century.
Beat around the bush - This idiom means to avoid talking about something directly. It is thought to have originated in the 18th century.
Bite off more than you can chew - This idiom means to take on more than you can handle. It is thought to have originated in the 16th century.
Blow hot and cold - This idiom means to be indecisive or to change your mind frequently. It is thought to have originated in the 15th century.
Break a leg - This idiom means to wish someone good luck. It is thought to have originated in the 18th century.
Burn the midnight oil - This idiom means to work late into the night. It is thought to have originated in the 19th century.
Call it a day - This idiom means to stop working or ng something. It is thought to have originated in the 19th century.
Catch someone red-handed - This idiom means to catch someone in the act of ng something wrong. It is thought to have originated in the 17th century.
Change of heart - This idiom means to change your mind about something. It is thought to have originated in the 18th century.
Clear as mud - This idiom means to be very confusing or difficult to understand. It is thought to have originated in the 19th century.
Come a long way - This idiom means to improve or progress significantly. It is thought to have originated in the 18th century.
Cost an arm and a leg - This idiom means to be very expensive. It is thought to have originated in the 16th century.
Count your blessings - This idiom means to be grateful for what you have. It is thought to have originated in the 17th century.
Cross your fingers - This idiom means to hope for something to happen. It is thought to have originated in the 19th century.
Cry over spilled milk - This idiom means to be upset about something that cannot be changed or undone. It is thought to have originated in the 16th century.
Cut to the chase - This idiom means to get to the point or to be direct. It is thought to have originated in the 20th century.
Dead as a doornail - This idiom means to be very dead. It is thought to have originated in the 14th century.
Do a double take - This idiom means to look at something twice because you are surprised or confused. It is thought to have originated in the 20th century.
Don't count your chickens before they hatch - This proverb means that you should not assume that something will happen before it actually does. It is thought to have originated in the 16th century.
Don't cry wolf - This proverb means that you should not make false alarms. It is thought to have originated in the 15th century.
Don't give up the day job - This idiom means to tell someone that they are not very good at something. It is thought to have originated in the 20th century.
Don't put all your eggs in one basket - This proverb means that you should not rely on one thing for success. It is thought to have originated in the 16th century.
Don't sweat the small stuff - This idiom means to not worry about minor problems. It is thought to have originated in the 20th century.
Drive someone up the wall - This idiom means to make someone very angry or frustrated. It is thought to have originated in the 19th century.
Eat humble pie - This idiom means to apologize or to admit that you were wrong. It is thought to have originated in the 18th century.
Easier said than done - This proverb means that something is more difficult to do than it is to say. It is thought to have originated in the 16th century.
Every cloud has a silver lining - This proverb means that even in the worst of times, there is always something good to be found. It is thought to have originated in the 17th century.
Face the music - This idiom means to accept the consequences of your actions. It is thought to have originated in the 19th century.
Fall between the cracks - This idiom means to be overlooked or forgotten. It is thought to have originated in the 19th century.
Feel under the weather - This idiom means to feel sick or unwell. It is thought to have originated in the 19th century.
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