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Fuerza y ​​obligación

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to force one's hand
2-
to put the squeeze on somebody
3-
to clip one's wings
4-
to have somebody over a barrel
5-
to crack the whip
6-
to be boxed into a corner
7-
to scrape (the bottom of) the barrel
8-
one's hands are tied
9-
to go through the motions
10-
the call of duty
11-
to make a virtue of necessity
12-
one's way or the highway
13-
ball and chain
14-
marching orders
15-
no strings attached
to [force] {one's} hand
to force one's hand
Frase
uk flag
/fˈoːɹs wˈʌnz hˈænd/
N/A

N/A

Idiom

to leave someone no choice but to do something they would not do otherwise

example
Ejemplo
Click on words
The leaking of confidential information forced the company's hand, compelling them to address the issue publicly.
The growing public outcry and protests forced the government's hand, leading to a swift policy change.
What is the origin of the idiom "force one's hand" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "force one's hand" can be traced back to card games, particularly poker. In poker, players hold their cards close to their chests and strategically decide when to reveal their hand or make a move. However, in certain situations, an opponent's actions or the progression of the game can force a player to reveal their hand prematurely or make a move earlier than desired. This concept of being compelled or pressured to act due to external factors or circumstances in a card game eventually found its way into figurative language.

to [put] the squeeze on {sb}
to put the squeeze on somebody
Frase
uk flag
/pˌʊt ðə skwˈiːz ˌɑːn ˌɛsbˈiː/
N/A

N/A

Idiom

to make someone do something by putting them under pressure, especially to get money from them

What is the origin of the idiom "put the squeeze on someone" and when to use it?

The idiom "put the squeeze on someone" likely derives from the imagery of physically applying pressure or squeezing something tightly. The word "squeeze" itself has been used metaphorically for a long time to convey the idea of putting pressure on someone or something. The phrase may have originated from the concept of extracting juice or liquid by applying pressure, suggesting the act of extracting something from someone through coercion or manipulation. It is often employed in discussions involving power dynamics, negotiations, or situations where one party seeks to gain an advantage or manipulate another.

to [clip] {one's} wings
to clip one's wings
Frase
uk flag
/klˈɪp wˈʌnz wˈɪŋz/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

to reduce or restrain a person's freedom, influence, or authority

What is the origin of the idiom "clip someone's wings" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "clip someone's wings" can be traced back to the practice of clipping the wings of birds, particularly domesticated birds like chickens or pigeons, to prevent them from flying away. This physical act of trimming the feathers of a bird's wings limits their ability to fly freely and keep them within a confined space. It can be used in personal relationships, particularly in instances of controlling or oppressive behavior, where one person seeks to restrict the actions, choices, or opportunities of another.

to [have] {sb} over a barrel
to have somebody over a barrel
Frase
uk flag
/ɡɛt ˌɛsbˈiː ˌoʊvɚɹ ɐ bˈæɹəl/
tener a algn con el agua al cuello

tener a algn con el agua al cuello

Idiom
Informal

to place someone in a situation in which they have no choice but to accept one's offer or request

What is the origin of the idiom "have someone over a barrel" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "have someone over a barrel" likely stems from literal scenarios involving physical restraint or vulnerability. It is related to the practice of punishing or disciplining individuals by placing them over a barrel, where they would be physically immobilized and unable to escape or resist. Another potential origin comes from the concept of barrel usage in the shipping industry. In the past, when a person was trapped inside a barrel, they would be at the mercy of those in control, as their movements would be severely restricted.

to [crack] the whip
to crack the whip
Frase
uk flag
/kɹˈæk ðə wˈɪp/
N/A

N/A

Idiom

to make use of one's power or authority to force someone to work harder or behave better

What is the origin of the idiom "crack the whip" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "crack the whip" likely stems from the practice of using a whip as a tool of control or dominance. Whips have been used for centuries to manage and direct animals, particularly in activities such as horse riding or herding livestock. The action of cracking the whip produces a loud sound, which serves as an auditory cue to command or guide the animals.

to [be] boxed into a corner
to be boxed into a corner
Frase
uk flag
/biː bˈɑːkst ˌɪntʊ ɐ kˈɔːɹnɚ/
N/A

N/A

Disapproving
Idiom
Informal

to be placed in a problematic situation to which there is no favorable solution

What is the origin of the idiom "be boxed into a corner" and when to use it?

The idiom "be boxed into a corner" does not have a specific origin story. It is a figurative expression that draws upon the literal concept of being physically cornered or trapped. Over time, the phrase has evolved to describe situations where someone feels figuratively cornered, with limited options or avenues for escape. It is commonly used in discussions involving decision-making, problem-solving, or conflict resolution.

to [scrape] (the bottom of|) the barrel
to scrape (the bottom of) the barrel
Frase
uk flag
/skɹˈeɪp ðə bˈɑːɾəm ʌv ðə bˈæɹəl/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

to have no option but to make use of people or things of very poor quality

What is the origin of the idiom "scrape the barrel" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "scrape the barrel" can be traced back to the literal act of scraping the bottom of a barrel. In earlier times, barrels were commonly used for storage, and when the contents of the barrel were almost depleted, one would scrape the remaining bits from the bottom. This action was often associated with collecting leftovers or obtaining the last remnants of something.

{one's} hands [are] tied
one's hands are tied
Oración
uk flag
/wˈʌnz hˈændz ɑːɹ tˈaɪd/
N/A

N/A

Idiom

used to say that one's freedom in action is limited by a rule or law

What is the origin of the idiom "one's hands are tied" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "one's hands are tied" likely draws upon the physical act of having one's hands bound or restrained, which symbolizes a loss of freedom or ability to act. The phrase has metaphorically evolved to convey situations where individuals feel constrained or powerless due to external circumstances, rules, obligations, or restrictions. It is often employed in bureaucratic or organizational settings, such as government institutions, where individuals may face strict regulations or policies that restrict their ability to act independently.

to [go] through the motions
to go through the motions
Frase
uk flag
/ɡˌoʊ θɹuː ðə mˈoʊʃənz/
N/A

N/A

Idiom

to do something without real interest, feeling, or effort

What is the origin of the idiom "go through the motions" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "go through the motions" is believed to stem from theatrical or performance contexts. In theater, actors are required to perform specific actions and movements as part of their roles. Sometimes, an actor may not be fully engaged or emotionally connected to the performance, yet they still go through the required motions on stage. It can be applied to work environments, where employees may carry out their duties mechanically without feeling inspired or motivated. It is also used in personal relationships, indicating a lack of emotional connection or effort in interactions.

the call of duty
the call of duty
Frase
uk flag
/ðə kˈɔːl ʌv dˈuːɾi/
N/A

N/A

Idiom

the feeling or belief that one must do or accomplish something

What is the origin of the idiom "call of duty" and when to use it?

The idiom "call of duty" has origins in the English language and dates back several centuries. The word "duty" can be traced to Middle English and has roots in Old French and Latin. It originally referred to a moral or legal obligation to perform a specific task or fulfill a responsibility. It is commonly employed in professions that involve serving others, such as military service, emergency response, healthcare, and teaching. In these contexts, ind

to [make] a virtue of necessity
to make a virtue of necessity
Frase
uk flag
/mˌeɪk ɐ vˈɜːtʃuː ʌv nəsˈɛsɪɾi/
N/A

N/A

Idiom

to get an advantage from doing something that is forced upon one

What is the origin of the idiom "make a virtue of necessity" and when to use it?

The idiom "make a virtue of necessity" has a complex origin, with roots in ancient Roman philosophy and literature. It can be traced back to the works of Horace, a Roman poet from the first century BC. Horace expressed the idea that one can display virtue or admirable qualities by gracefully accepting and making the most of circumstances that cannot be changed. The phrase was later paraphrased in English as "make a virtue of necessity" to convey the concept of finding positive aspects or virtues in situations that are unavoidable or undesirable. It is used to encourage a positive and proactive mindset in dealing with challenges, limitations, or constraints.

{one's} way or the highway
one's way or the highway
Oración
uk flag
/wˈʌnz wˈeɪ ɔːɹ ðə hˈaɪweɪ/
a mi manera o nada

a mi manera o nada

Idiom

used to say that someone has two options, either accept what has been said or leave it be

What is the origin of the idiom "one's way or the highway" and when to use it?

The idiom "one's way or the highway" has its roots in the informal and direct style of communication often found in everyday conversations. While its specific origin is difficult to pinpoint, it has become a widely recognized idiom in the English language. It is often used in discussions, negotiations, or conflicts where one party insists on having things done solely according to their preferences or demands.

ball and chain
ball and chain
Frase
uk flag
/bˈɔːl ænd tʃˈeɪn/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

something that limits or takes away one's freedom to do what one wants

What is the origin of the idiom "ball and chain" and when to use it?

The idiom "ball and chain" has its origin in the practices of the criminal justice system, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries. In those times, prisoners were often physically restrained by chains or iron balls attached to their ankles as a means of preventing escape. This literal ball and chain served as a symbol of imprisonment and restriction. It is often used when discussing personal experiences, particularly in the realm of romantic relationships, to convey a sense of feeling tied down or limited by a partner.

marching orders
marching orders
Sustantivo
uk flag
/mˈɑːɹtʃɪŋ ˈɔːɹdɚz/
(instrucciones)

(instrucciones)

órdenes de marcha

Idiom

a set of instructions from a person in authority concerning what one must do or how to do it

What is the origin of the idiom "marching orders" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "marching orders" can be traced back to military terminology. In military operations, "marching orders" referred to the specific instructions given to soldiers regarding their movement, formation, and objectives. It provided clear guidance on the route, timing, and actions required during a march or campaign. It is commonly used in professional settings, such as workplaces, military operations, sports teams, or project management.

Información Gramatical:

Sustantivo Compuesto
no strings attached
no strings attached
Oración
uk flag
/nˈoʊ stɹˈɪŋz ɐtˈætʃt/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

offered or provided without any hidden agendas, requirements, or consequences

What is the origin of the idiom "no strings attached" and when to use it?

The exact origin of the idiom "no strings attached" is uncertain, but it has been in use since at least the mid-20th century. The phrase metaphorically refers to the idea of a puppet or marionette not being controlled by strings, symbolizing the absence of obligations or conditions. It is commonly used when discussing financial transactions, contracts, relationships, or any situation where individuals want to emphasize the absence of additional responsibilities or consequences.

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Aprendiste 15 palabras de Force & Obligation. Para mejorar el aprendizaje y revisar el vocabulario, ¡comienza a practicar!

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