The idiom "be a big if" is used to emphasize the conditionality or uncertainty of a situation. While its exact origin is not documented, it is widely used in English to suggest that a particular condition, requirement, or assumption is a significant and possibly challenging one to meet.

What is the origin of the idiom "be a big if" and when to use it?

to [be] a big if

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The idiom "cock-and-bull story" has its origins in the 17th century and refers to a fanciful, improbable, or exaggerated tale. The phrase likely comes from the names of two inns, the "Cock" and the "Bull," which were known for hosting travelers and entertaining them with extravagant and fictitious stories. Today, this expression is used to describe a narrative that is fabricated, unbelievable, or intended to deceive, often characterized by its lack of credibility.

What is the origin of the idiom "cock-and-bull story" and when to use it?

cock-and-bull story

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The origin of the idiom "forget that noise" is not precisely documented, but it is used to dismiss, reject, or express disapproval of a suggestion, idea, or statement, often with a sense of annoyance or irritation.

What is the origin of the idiom "forget that noise" and when to use it?

forget that noise

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I will eat my hat

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The phrase "cast beyond the moon" is a metaphorical idiom that implies reaching or striving for an unattainable, ambitious, or extraordinary goal. While its precise origin is not documented, it likely relates to the idea of casting one's efforts or dreams so far that they go beyond the moon, a celestial body perceived as distant and unreachable.

What is the origin of the idiom "cast beyond the moon" and when to use it?

to [cast] beyond the moon

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The idiom "too good to be true" has its origins in English idiomatic language and is used to express skepticism or doubt about the authenticity or viability of a situation or offer. It is used to convey the idea that something appears exceptionally favorable or positive, but the speaker finds it so incredible or unlikely that they suspect it may not be real.

What is the origin of the idiom "too good to be true" and when to use it?

too good to be true

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The idiom "long shot" originated from the world of sports, particularly horse racing. In horse racing, a "long shot" refers to a horse with low odds of winning, often considered an unlikely or speculative bet. Over time, this term extended to various contexts and is now used figuratively to describe something that has a low probability of success or is unlikely to happen.

What is the origin of the idiom "long shot" and when to use it?

long shot

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The phrase "the end of the rainbow" is rooted in Irish folklore, where a leprechaun is said to hide a pot of gold at the point where a rainbow touches the ground. This idiom is used to describe something that is virtually impossible to find or attain, often conveying a sense of being in pursuit of an elusive goal.

What is the origin of the idiom "the end of the rainbow" and when to use it?

(at|) the end of the rainbow

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The idiom "jam tomorrow" originates from Lewis Carroll's "Through the Looking-Glass," where it was used in the context of a fictional conversation. In everyday language, it is used to refer to the promise of future rewards or benefits that are constantly postponed and never realized.

What is the origin of the idiom "jam tomorrow" and when to use it?

jam tomorrow

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The idiom "swing for the fences" has its origins in baseball, where batters attempt to hit a home run by swinging the bat as hard as they can to send the ball over the outfield fence. In a broader sense, it is used to describe a strategy or approach that aims for an exceptionally ambitious, risky, or extraordinary outcome.

What is the origin of the idiom "swing for the fences" and when to use it?

to [swing] for the fences

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The phrase "pigs can fly" is an idiom used to express extreme skepticism or disbelief regarding a particular statement or claim. It is often used when discussing something that is considered impossible, unrealistic, or highly improbable. The idea is that pigs flying is so fantastical that it highlights the incredibility of the statement in question.

What is the origin of the idiom "pigs can fly" and when to use it?

pigs (can|might) fly

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The idiom "pipe dream" originated in the early 20th century and was originally associated with the idea of hallucinations experienced by smokers of opium pipes, leading to unrealistic visions. Over time, it evolved to describe any impractical or unattainable vision or plan.

What is the origin of the idiom "pipe dream" and when to use it?

pipe dream

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The phrase "ghost of a chance" originated in the early 20th century and draws on the idea that a "ghost" represents something insubstantial or almost impossible to encounter. It is used to describe a situation where there is very little or no likelihood of success or victory. When someone or something has a "ghost of a chance," it implies that their chances are extremely slim, and they face significant obstacles in achieving their goals.

What is the origin of the idiom "ghost of a chance" and when to use it?

ghost of a chance

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The phrase "promise someone the moon" is an idiomatic expression that denotes making impractical promises or commitments to someone. The exact origin is not precisely documented, but it is rooted in the idea of offering something extremely grand or valuable, such as the moon, earth, or the entire world, as a pledge.

What is the origin of the idiom "promise someone the moon" and when to use it?

to [promise] {sb} the (moon|earth|world)

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The phrase "not look back" is an idiom used to describe a forward-focused, determined approach, emphasizing that once a decision or action is taken, one should continue moving forward without dwelling on the past. The origin of this phrase is not precisely documented, but it is a widely used expression to convey the idea of strong commitment to a chosen course of action or decision.

What is the origin of the idiom "not look back" and when to use it?

to {not} [look] back

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Master English idioms regarding unlikely situations, like "cast beyond the moon" and "too good to be true".

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