The idiom "in the public eye" has been in use since at least the mid-19th century. The origin of the phrase is not known with certainty, but it is likely that it developed from the idea of being watched by a crowd or audience. It may have also been influenced by the concept of the "all-seeing eye," which has been used in religious and mystical contexts for centuries to represent godly knowledge. The idiom "in the public eye" is commonly used in English to refer to someone or something that is being observed, watched, or scrutinized by the general public. It can be used to describe people, organizations, events, or any other entity that is subject to public attention.

What is the origin of the idiom "in the public eye" and when to use it?

in the public eye

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The origin of the idiom "big name" is not clear, but it has been in use since at least the late 19th century. The phrase "big name" can also be seen as a metaphor, with "big" referring to the importance or influence of the person or organization, and "name" referring to their reputation or recognition. The idiom is used to refer to a person or organization that is well-known, famous, or influential. It is often used to describe individuals or entities that have achieved a high level of success or recognition in a particular field or industry.

What is the origin of the idiom "big name" and when to use it?

big name

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In the early 20th century, ice cream shops would introduce a new flavor of ice cream in order to attract customers and keep them coming back, leading to the popularization of the phrase "flavor of the month". Today, the idiom is commonly used in a variety of contexts to describe a person or thing that is currently popular or in fashion but may not have lasting appeal.

What is the origin of the idiom "flavor of the month" and when to use it?

flavor of the (month|week)

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The idiom is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, when the term "big time" was used to refer to professional sports. In this context, "hitting the big time" meant making it to the major leagues or becoming a professional athlete. The phrase has since been used more broadly to describe any sudden rise to fame or success.

What is the origin of the idiom "hit the big time" and when to use it?

to [hit] the big time

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The idiom "make a name for oneself" is believed to have originated in the early 19th century in the United States. The phrase was likely influenced by the idea of a family name or reputation, and the importance of building a good name for oneself through hard work and dedication. The phrase is often used to describe someone who has achieved success in a particular field, such as acting, music, or sports.

What is the origin of the idiom "make a name for oneself" and when to use it?

to [make] a name for {oneself}

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The idiom is believed to have originated in the early 1900s, when it was used to describe people who had made a lot of money in the entertainment industry. The term "big" in this context refers to the size of the paycheck that these people were able to command. Over time, the term "make it big" has come to be used more broadly to describe anyone who has achieved a high level of success in their chosen field, including athletes, musicians, actors, politicians, or even entrepreneurs.

What is the origin of the idiom "make it big" and when to use it?

to [make] it big

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The origin of the idiom "put somebody or something on the map" likely originated in the early 20th century in the United States. The phrase was first used in the context of geography, to describe the act of adding a new place to a map or atlas. Before the widespread use of maps, many places were unknown or not well-documented, especially in less developed regions. Therefore, adding a new place to a map was significant and often considered an important milestone in terms of documenting and recognizing that place. Over time, the phrase came to be used more broadly to describe any situation where someone or something previously unknown gained recognition or attention.

What is the origin of the idiom "put somebody or something on the map" and when to use it?

to [put] {sb/sth} on the map

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In medieval Europe, one's reputation was highly valued, and being accused of a crime or wrongdoing could result in being excluded from society, loss of property, or even execution. This made it very important to prove one's innocence and restore one's reputation. As a result, people would often put in a lot of effort to show that they were not guilty of the accusations against them. Today, the idiom "clear one's name" is commonly used to describe any situation where someone is trying to restore their reputation or prove their innocence in the face of accusations or doubts.

What is the origin of the idiom "clear one's name" and when to use it?

to [clear] {one's} name

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The origin of the phrase "talk of the town" likely dates back to the 18th or 19th century in England. It may have originally referred to a situation where a person or event was the focus of gossip or rumor within a small town or village, and the phrase gradually came to be used more broadly to describe any situation where a topic was the subject of widespread attention and discussion. The idiom implies that the topic in question is the focus of much attention and conversation, and that it is a source of curiosity or excitement for those involved.

What is the origin of the idiom "talk of the town" and when to use it?

talk of the town

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The phrase "save face" originated in East Asia, particularly in China and Japan, where the concept of "face" refers to one's social standing, reputation, and dignity. In these cultures, losing face is seen as a serious matter, and people will often try hard to avoid it. The phrase was later adopted into English through diplomatic and trade relations with East Asia. The idiom is used to describe the act of avoiding public embarrassment or humiliation by taking actions that preserve one's dignity, reputation, or honor. It implies that someone has made a mistake or is in an awkward or difficult situation, and they are attempting to minimize the damage to their reputation or social standing.

What is the origin of the idiom "save face" and when to use it?

to [save] face

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The idiom "in the spotlight" originated from the theater, where a bright light called a spotlight is used to highlight or focus on a performer or a particular part of the stage during a performance. Over time, the phrase has come to refer to a person or situation that is receiving a lot of attention or scrutiny, often in public or media.

What is the origin of the idiom "in the spotlight" and when to use it?

in the (spotlight|limelight)

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The phrase is thought to have originated in the 19th century, when bells were used to signal important events. If someone rang a bell to announce a wedding, for example, it would be impossible to unring the bell and undo the event.  The idiom "unring the bell" refers to the idea that once something has been said or done, it cannot be undone or unsaid. It is often used to describe a situation where a mistake has been made or a secret has been revealed, and the damage cannot be undone.

What is the origin of the idiom "unring the bell" and when to use it?

to [unring] (the|a) bell

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bragging rights

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The idiom "big fish in a small pond" is a metaphor that describes someone who is powerful or successful in a small or limited setting. The phrase is thought to have originated in the 19th century, when ponds were a common feature of rural landscapes. A big fish in a small pond would be able to dominate its environment and would be seen as a powerful and important creature. The phrase has since been used to describe a variety of situations, including political and business contexts.

What is the origin of the idiom "big fish in a small pond" and when to use it?

big fish in a small pond

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The origin of the idiom "have the world at one's feet" likely dates back to ancient times. The phrase is often associated with Alexander the Great, who was said to have wept because there were no more worlds to conquer. It is believed that the expression "world at his feet" may have been coined in reference to Alexander's conquests and his perceived mastery of the known world. The phrase has been used in various contexts throughout history, and it has become a popular expression to describe a person who is in a position of power or influence and has the potential to achieve great success or accomplish anything they desire.

What is the origin of the idiom "have the world at one's world" and when to use it?

to [have] the world at {one's} feet

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Expressions idiomatiques anglaises sur la "célébrité"