The idiom "cross as two sticks" is believed to have originated in British English, and its exact origin is unclear. However, it likely comes from the notion of crossing two sticks, which can create tension or conflict, symbolizing someone's anger or irritation.This phrase is used to describe someone who is extremely angry, irritated, or in a bad mood.

What is the origin of the idiom "cross as two sticks" and when to use it?

(as|) cross as two sticks

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The idiom "penny wise and pound foolish" originated in Britain and dates back to the 17th or 18th century. This phrase is used to describe someone who is careful or thrifty when it comes to small expenses or minor decisions but makes unwise and extravagant choices when it comes to larger, more important matters.

What is the origin of the idiom "penny wise and pound foolish" and when to use it?

penny wise and pound foolish

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The origin of the phrase "rotten egg" is unclear, but it is likely based on the association of rotten eggs with foul smells and unpleasantness. It is used to criticize or warn others about someone's negative behavior and the potential for causing trouble or harm.

What is the origin of the idiom "rotten egg" and when to use it?

rotten egg

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The idiom "cold fish" has its roots in the early 20th century and it likely stems from the association of fish with cold-blooded animals that do not exhibit warm emotions or expressions. It is used to describe someone who seems unfeeling, aloof, or indifferent, often making it difficult for others to form a close or emotional connection with them.

What is the origin of the idiom "cold fishing" and when to use it?

cold fish

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"Piece of work" is a slang expression that appeared in English in the early 20th century, originally meaning a thing created or done, later applied to people to describe someone difficult, unpleasant, or extraordinary in behavior. The phrase emphasizes notable or challenging traits, sometimes with admiration but often with criticism. It is used in informal, conversational contexts, including speech, media, and writing, to comment on someone's personality or actions. The term is context-dependent: it can be mildly critical, strongly negative, or even admiring, depending on tone.

What is the origin of the idiom "piece of work" and when to use it?

piece of work

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The origin of the idiom "cold as stone" can be traced back to ancient times when stone or marble sculptures were commonly used to represent gods, heroes, or important figures. It is used to describe someone or something that lacks warmth, emotion, or empathy. It implies that the person is emotionally distant, unfeeling, and unresponsive.

What is the origin of the idiom "cold as stone" and when to use it?

(as|) cold as (any|) stone

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The idiom "dog in the manger" originates from an ancient Greek fable attributed to the storyteller Aesop. This phrase  is used to describe someone who selfishly prevents others from using or enjoying something that they have no intention of using or benefiting from themselves.

What is the origin of the idiom "make a go of something" and when to use it?

dog in the manger

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The origin of the idiom "off one's rocker" is not entirely clear, but it likely comes from the idea of a rocking chair.  When someone is "off their rocker," it means they have lost their balance or stability, much like a rocking chair that is no longer balanced and wobbles unpredictably. It is used to describe someone who is behaving in a crazy, irrational, or mentally unstable manner.

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

off {one's} rocker

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The phrase "nutty as a fruitcake" has emerged in the United States in the 20th century. This idiom is used to describe someone who acts strangely, eccentrically, or in a bizarre manner.

What is the origin of the idiom "nutty as a fruitcake" and when to use it?

(as|) nutty as a fruitcake

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The idiom "loose cannon" originated from nautical terminology. In the era of sailing ships, a "loose cannon" referred to a cannon that had broken free from its moorings during naval battles. It is used to describe a person who is unpredictable, impulsive, and not under control, often acting in a way that can cause harm or problems.

What is the origin of the idiom "loose cannon" and when to use it?

loose cannon

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The phrase "all one's geese are swans" is an English proverb that dates back to at least the 17th century. Its exact origin is uncertain, but it reflects a common theme found in various cultures and languages, emphasizing the tendency of individuals to perceive or present things in an exaggeratedly positive light. It can be used in personal conversations, discussions about achievements or accomplishments, or even in literary or artistic critiques. This expression often arises when someone's perception or portrayal of reality appears unrealistic or excessively positive, disregarding any flaws or limitations.

What is the origin of the idiom "all one's geese are swans" and when to use it?

all {one's} geese [are] swans

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The idiom "cunning as a fox" dates back to ancient times, where foxes were often associated with cleverness and craftiness in various cultures, including Greek, Roman, and Native American folklore. This phrase is used to describe someone who is extremely clever, sly, or shrewd in their actions or decisions.

What is the origin of the idiom "cunning as a fox" and when to use it?

(as|) (cunning|sly) as a fox

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The idiom "slippery as an eel" refers to the fact that eels have a slimy and slippery outer coating, which makes them difficult to hold or grasp. This idiom is used to describe someone who is evasive, elusive, or hard to pin down, especially when it comes to avoiding responsibilities, giving direct answers, or escaping from difficult situations.

What is the origin of the idiom "slippery as an eel" and when to use it?

(as|) slippery as (an eel|a snake)

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The idiom "phony as a three-dollar bill" likely originated in the United States in the late 19th or early 20th century. During that time, three-dollar bills were not a common denomination in circulation, making them rare and unfamiliar to the general public. Today, it is used to describe someone or something that is fake, fraudulent, or lacks authenticity.

What is the origin of the idiom "phony as a three-dollar bill" and when to use it?

(as|) (phony|queer|counterfeit) as a three-dollar bill

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The idiom "bats in the belfry" originated in the United States in the late 19th century or early 20th century. It alludes to the image of bats roosting in the belfry (the tower of a church where bells are hung), which was often seen as an odd or crazy behavior for the bats. Over time, the idiom came to be used metaphorically to describe someone whose thoughts or behavior are considered eccentric, irrational, or mentally unstable.

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

bats in the belfry

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The idiom "mad as a hatter" dates back to the 19th century and is associated with the hat-making industry. This phrase is used to describe someone who is acting extremely eccentric, irrational, or mentally unstable.

What is the origin of the idiom "mad as a hatter" and when to use it?

(as|) mad as a (hatter|March hare)

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The idiom "blow hot and cold" is derived from an old English proverb dating back to the 16th century. It is used to describe someone who frequently changes their attitude, feelings, or opinions about something or someone.

What is the origin of the idiom "blow hot and cold" and when to use it?

to [blow] hot and cold

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The idiom "the nature of the beast" has its origins in ancient idiomatic expressions and is found in various forms across different cultures and languages. It is used to refer to the inherent characteristics or qualities of a situation, person, or thing and suggests that certain behaviors, traits, or outcomes are to be expected due to the inherent nature or fundamental properties of the subject at hand.

What is the origin of the idiom "the nature of the beast" and when to use it?

the nature of the beast

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The origin of the idiom "holier than the Pope" is not well-documented, but it likely evolved from the concept of religious piety and the comparison of one's perceived moral superiority to that of the Pope, who is considered the highest authority in the Roman Catholic Church. It is used to describe someone who acts or presents themselves as morally superior, excessively pious, or self-righteous, often to the point of being hypocritical or judgmental of others.

What is the origin of the idiom "holier than the Pope" and when to use it?

holier than the Pope

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The origin of the phrase "bad egg" can be traced back to the 19th century. In this context, the word "egg" refers to a person, and "bad egg" signifies someone who displays undesirable behavior, or is generally untrustworthy or dishonest.

What is the origin of the idiom "bad egg" and when to use it?

bad egg

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The idiom "out of one's mind" is an expression used to describe someone who is mentally unstable, irrational, or behaving in a way that is not considered normal or sane. The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the concept of the mind being the center of one's consciousness and cognitive abilities.

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

out of {one's} mind

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The origin of the idiom "waste of skin" is not well-documented, but it likely evolved from the notion of skin being the outermost layer of the human body. It  is used to describe someone in a derogatory manner, suggesting that they are useless, worthless, or have no redeeming qualities.

What is the origin of the idiom "waste of skin" and when to use it?

waste of skin

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The origin of the idiom "quick as a dog can lick a dish" is not precisely known, but it likely emerged from observations of dogs' behavior while eating. This phrase is used to describe something that happens very rapidly or at an astonishing speed. It emphasizes the idea of swift action or completion.

What is the origin of the idiom "quick as a dog can lick a dish" and when to use it?

(as|) quick as a dog can lick a dish

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The idiom "behind the times" likely originated in the late 19th or early 20th century. It is used to describe an individual who holds outdated beliefs, follows traditional practices, or has not adapted to modern trends and advancements.

What is the origin of the idiom "behind the times" and when to use it?

behind the times

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Discover how English idioms like "piece of work" and "cold fish" relate to unpleasant traits in English.

Traits Désagréables

Expressions idiomatiques anglaises pour les « traits désagréables »

Unpleasant Traits

English Idioms for "Unpleasant Traits"