The idiom "close call" originated from the concept of narrowly avoiding a dangerous or undesirable outcome, emphasizing the proximity to disaster. It is commonly used to describe a situation in which someone or something narrowly escapes harm or misfortune just before it becomes too late.

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

close call

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The idiom "close shave" originated from the practice of shaving, emphasizing the nearness of a narrow escape from harm or disaster. It is commonly used to describe a situation in which someone or something barely avoids a dangerous or unpleasant outcome, highlighting the element of luck and the slim margin between safety and potential harm.

What is the origin of the idiom "close shave" and when to use it?

close shave

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The idiom "get out of Dodge" originated from the television series "Gunsmoke," which featured the fictional town of Dodge City as a setting for many of its episodes. The phrase is used to emphasize the urgency of departure and the need to escape a problematic or uncomfortable circumstance.

What is the origin of the idiom "get out of Dodge" and when to use it?

to [get] out of Dodge

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The idiom "safe as houses" has uncertain origins but is believed to have developed from the perception that houses are stable, secure, and reliable structures, symbolizing safety and protection. In its modern usage, it is used to describe something or someone that is extremely safe and secure, often emphasizing a high level of confidence in the safety of a situation or investment.

What is the origin of the idiom "safe as houses" and when to use it?

(as|) safe as houses

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The idiom "save one's skin" has origins in the idea of preserving one's physical well-being or avoiding harm. It is a figurative expression used to describe actions taken to ensure one's safety or protect oneself from danger, often at the expense of others or in challenging situations.

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

to [save] {one's} [skin|neck|hide|bacon]

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The idiom "on the safe side" originates from the idea of erring on the side of caution, ensuring safety and avoiding unnecessary risks. It is used to describe a cautious approach or decision-making to prevent potential problems or dangers, even when the likelihood of an adverse outcome is minimal.

What is the origin of the idiom "on the safe side" and when to use it?

on the safe side

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The idiom "make a retreat" originates from military terminology, where it refers to the strategic withdrawal of forces from a battlefield or combat zone. This expression is commonly used in a broader sense to describe anyone who chooses to step back or withdraw from an unfavorable or uncomfortable position.

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

to [make|beat] a (hasty|) retreat

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The idiom "be out of the woods" originates from the idea of someone being lost or stranded in a forest, facing the dangers and challenges that come with it. This expression is commonly used to signify emerging from a difficult or dangerous situation. The phrase became more widely used in the 19th century in a figurative sense, reflecting its modern usage.

What is the origin of the idiom "be out of the woods" and when to use it?

to [be] out of the woods

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The idiom "saved by the bell" has its origins in the world of boxing, where a boxer who is in a difficult or dangerous situation may be saved from a potential knockout by the ringing of the bell to signal the end of a round. This expression is often used to describe narrowly avoiding trouble or disaster through timely intervention.

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

to [save] {sb} by the bell

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The idiom "off the hook" likely originated from telephone technology, where it refers to hanging up the phone receiver, thus ending a call or conversation. This expression is commonly used to describe situations where someone is no longer accountable or in trouble.

What is the origin of the idiom "off the hook" and when to use it?

off the hook

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The idiomatic expression "in good hands" is used to convey the idea that someone or something is entrusted to the care or protection of a reliable, capable, and trustworthy individual or entity.  Its origin is not well-documented, but it likely comes from the historical and symbolic association of hands with protection and care. Throughout history, hands have been seen as tools for safeguarding and nurturing, making them a natural symbol for safety and competence.

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

in (good|safe) hands

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The idiom "dodge a bullet" originates from the concept of narrowly avoiding being hit by a bullet, which is a life-threatening situation. It is often used to describe situations where someone has managed to avoid a significant problem, disaster, or unfortunate event.

What is the origin of the idiom "dodge a bullet" and when to use it?

to [dodge] a bullet

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The idiom "the coast is clear" likely originated from nautical terminology, where it referred to a situation where the sea and coastline were free from obstacles or dangers, allowing for safe passage. In its modern usage, it refers to a particular situation that is now safe or free from any potential threat, allowing someone to proceed without fear of being discovered, interrupted, or facing an obstacle.

What is the origin of the idiom "the coast is clear" and when to use it?

the coast [is] clear

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The idiom "live to tell the tale" originates from the idea of surviving a dangerous or life-threatening situation and being able to recount the experience. It is used to emphasize one's survival in the face of adversity, often traumatic or perilous events, with the implication that the ordeal was challenging or harrowing but ultimately surmountable.

What is the origin of the idiom "live to tell the tale" and when to use it?

to [live] to tell the tale

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The origin of the idiom "out of harm's way" is not precisely documented, but it is derived from the contrast between safety and danger and the role that distance plays in between. it is used to describe a situation or position where someone or something is placed in a location that is free from potential harm, risk, or danger.

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

out of harm's way

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The idiom "keep someone or something at bay" has its origins in the world of hunting. Dating back to the 16th century, it originally referred to the practice of using hunting dogs to hold a dangerous animal, such as a bear or a boar, at a safe distance or at the bay, preventing it from approaching the hunters. Over time, the phrase evolved into a metaphorical expression, signifying the act of keeping something or someone, often a problem, threat, or danger, at a distance or under control, in order to maintain safety or avoid direct confrontation.

What is the origin of the idiom "keep someone or something at bay" and when to use it?

to [keep|hold] {sb/sth} at bay

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Master English idioms related to being out of danger, like "dodge a bullet" and "off the hook".

Expressions anglaises pour "Hors de danger"