The idiom "beat one's brains out" likely originated from the imagery of someone exerting a great deal of effort or working very hard, to the point of mental exhaustion. This phrase is used to describe a situation where someone is working extremely hard or trying their best to achieve something, often without success. It conveys the idea of putting in a lot of effort and energy into a task or problem but not necessarily getting the desired results.

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

to [beat] {one's} brains out

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The idiom "blind someone with science" likely originated as a figurative expression that suggests overwhelming or confusing someone with complex scientific information or technical jargon. This phrase is used to describe a situation where someone is explaining something, often scientific or technical in nature, in a way that is overly complex or difficult to understand for the average person.

What is the origin of the idiom "blind someone with science" and when to use it?

to [blind] {sb} with science

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The idiom "none the wiser" likely originated from the idea that when someone fails to understand or grasp a situation, they remain without increased knowledge or insight, hence "none the wiser." Its exact historical origin is unclear, but it has been in common usage since at least the 19th century. This expression is used to describe a situation in which someone does not gain any additional knowledge or understanding despite their efforts or experiences. It suggests that the person remains as ignorant or uninformed as they were before.

What is the origin of the idiom "none the wiser" and when to use it?

none the wiser

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The idiom "get one's wires crossed" likely originates from the early days of telegraphy and telephony when wires and cables were used to transmit messages. If the wires were crossed or tangled, it would result in a miscommunication or garbled message at the receiving end. The term was later used in informal conversations to humorously acknowledge a misunderstanding or mix-up, often with no one to blame for the confusion.

What is the origin of the idiom "get one's wires crossed" and when to use it?

to [get|have] {one's} wires crossed

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The idiom "lose the plot" likely originates from the world of literature and storytelling, specifically in reference to the plot of a novel, play, or movie. To "lose the plot" means to become confused or disoriented regarding the narrative of a story. This phrase is often used to express that someone has become confused, disoriented, or has lost their focus or understanding of a situation or task.

What is the origin of the idiom "lose the plot" and when to use it?

to [lose] the plot

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The idiom "la-la land" likely originated from the phrase "la-la" or "la-la-la," which is often used to represent a nonsensical or dreamy humming or singing sound. This expression refers to a state of dreaminess, unreality, or being out of touch with reality. It is primarily used to describe a state of being out of touch with reality, typically when someone is lost in their own world, daydreaming, or not facing the practical aspects of life. It can also be used to criticize someone for having unrealistic or impractical ideas.

What is the origin of the idiom "la-la land" and when to use it?

La-La land

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The origin of the idiom "beats me" is somewhat unclear, but it likely emerged from the idea of being unable to understand or figure something out. It is an informal expression that is used when someone does not know the answer to a question or is unable to explain something.

What is the origin of the idiom "beats me" and when to use it?

beats me

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The idiom "search me" originated in the United States in the late 19th century. It likely comes from the idea of searching a person's pockets or belongings for an answer, as if the answer were hidden within them. It is often used when someone wants to express their lack of knowledge or understanding about a particular topic or question.

What is the origin of the idiom "search me" and when to use it?

search me

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The idiom "beyond the veil" is rooted in a metaphorical use of the word "veil" rather than a specific historical origin. A veil, in this context, symbolizes a barrier or separation between two realms or states of existence. The idea of a veil representing a boundary between the known and the unknown, the physical and the spiritual, or the present and the afterlife is a common theme in various cultures and religions. This expression is typically used to refer to something that is hidden, mysterious, or beyond ordinary understanding.

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

beyond the veil

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The idiom "over one's head" likely originated from the literal act of something being physically above a person's head. This idiomatic expression is now commonly used to indicate that something is beyond someone's comprehension or abilities.

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

over {one's} head

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The idiom "blind spot" originally referred to an actual area in a person's field of vision that cannot be seen, especially when driving a vehicle. This area is a result of the positioning of side mirrors and can lead to accidents if not accounted for. This expression is now used to refer to a subject or topic that someone finds challenging, uninteresting, or difficult to understand.

What is the origin of the idiom "blind spot" and when to use it?

blind spot

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The idiom "be Greek to someone" originates from ancient Rome. In his play "Julius Caesar," written around 1599, William Shakespeare used a similar phrase, "It is Greek to me," to indicate that something is incomprehensible or difficult to understand. It is believed that Shakespeare's use of the phrase was inspired by the linguistic complexity of the Greek language for English speakers at the time. This expression is used when someone encounters something that is completely unintelligible or incomprehensible.

What is the origin of the idiom "be Greek to someone" and when to use it?

to [be|sound] (all|like)  Greek to {sb}

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Master English idioms regarding the absence of comprehension, like "none the wiser" and "lose the plot".

Expressions anglaises pour "Absence de compréhension"