The idiom "one thing leads to another" has its origin in everyday language, and it reflects the inherent nature of causality and how events or actions are interconnected. This concept is a fundamental aspect of human experience and language, and the expression serves as a concise way to express this sequence of events. This phrase is used as a way of accepting how actions or decisions naturally progress from one to the next.

What is the origin of the idiom "one thing leads to another" and when to use it?

one thing [lead] to another

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The idiom "open the floodgates" originated from the literal act of opening the gates of a dam or reservoir to release a large volume of water rapidly. In its figurative sense, it is used to imply that an action or decision allows for many possibilities, particularly those that were previously unavailable, much like a sudden, uncontrolled flow of water.

What is the origin of the idiom "open the floodgates" and when to use it?

to [open] the floodgates

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The idiom "pave the way for someone or something" originates from the literal action of preparing a road or path by laying down pavement or stones to make travel smoother and easier. In its figurative sense, it is used to signify the act of removing obstacles, creating favorable conditions, or making necessary preparations to enable someone or something to succeed or progress.

What is the origin of the idiom "pave the way for someone or something" and when to use it?

to [pave] the way (for|to) {sth}

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The idiom "be at the bottom of something" has its origin in the idea that the bottom often represents the foundation or root cause of a situation or issue. It is used to suggest that a particular person or thing is the underlying reason or origin of a problem, event, or action.

What is the origin of the idiom "be at the bottom of something" and when to use it?

to [be] at the bottom of {sth}

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The idiom "be down to somebody or something" derives from the idea of attributing a situation, condition, or responsibility to a specific person or thing. It has been in use in the English language for many years and indicates that the identified person or element is the primary reason for the outcome or state being described.

What is the origin of the idiom "be down to somebody or something" and when to use it?

to [be] down to {sb/sth}

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The idiom "for the sake of it" is believed to have originated from the idea of doing something simply for the purpose of doing it, without any underlying reason or purpose. It is used to imply that an action is carried out without a specific goal or motivation, just for the sake of the activity itself.

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

for the sake of it

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The origin of the idiom "put one's finger on something" is likely derived from the idea of pointing out or touching something precisely with one's finger, indicating a high level of accuracy and specificity in identifying or describing an issue. This idiom has evolved over time to represent the act of identifying or specifying something with clarity and precision.

What is the origin of the idiom "put one's finger on something" and when to use it?

to [put] {one's} finger on {sth}

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The origin of the idiom "where the shoe pinches" is rooted in the common experience of discomfort caused by ill-fitting or tight shoes. It reflects the idea that when a shoe pinches, it creates a specific point of discomfort. Over time, this expression evolved to symbolize situations where individuals encounter difficulties or problems at specific points or areas, just as a shoe might cause pain in a particular spot.

What is the origin of the idiom "where the shoe pinches" and when to use it?

where the shoe [pinch]

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The idiom "the finger of suspicion" implies the act of pointing or attributing suspicion or blame to a specific person or group for a particular event or circumstance. It is used to suggest singling out someone as the possible culprit or holding them responsible for an action. The idiom's origin is not precisely documented, but it reflects the human tendency to seek answers and accountability when something goes wrong.

What is the origin of the idiom "the finger of suspicion" and when to use it?

the finger of (suspicion|blame)

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The idiom "a chicken and egg situation" is used to describe a scenario where it is challenging to determine which event or circumstance is the cause and which is the effect, much like the classic question of which came first, the chicken or the egg. The exact origin of this idiom is not documented, but it represents a puzzling situation in which it is difficult to establish a clear sequence of events or causality.

What is the origin of the idiom "a chicken and egg situation" and when to use it?

a chicken and egg situation

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The idiom "point the finger at someone" originates from the human gesture of physically indicating someone or something with one's finger. In a figurative sense, it is used to accuse or assign blame to a particular person for a wrongdoing or problem.

What is the origin of the idiom "point the finger at someone" and when to use it?

to [point] the finger at {sb}

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The idiom "set the stage for something" originally comes from the world of theater and performance. In a theatrical context, "setting the stage" involves arranging the scenery, props, and lighting to create the appropriate atmosphere for a play or performance. In a broader sense, the idiom is used to describe the act of preparing or creating the conditions necessary for an event, action, or development to take place.

What is the origin of the idiom "set the stage for something" and when to use it?

to [set] the stage for {sth}

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The idiom "sow the seeds of something" metaphorically relates to the agricultural practice of planting seeds to initiate the growth of plants. In a figurative sense, it means to introduce or encourage the development of a particular idea, feeling, or concept. This expression is used to signify the act of laying the foundation or instigating a process that can lead to the further growth and evolution of that idea or feeling.

What is the origin of the idiom "sow the seeds of something" and when to use it?

to [sow|plant] the seeds of {sth}

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Explore English idioms regarding the reason why with examples like "for the sake of it" and "pave the way for".

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