Unità 3 – Vocabolario

The idiom "dead end" is believed to have originated in the United States in the late 19th century, and was originally used to describe a street or road that has no outlet or exit. It is often used to describe a situation where someone has reached a point where there is no way forward, or where further efforts are unlikely to be successful.

The origin of the idiom "call the shots" can be traced back to the sport of billiards or pool. In billiards, the player who "calls the shots" is the one who declares which ball they intend to hit and into which pocket it will go. By doing so, they take control of the game and determine the sequence of shots. It is often used when discussing leadership roles, management positions, or situations where one is responsible for directing and determining the course of action.

A crossroad is a place where two or more roads meet, forming a junction. It is a point where vehicles and pedestrians can travel in different directions, depending on their destination. Crossroads can be found in both rural and urban areas, and they may be controlled by traffic signals or signs. These areas are important for directing traffic and allowing movement between various routes. Depending on the location and traffic flow, crossroads may vary in complexity, from simple four-way stops to larger, more complicated intersections.

The idiom "under the weather" has origins in the sailing world and dates back to the 18th century. It originated from sailors who would often feel sick or unwell due to rough weather conditions, which could cause them to feel unwell or seasick. The phrase evolved to describe someone who is feeling sick or not in good health. It is used to indicate that someone is feeling unwell or experiencing a mild illness. It suggests a temporary state of physical discomfort or sickness.