The idiom "basket case" has its origins in the aftermath of World War I, particularly during World War II. It was originally a term used in medical contexts to describe soldiers who had lost all four limbs and required a basket or crate to carry them. Over time, the term evolved to refer to someone who is mentally or emotionally unstable and unable to cope with the stresses of life.

What is the origin of the idiom "basket case" and when to use it?

basket case

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=YmFza2V0IGNhc2U&hash=648fc1c463ce694ed0574fa60712f5c465e33602&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=YmFza2V0IGNhc2U&hash=75d653c620a48754a394b6be3d067c194b093e8c&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

to belch

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gYmVsY2g&hash=f67e49a87f24ff474713ba61017b1596703ad40c&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gYmVsY2g&hash=b2e319e9d570390819867222d7ddf1b41e6efdb4&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

to [bend|lean] over backward

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gYmVuZCBvdmVyIGJhY2t3YXJk&hash=aab78ea4d073f97e47331fd438542112233e218b&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gYmVuZCBvdmVyIGJhY2t3YXJk&hash=74e078e1e7078522d357ede2d279797ce68097d8&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

to check out

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gY2hlY2sgb3V0&hash=003aacccc909a2167504f47509eec339242c0381&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gY2hlY2sgb3V0&hash=e64906788a55743f466820cb10b65644cd9817a3&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

The exact origin of the phrase "drive someone up the wall" is uncertain, but it is believed to have emerged in the early to mid-20th century. It is commonly employed in conversations, anecdotes, or storytelling to describe persistent behaviors, annoying habits, or aggravating circumstances that elicit strong negative emotions. The phrase can be used in personal experiences, workplace dynamics, relationships, or any situation where someone's actions or situations become a constant source of annoyance.

What is the origin of the idiom "drive someone up the wall" and when to use it?

to [drive] {sb} up the wall

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gZHJpdmUgc29tZWJvZHkgdXAgdGhlIHdhbGw&hash=de94dad6b39143078f86cb96ca27531789c61ec9&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gZHJpdmUgc29tZWJvZHkgdXAgdGhlIHdhbGw&hash=58db46018e6c19c71ee5e6f0de3f3ace039c2f97&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

The structure combines "drop" (to fall or land lightly) with "in", forming a phrasal verb for an unplanned visit. It is used to describe visiting a place or someone without a prior arrangement, often casually and briefly, such as "Feel free to drop in anytime" or "She dropped in on her way home." The term has been part of everyday English for decades, with no specific subculture origin, and remains common in both spoken and written language.

What does "drop in" mean?

to drop in

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gZHJvcCBpbg&hash=ad8cd6afde97c52e4466917009d21f6351df6376&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gZHJvcCBpbg&hash=b43482285b49c925095855a06247098599c12113&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

The idiom "eat somebody out of house and home" originated from the idea of someone consuming so much food that it depletes the available resources in a household. The phrase implies that the person's appetite is so insatiable or their eating habits are so excessive that they consume all the food supplies, leaving the household with nothing else to eat. It emphasizes the idea of overwhelming hunger or the ability to consume large quantities of food. Here are five example sentences using the idiom:

What is the origin of the idiom "eat somebody out of house and home"" and when to use it?

to [eat] {sb} out of house and home

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gZWF0IHNvbWVib2R5IG91dCBvZiBob3VzZSBhbmQgaG9tZQ&hash=59c54c7f0fc0fe2807c1689a430c14a8d46b15a7&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gZWF0IHNvbWVib2R5IG91dCBvZiBob3VzZSBhbmQgaG9tZQ&hash=863eac99e26a2644349966a42657aaaf5bd10b07&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

to fall apart

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gZmFsbCBhcGFydA&hash=51ae70521eecdfa7c7c9c07b49bf3f65992696a9&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gZmFsbCBhcGFydA&hash=306df6eaefcf3df83e23c38ff675cc8a4f9b8e36&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

freeloader

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=ZnJlZWxvYWRlcg&hash=c1204ce245aee4f0fade06c2fd266e2482a67d21&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=ZnJlZWxvYWRlcg&hash=de3a8384a66149e8878c9e63a4908b98a28fdcc2&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

to [give] {sb} a hand

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gZ2l2ZSBzb21lYm9keSBhIGhhbmQ&hash=e6ad7d09f18def15a8d52852f9b582a80b6dd775&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gZ2l2ZSBzb21lYm9keSBhIGhhbmQ&hash=731ffbc58a820aba49742e30f303bfbcd13d8734&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

to handle

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gaGFuZGxl&hash=edc2bf3567669010bb4a140347a52603fdc854ef&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gaGFuZGxl&hash=4b8676acc5041b5c5324389bce04f8d7b2b59054&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

The idiom "hit the road" has its origins in American slang, particularly in the mid-20th century. It refers to the act of departing or beginning a journey, especially a road trip or travel by vehicle. The expression conjures the image of physically starting a journey by hitting the road's surface, emphasizing the action of getting underway.

What is the origin of the idiom "hit the road" and when to use it?

to [hit] the road

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gaGl0IHRoZSByb2Fk&hash=8672ccad31ffd7a91983eebe08a7b66a5c780576&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gaGl0IHRoZSByb2Fk&hash=9a87d758827408892165c923a9bf331dc3bd6895&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

to kick out

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8ga2ljayBvdXQ&hash=b98ba9a193849bda55bf354730c95de35edd1120&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8ga2ljayBvdXQ&hash=3106c3b8b70b67d30ca6bec56db2a0c406f74873&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

The idiom "treat someone or something with kid gloves" has its origins in the 19th century when gloves made from the soft leather of young goats (kid leather) were considered delicate and luxurious. These gloves required careful handling to prevent damage. It is often used when addressing situations where extra caution is needed, such as dealing with sensitive individuals or delicate matters.

What is the origin of the idiom "treat someone or something with kid gloves" and when to use it?

to [treat|handle] {sb/sth} with kid gloves

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gdHJlYXQgc29tZWJvZHkgb3Igc29tZXRoaW5nIHdpdGgga2lkIGdsb3Zlcw&hash=af0724b59fe7a972cb2ec5a9614b7f2c7fd479a7&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gdHJlYXQgc29tZWJvZHkgb3Igc29tZXRoaW5nIHdpdGgga2lkIGdsb3Zlcw&hash=19257a2e29075c7b7f67e09d95ff496bc40a75de&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

to [lift|raise] a finger

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gbGlmdCBhIGZpbmdlcg&hash=f6c1a57a011fe239c2cf93e15f51180f6d398dad&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gbGlmdCBhIGZpbmdlcg&hash=d52c10a6bd50d8c6417b29bac15c03bd65dc8a7b&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

The origin of the phrase "have it made in the shade" is uncertain, but it likely emerged in the United States during the mid-20th century. This idiom is used to describe someone who is in a highly favorable or advantageous position, often characterized by prosperity, success, and a lack of worries or difficulties.

What is the origin of the idiom "have it made in the shade" and when to use it?

to [have] it made in the shade

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gaGF2ZSBpdCBtYWRlIGluIHRoZSBzaGFkZQ&hash=3efe1fa6cd14c362c19112a27886d00c45966b59&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gaGF2ZSBpdCBtYWRlIGluIHRoZSBzaGFkZQ&hash=d228d81856baf1c43fdfb1f33bab20f80092e888&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

to put up

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gcHV0IHVw&hash=7d4a31ee85ba6508e3e9501bde05dc4af856e32a&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gcHV0IHVw&hash=62a4eac05374e9ced45fb312e6709e4f9a2574d8&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

to put away

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gcHV0IGF3YXk&hash=2a5050e48ba13eb25375f93f8378d1df779d933a&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gcHV0IGF3YXk&hash=160f2372d75a42313b81b8f8be3d2c6c2121d3df&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

to sleep in

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gc2xlZXAgaW4&hash=121597c14ea34b7480467b33fdb4f91a7aa2f221&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gc2xlZXAgaW4&hash=e2098490b51661809fac7f973ddc578e1767d197&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

to take off

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gdGFrZSBvZmY&hash=847e01be4e5f8812f276d7edfb92336151f5a188&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gdGFrZSBvZmY&hash=088810fa73046dd7ab48d4012e7d99d11fb92932&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

tube

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dHViZQ&hash=38dc0995b80bb261f9e82f104c04290c12060efd&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dHViZQ&hash=49d033ed9b039feea3a07e0653ab8d7afa6c6f94&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

to turn in

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gdHVybiBpbg&hash=a6c63053863bada996a733e74e07dc0f11094886&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gdHVybiBpbg&hash=1f5cd7ede31d7d0073692c2be4112f01f5bbf772&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

The origin of the idiom "white lie" is rooted in the concept of a lie that is considered harmless or trivial. The term "white" in this context symbolizes purity, innocence, or a lack of malicious intent. The idiom refers to a lie told with good intentions, often to spare someone's feelings or maintain social harmony. This phrase suggests that the lie is not meant to cause harm or deceive, but rather to protect or benefit others in a small or inconsequential way.

What is the origin of the idiom "white lie" and when to use it?

white lie

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=d2hpdGUgbGll&hash=ed16dc32eba57f88165decdad02850b9c7c84071&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=d2hpdGUgbGll&hash=5dfa52931983c9e15e14aa90b2fecc30966d9b63&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

The origin of the idiom "you can say that again" is not precisely documented, as it is a common and informal expression used to affirm strong agreement with something that has just been said. It has been in common use for many years as a way to affirm and emphasize agreement.

What is the origin of the idiom "you can say that again" and when to use it?

you can say that again

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=eW91IGNhbiBzYXkgdGhhdCBhZ2Fpbg&hash=8a985e4bc035c353e49eaaae31640aab1d08b467&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=eW91IGNhbiBzYXkgdGhhdCBhZ2Fpbg&hash=74531bf8202c676f96e47ec095c0650291b3ef0f&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

bottomless pit

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=Ym90dG9tbGVzcyBwaXQ&hash=adc0ee576233e017cd560668039b38f6557770a1&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=Ym90dG9tbGVzcyBwaXQ&hash=6335b730bd9ef207c2a5da1f139cb99406afc10d&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=aGV5&hash=a216bd09b5823b7abe2dd2dd601a2cc7ecbf853b&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=aGV5&hash=e76fef81608ff8da919df744a3e227a42e3ff4fc&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

to [raid] the fridge

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gcmFpZCB0aGUgZnJpZGdl&hash=1feb513beb11a09389ccf68d3d7de067b0b3c6ae&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gcmFpZCB0aGUgZnJpZGdl&hash=2629dbc8e4a70df6eaa9e8f7954c691894c554a6&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

to [stay] up all (hours of the|) night

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gc3RheSB1cCBhbGwgaG91cnMgb2YgdGhlIG5pZ2h0&hash=dee868c7a26a47344934086e6071c06fc132d8bc&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gc3RheSB1cCBhbGwgaG91cnMgb2YgdGhlIG5pZ2h0&hash=a83e70e13d48d5adca9496a5dd2dd6cc5be4a47b&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

to [give] {sb} a black eye

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gZ2l2ZSBzb21lYm9keSBhIGJsYWNrIGV5ZQ&hash=946756807e4d2b3e223a420b339daf06f6e9910f&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gZ2l2ZSBzb21lYm9keSBhIGJsYWNrIGV5ZQ&hash=58baf684360b05c277fdcdc87bbbc718db4fb89d&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

blue blazes

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=Ymx1ZSBibGF6ZXM&hash=e911e6ac5ba9270bd1cf81cfe4639defcc16b6d8&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=Ymx1ZSBibGF6ZXM&hash=07bdabdc4c91a6e55a9aa3b09a758471ccc7062f&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

beet red

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=YmVldCByZWQ&hash=e2ad7333cf902b0a81a6ec69567f55d7557d63fb&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=YmVldCByZWQ&hash=8edd3725cd5e13c40bcd337e4b0bb5a1244f67b1&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

red cent

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=cmVkIGNlbnQ&hash=7b08f189af6d12912818181a59ce1cff7637e80d&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=cmVkIGNlbnQ&hash=2dfbea29b30be1c229cad722605774f5e83df99f&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

The idiom "white as a ghost" originated from the association of the color white with a lack of color or pigmentation, similar to the pale appearance of a ghost. It is commonly used to emphasize a person's paleness due to fear, shock, illness, or a sudden loss of color.

What is the origin of the idiom "white as a ghost" and when to use it?

(as|) white as a (ghost|sheet)

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=YXMgd2hpdGUgYXMgYSBnaG9zdA&hash=560946dfcadfa286cccff41c90c06b2c4d1457ed&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=YXMgd2hpdGUgYXMgYSBnaG9zdA&hash=70f512d3a73a4528f629f65806989da56e48f893&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

white-knuckle

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=d2hpdGUta251Y2tsZQ&hash=792ce325bef2177981ad3ac8bd44764901850787&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=d2hpdGUta251Y2tsZQ&hash=95e52b61a4cf2027790d90788523f6bbf8649ddd&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

to [see] the whites of {one's} eyes

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gc2VlIHRoZSB3aGl0ZXMgb2Ygb25lJ3MgZXllcw&hash=dd9020bbb62f9991d42df4f4ce24b32ca2bfc90b&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gc2VlIHRoZSB3aGl0ZXMgb2Ygb25lJ3MgZXllcw&hash=a7217596c5f735a4cc0c13e51a014ddae8b996c8&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

Lezione 7

Parole inglesi usate in Street Talk 1 - Lezione 7

Lesson 7

English words used in Street Talk 1  - Lesson 7