The origin of the idiom "bring home the bacon" is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. It likely comes from the idea of a successful hunter bringing home a pig as a prize, symbolizing their ability to provide for their family. Over time, the phrase became more widely used to describe any situation where someone had achieved their desired goal or succeeded in a particular endeavor. It is used to describe a wide range of accomplishments, from winning a competition to achieving a long-term goal.

What is the origin of the idiom "bring home the bacon" and when to use it?

to [bring] home the bacon

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The origin of this idiom is believed to have originated in the world of art, where painters and other artists would sign their work with a distinctive mark or signature. Over time, the phrase began to be used more widely to describe any situation where someone was leaving a lasting impression or legacy in a particular area or field.

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

to [make] {one's} mark

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The origin of this idiom is believed to have originated in the 1940s during World War II, when British soldiers used the phrase to describe the successful bombing of a target. Over time, the phrase began to be used more widely to describe any situation that was highly successful or well-received. The idiom implies that something is extremely popular or successful and is well-received by an audience. It is often used to describe a particular event, performance, or product that is highly enjoyable or entertaining.

What is the origin of the idiom "go down a bomb" and when to use it?

to [go] (down|like|) a bomb

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The origin of the idiom "make or break" is believed to have originated in the world of sports in the 19th century. It is likely that the phrase originally referred to a key moment in a sporting event, where the outcome would determine whether a team or player would win or lose. Over time, the phrase began to be used more widely to describe any situation where the outcome was crucial and would have a significant impact on the future. It is used to describe a situation where something will either lead to success or failure, with nothing in between.

What is the origin of the idiom "make or break" and when to use it?

to [make] or [break]

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The origin of this idiom comes from swimming, where a person is either able to stay afloat and swim or will sink and drown. The idiom is used to describe a situation where someone is left with no choice but to succeed or fail on their own, without any help or support. The phrase suggests that the situation is challenging, and that the outcome is uncertain, but that the person must do their best to succeed.

What is the origin of the idiom "sink or swim" and when to use it?

to sink or swim

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The origin of the idiom "blaze a trail" comes from the practice of pioneers and explorers marking a path through the wilderness by making a series of blazes, or marks, on trees along the way. This made it easier for others to follow the same path. Today, the idiom "blaze a trail" is used more metaphorically to describe any situation where someone is the first to do something or to create a new path or method that others can follow.

What is the origin of the idiom "blaze a trail" and when to use it?

to [blaze] a trail

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The idiom "kill or cure" originated in the medical field, specifically in the 18th and 19th centuries, when doctors would prescribe treatments that were considered risky, but had the potential to cure a patient's illness or condition. The idiom is used to describe a situation where a particular action or decision has the potential to either solve a problem or make it worse. It suggests that there is a high level of risk involved and that the outcome is uncertain.

What is the origin of the idiom "kill or cure" and when to use it?

kill or cure

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The idiom "by the skin of one's teeth" is based on the Bible. The phrase appears in the book of Job, where it is written that Job "escaped by the skin of his teeth". The phrase was later used in literature, including in Shakespeare's play "Henry VI". It is used to describe a situation where someone has only just barely managed to avoid a negative outcome. It suggests that the outcome was largely due to luck or good fortune, rather than the person's own abilities or efforts.

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

by the skin of {one's} teeth

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The idiom has originated from hunting, where dogs are used to track and locate prey by scent. The phrase "run to ground" may have been used to describe the act of chasing an animal until it is exhausted and stops running, allowing the hunters to capture or kill it. Now, it is used in a broader sense to describe the act of finding or discovering something or someone after a long search or investigation. It suggests that the search was exhaustive and that the person or thing being sought was difficult to locate.

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

to [run] {sb/sth} to (ground|earth)

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The idiom "do the trick" is believed to have originated in the 18th century. It is thought to have been derived from the phrase "do the trick of the trade," which was used to describe a trick that a magician or illusionist would perform. The phrase eventually evolved into the more general "do the trick," which is now used to describe any action that achieves the desired result.

What is the origin of the idiom "do the trick" and when to use it?

to [do] the trick

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The origin of the idiom "open door to something" is not entirely clear, but it likely comes from the literal meaning of an open door. An open door provides a passage, an entrance or an exit that allows someone to move forward or to enter a new space. Over time, the phrase has taken on a broader meaning and is now used to describe any situation where an opportunity or possibility is made available to someone.

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

to [open] doors (to|for) {sb/sth}

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The idiom "new lease on life" does not have a specific origin, but it is derived from the legal concept of a lease, which refers to a contract granting temporary possession or use of a property. In this context, "lease" is used metaphorically to represent an extended period or opportunity for a fresh start or improved circumstances. It is used to describe a situation where something experiences a resurgence in success, popularity, or relevance.

What is the origin of the idiom "new lease on life" and when to use it?

new lease on life

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The idiom "get to first base with something" originated from the sport of baseball. The first base is the starting point, and a player must reach it in order to advance to the next bases. If a player reaches all four bases and returns to home plate, they score a run for their team. It is an idiom often used to describe initial progress or success in a project or endeavor.

What is the origin of the idiom "get to first base with something" and when to use it?

to [get] to first base with {sth}

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The origin of the idiom derives from the meaning of the word "hitch". The word "hitch" has been used in English since the 13th century, and it originally meant to fasten or attach something. In the 16th century, it came to be used specifically to refer to the rope or chain used to attach a horse to a carriage. If the hitch was secure, the carriage would run smoothly and without problems. This is why the idiom "without a hitch" came to mean without any problems or difficulties.

What is the origin of the idiom "without a hitch" and when to use it?

without a hitch

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The origin of the idiom "turn a trick" is uncertain. However, one theory suggests that it may have originated from the world of prostitution. In this context, "turning a trick" means to have a sexual encounter with a client for money. Over time, the phrase's meaning has evolved, and it is now commonly used to refer to completing a task or job skillfully. It is often used to describe someone who has completed a task or job in a clever or skillful way.

What is the origin of the idiom "turn a trick" and when to use it?

to [turn] a trick

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to [crush] it

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to [hit] the jackpot

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under {one's} belt

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The origin of the phrase "go great guns" is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the 18th or 19th century. One theory is that it comes from the sound of guns being fired with great force and enthusiasm, which would have been a common sound during the era of using guns such as muskets and cannons. When guns were fired quickly and loudly, it may have been described as "going great guns." Another theory suggests that the phrase may have come from the industrial revolution when steam-powered machinery was introduced, and factories began operating at full speed. The sound of machinery operating at full capacity may have been compared to the sound of guns firing, leading to the use of the phrase "going great guns." Regardless of its exact origin, the phrase has been in use for many years and has become a popular idiom for describing situations where someone is making excellent progress or performing exceedingly well.

What is the origin of the idiom "go great guns" and when to use it?

to [go] great guns

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Explore English idioms that relate to achieving success, including "bring home the bacon" and "without a hitch".

Succes Bereiken

Engelse uitdrukkingen voor "Succes bereiken"

Achieving Success

English Idioms for "Achieving Success"