The idiom "on the same wavelength" originated from radio communication technology. In radio, different stations transmit signals at specific frequencies or wavelengths. When two or more stations are tuned to the same frequency, they can receive and understand each other's signals clearly. This concept was metaphorically adapted to human communication and is now used to suggest a shared understanding or agreement between individuals.

What is the origin of the idiom "on the same wavelength" and when to use it?

on the same wavelength

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The origin of this phrase is unclear, but it likely dates back to the 16th century when "terms" referred to agreements or conditions of a contract. Being "on good terms" would mean that both parties were satisfied with the terms of the agreement and had a good relationship with each other. Over time, the phrase evolved to encompass any positive relationship between individuals, not just those based on contractual agreements.

What is the origin of the idiom "on good terms" and when to use it?

on (good|friendly) terms

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The origin of this idiom is unclear, but it likely comes from the idea of "terms" referring to the conditions or agreements that govern a relationship. When two people are "on bad terms," it suggests that the terms of their relationship are not favorable or agreeable to either party. It is commonly used to describe relationships between individuals or groups that are not in a good state.

What is the origin of the idiom "on bad terms" and when to use it?

on bad terms

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on a regular basis

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https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=b24gYSByZWd1bGFyIGJhc2lz&hash=9d02da40d5c9d8ddb382b848148c7c983d6e70b3&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

at a loose end

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=YXQgYSBsb29zZSBlbmQ&hash=b709153b8f481bb8efc05eed24e11a60aa100f7c&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=YXQgYSBsb29zZSBlbmQ&hash=99c518db6b5498da2f034be076cb8a077e269012&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

at (short|a moment's) notice

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=YXQgc2hvcnQgbW9tZW50J3Mgbm90aWNl&hash=ee54df859ae731c990ca715543eca64a334bc20f&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=YXQgc2hvcnQgbW9tZW50J3Mgbm90aWNl&hash=2dde58bfa22eb0e0659c4f1bc505375a1e056169&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

at a glance

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=YXQgYSBnbGFuY2U&hash=d965ab00d6240dc2d6a0eb4214902b145a3667f2&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=YXQgYSBnbGFuY2U&hash=4126a9b0d86b31918133e731b16f6d24aa4fb7ad&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

on the increase

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https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=b24gdGhlIGluY3JlYXNl&hash=8f382b752f5bd8348eb1b74aad50287a6ba06fc7&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

at hand

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=YXQgaGFuZA&hash=e8dcac7242d995a1fb99494ff222eb3ede16a8f4&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=YXQgaGFuZA&hash=63dd49f9befcf723ede173a92a59ee3e98ad7f81&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

broad

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=YnJvYWQ&hash=078efdcfb3537a15fcb8ed99a892f0b5846cdcb8&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

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scale

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=c2NhbGU&hash=ee626882c8fc276e9b3afa7b290612521e250806&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=c2NhbGU&hash=d6d6fe8faf603b8a2d2e7d678f460d90680ad127&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

arm's length

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=YXJtJ3MgbGVuZ3Ro&hash=7991c9baf1aee42fd2ac62a9c5c9f468552ed3a6&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=YXJtJ3MgbGVuZ3Ro&hash=1e6108fb716a9586699d48aab4f771d67e4f7832&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

at random

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=YXQgcmFuZG9t&hash=7cf1530d0a2deca7a9ec6ec5945cb87362590869&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=YXQgcmFuZG9t&hash=7d2b2e4de4420eb2ec0dd1a47795f88bda0c8077&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

at times

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=YXQgdGltZXM&hash=3ba52ffc300979f2c71d1ff4b0a7a99fdcb09d30&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

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at fault

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=YXQgZmF1bHQ&hash=d7cbf206a3388e14e46514a8d10cf02876f3473f&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

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on demand

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on purpose

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=b24gcHVycG9zZQ&hash=fe0d0bee06c303d12b3d4de8336292f29ba79b96&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=b24gcHVycG9zZQ&hash=2d0a639591af742bf951199b07b6944191aaa51b&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

on average

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Here, you will find the vocabulary from Unit 1 - 1B in the Face2Face Advanced coursebook, such as "at hand," "on purpose," " at times," etc.

Face2Face Gevorderd "Unit 1 - 1B" Vocabulaire