(as|) black as coal

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to black out

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(as|) black as night

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to blackball

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to blacklist

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The idiom "in the black" originated in the world of finance and accounting, where it is used to describe a business or organization that is profitable and has positive net income. The idiom is commonly used to describe a range of scenarios, such as when a company's profits exceed its expenses, when an individual's savings exceed their debts, or when a non-profit organization has enough funds to cover its expenses and operations.

What is the origin of the idiom "in the black" and when to use it?

in the black

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blue

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Bluegrass is a genre of music that originated in the United States, characterized by its fast-paced, energetic sound and intricate instrumental work. It typically features acoustic instruments such as the banjo, mandolin, fiddle, guitar, and double bass. Bluegrass music often includes high-pitched harmonies and focuses on themes of rural life, personal stories, and traditional values. The genre is known for its skillful playing, upbeat rhythms, and blending of folk, country, and jazz influences.

What is "bluegrass"?

bluegrass

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blues

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out of the blue

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The idiom "swear a blue streak" originated from the idea of using profanity or vulgar language with such intensity and rapidity that it creates the impression of a continuous stream of blue (vulgar) language. Figuratively, it is used to refer to the act of expressing extreme anger, frustration, or annoyance by using a rapid and continuous string of curse words.

What is the origin of the idiom "swear a blue streak" and when to use it?

to [swear|curse] a blue streak

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(until|till) {sb} [be] blue in the face

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The idiom "gray area" is derived from the color gray, which is often associated with ambiguity and uncertainty. It has been used in the English language for many years to describe situations or issues that are not clearly defined, making it challenging to establish precise boundaries or categorize them definitively.

What is the origin of the idiom "gray area" and when to use it?

gray area

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The idiom "gray matter" originated from the color of the human brain, which is often described as grayish in appearance. It has been in use since the 19th century, and the term "gray matter" has long been associated with intelligence, intellect, and the cognitive abilities of the brain. It is often used in a positive or neutral context to describe someone's intelligence or ability to think critically.

What is the origin of the idiom "gray matter" and when to use it?

gray matter

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green

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The phrase "green around the gills" is an idiomatic expression that originated from sailors who would often get seasick during rough sea journeys. It dates back to the early 19th century, around the early 1800s, and describes the pale, greenish complexion that people can have when they feel nauseous or unwell. It is often used to describe someone who looks pale or sickly, particularly when they are experiencing nausea or feeling unwell. It implies a physical condition where someone appears visibly unwell or experiencing discomfort.

What is the origin of the idiom "green around the gills" and when to use it?

green (around|about|at) the gills

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The phrase "green thumb" is an idiomatic expression that refers to a person's natural talent or skill for gardening or growing plants. It is often used to describe someone who has a knack for cultivating and caring for plants, and their plants thrive under their care. The term is derived from the literal association of green with healthy plant foliage and a thumb as a symbol of dexterity or skill.

What is the origin of the idiom "green thumb" and when to use it?

green thumb

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The phrase "green with envy" has its roots in ancient Greek and Roman mythology. In these cultures, green was associated with sickness and the pale pallor of a person's face when they were ill. Over time, the association of green with sickness evolved into symbolizing envy or jealousy. It is used to describe someone who is extremely jealous or envious of another person's possessions, achievements, or qualities. It suggests that the person's envy is so intense that it figuratively turns their complexion green, emphasizing the depth of their jealousy.

What is the origin of the idiom "green with envy" and when to use it?

green with envy

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The phrase "the green-eyed monster" comes from William Shakespeare's play Othello. In the play, Iago describes jealousy as the green-eyed monster, suggesting that it can consume and distort a person's thoughts and emotions. It is used to describe the emotion of jealousy, especially when it leads to irrational or possessive behavior.

What is the origin of the idiom "the green-eyed monster" and when to use it?

green-eyed monster

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greenback

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The proverb "the grass is always greener on the other side" has its origins in ancient times, with a similar sentiment appearing in Ovid's 'Ars Amatoria' around 2,000 years ago. It reflects the human tendency to compare one's current situation with others, often idealizing what is unfamiliar or distant. This proverb serves as a reminder that appearances can be misleading, and the perceived advantages of other circumstances might not be as great as they seem.

What is the origin of the proverb "the grass is greener on the other side" and when to use it?

the grass is (always|) greener on the other side (of the fence|)

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This idiom originated in the 16th century and has its roots in the Old English word "pynk," which meant the highest pinnacle or peak. Over time, it evolved to connote a healthy, robust state. It is often used in a positive, upbeat manner to convey good health, vitality, and well-being.

What is the origin of the idiom "in the pink" and when to use it?

in the pink (of condition|of health|)

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=aW4gdGhlIHBpbmsgb2YgY29uZGl0aW9uIGhlYWx0aA&hash=683a17392fb85786da6f2b9020c6aaaf04fb301a&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

pinko

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The pinky, also known as the little finger or fifth finger, is the smallest and outermost finger on the hand. It is situated next to the ring finger. While it may be smaller in size, the pinky finger contributes to various hand functions, including grasping, gripping, and manipulating objects. It plays a role in fine motor skills, such as typing, playing musical instruments, and delicate tasks. The pinky finger also aids in maintaining balance and stability when the hand is engaged in activities. Understanding the anatomy and function of the pinky finger is important for hand coordination, dexterity, and overall hand functionality.

What is "pinky"?

pinky

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The phrase "tickled pink" is believed to have originated in the United States and gained popularity in the early 1900s. It has been in use since the early 20th century in casual conversations, storytelling, and informal writing, adding a lighthearted and playful tone to express the sheer delight or amusement one feels.

What is the origin of the idiom "tickled pink" and when to use it?

tickled pink

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purple [heart]

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The idiom "catch someone red-handed" traces its origin to the practice of catching a person with literal blood stains on their hands, serving as irrefutable evidence of their involvement in a crime or wrongdoing. In earlier times, the phrase was associated with catching a thief or murderer immediately after the act, when their hands were stained with the victim's blood. Over time, the idiom evolved to describe any situation where someone is caught in the act of committing an offense or engaging in illicit activities, leaving them with undeniable proof of their guilt.

What is the origin of the idiom "catch someone red-handed" and when to use it?

to [catch] {sb} red-handed

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The phrase "in the red" originates from the practice of using red ink to indicate negative amounts or deficits in financial records and accounting ledgers. This idiom is used to describe a financial situation where expenses exceed income, resulting in a negative balance or deficit.

What is the origin of the idiom "in the red" and when to use it?

(in|into) the red

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The idiom "paint the town" likely originated from the idea of adding vibrancy and excitement to a place, as if decorating it with festivities, colors, and celebration. It is often used to describe the act of going out and having a wild or enjoyable time, often involving social activities, entertainment, and lively experiences.

What is the origin of the idiom "paint the town" and when to use it?

to [paint] the town (red|)

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https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=cmVk&hash=af49e4bf6dc3a54ab59969b78b9b785c73d79952&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

The idiom "red cent" has its origin in the United States during the 19th century. It refers to the small copper coin known as the "cent," which used to have a reddish hue due to its copper content. This phrase is used to emphasize the idea that there is no money or an extremely small amount of money involved.

What is the origin of the idiom "red cent" and when to use it?

red cent

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red-faced

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red-hot

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The idiom "red tape" has its origins in 16th century England where legal documents were bound by red tape as a way of showing that they were official. This phrase is typically used to describe excessive bureaucracy or official procedures which can hinder or delay progress.

What is the origin of the idiom "red tape" and when to use it?

red tape

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The origin of the idiom "red-letter day" can be traced back to medieval manuscripts. In religious texts, particularly in the Christian tradition, important feast days and holy days were traditionally written in red ink or highlighted with red letters to signify their significance. The practice of using red ink for these special days can be traced back to as early as the 8th century.  It is commonly used to describe personal milestones such as birthdays, weddings, graduations, or anniversaries, which hold special importance and are celebrated with joy and enthusiasm.

What is the origin of the idiom "red-letter day" and when to use it?

red-letter day

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"Redneck" is an American slang term that appeared in the late 19th to early 20th century, originally describing poor white farmers in the Southern U.S. who developed sunburned necks from working long hours in the fields. By extension, it came to describe a rural, working-class person, often stereotyped as socially conservative, uneducated, or culturally unsophisticated. The term is used in informal speech, media, and humor, sometimes critically, sometimes self-applied. It is mildly to moderately derogatory, targeting class, lifestyle, or behavior rather than being explicitly vulgar.

What is the origin of the term "redneck" and how is it used?

redneck

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The idiom "roll out the red carpet" has its origins in ancient Greek and Roman traditions where red carpets were used to welcome and honor dignitaries and VIPs. In modern usage, it is used when giving a warm and special welcome or treatment to someone, typically a distinguished guest.

What is the origin of the idiom "roll out the red carpet" and when to use it?

to [roll] out the red carpet

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The idiom "see red" is believed to have originated from the physiological response of the human body during intense emotional states, particularly anger. The phrase is commonly used in situations where individuals feel deeply angered, provoked, or threatened, leading to an intense visceral reaction. It can be used during arguments, conflicts, or confrontations when emotions run high and individuals may act impulsively or aggressively.

What is the origin of the idiom "see red" and when to use it?

to [see] red

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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)

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white-bread

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The idiom "white elephant" comes from Southeast Asian traditions, where owning a sacred white elephant was a mark of prestige—but the animal couldn't be put to work and required expensive upkeep. Kings would sometimes gift one to a rival as a financial burden.

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

white elephant

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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

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yellow

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Een Dichterbij Kijk: Les 7

Een Dichterbij Kijk - Les 7

A Closer Look: Lesson 7

A Closer Look-Lesson 7