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 idiom "like a broken record" originated from the era of vinyl records, which could become scratched or damaged, causing the needle to skip and repeat a particular section of the music. This repetitive playback led to the metaphorical use of the phrase. It is used to describe someone who continually repeats the same thing or talks about the same subject without variation or new information.

What is the origin of the idiom "like a broken record" and when to use it?

like a broken record

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The idiom "wet blanket" originated from the literal concept of a wet blanket, which is a damp cloth that, when placed on something, extinguishes or dampens its fire. The idiom figuratively refers to a person who discourages or dampens the enthusiasm, excitement, or enjoyment of others. It suggests that the person's presence or actions dampen the spirits or excitement of those around them, much like a wet blanket dampens a fire.

What is the origin of the idiom "wet blanket" and when to use it?

wet blanket

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The term "misery guts" is a colloquial phrase that combines two words: "misery" and "guts." The origin of the phrase is uncertain, but it likely emerged as a playful and informal way to describe someone who is consistently unhappy or miserable. It is used to describe a person who is constantly gloomy, grumpy, or prone to complaining. It implies that the person's disposition or attitude is characterized by a lack of joy or contentment, as if their guts are filled with misery.

What is the origin of the idiom "misery guts" and when to use it?

misery guts

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The phrase "empty shell" is an idiomatic expression that likens a person or thing to a hollow or vacant shell. It is used to describe a person or thing that appears to be devoid of emotions, personality, or purpose. It suggests that the individual or object lacks depth, energy, or the qualities that make them engaging or meaningful.

What is the origin of the idiom "empty shell" and when to use it?

empty shell

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The phrase "yellow streak" has its origins in the early 20th century and is derived from the association of the color yellow with cowardice or fear. It is used to describe someone who is believed to be lacking courage or exhibiting cowardly behavior. It implies that the person has a figurative "yellow streak" running through them, symbolizing their supposed fear or timidity.

What is the origin of the idiom "yellow streak" and when to use it?

yellow streak

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The phrase "faint of heart" has its origins in the Middle Ages and Renaissance era. It refers to individuals who are easily frightened or lack the courage to face challenging or potentially distressing situations. The word "faint" in this context means weak or lacking in strength, and "heart" symbolizes bravery or fortitude. It is used to describe people who are easily frightened, timid, or lacking in courage when confronted with difficult or intense circumstances. It suggests that such individuals have a weak or fragile disposition that makes them susceptible to fear or discomfort.

What is the origin of the idiom "faint of heart" and when to use it?

faint of heart

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The phrase "afraid of one's own shadow" is a figurative expression that communicates extreme timidity or excessive fearfulness. The origin of the phrase is unclear, but it likely emerged from the idea that someone is so easily frightened that they would even be afraid of their own shadow, which is an inanimate and harmless object. It suggests that the person is overly sensitive to potential threats or dangers, even when they are unlikely or non-existent.

What is the origin of the idiom "make a go of something" and when to use it?

(afraid|scared|frightened) of {one's} own shadow

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The idiom "Doubting Thomas" has its roots in the Christian Bible, specifically in the New Testament. This phrase is used to describe a person who is hesitant to believe something, especially if it seems extraordinary or implausible, without sufficient evidence or verification.

What is the origin of the idiom "Doubting Thomas" and when to use it?

doubting Thomas

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The phrase "quiet as a mouse" is an idiomatic expression that compares the silence or lack of noise made by a mouse to a person or situation that is exceptionally quiet or silent. It likely originated from the observation that mice move discreetly and make very little noise. It is used to describe a person, place, or situation that is remarkably quiet or devoid of noise. It implies a state of tranquility or the absence of any audible disturbances.

What is the origin of the idiom "quiet as a mouse" and when to use it?

(as|) quiet as a mouse

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The phrase "mute as a fish" is a figurative expression that originates from the observation that fish do not make vocal sounds like other animals. It is used to describe a person who is unusually quiet or someone or something that is remarkably silent. It implies a lack of verbal communication or minimal noise.

What is the origin of the idiom "mute as a fish" and when to use it?

(as|) mute as a fish

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The phrase "nervous wreck" is an idiomatic expression used to describe someone who is extremely anxious, stressed, or emotionally overwhelmed. The term "wreck" in this context refers to a state of complete disarray or distress. It is used to describe individuals who are highly agitated, anxious, or emotionally unstable. It suggests that the person is experiencing extreme nervousness or mental strain.

What is the origin of the idiom "nervous wreck" and when to use it?

nervous wreck

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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

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The phrase "bundle of nerves" is an idiomatic expression used to describe someone who is excessively anxious, tense, or nervous. The phrase likens the person's heightened state of nervousness to a tightly bundled collection of nerves. It suggests that the person's nervousness is intense and may manifest physically or emotionally.

What is the origin of the idiom "bundle of nerves" and when to use it?

(bundle|bag) of nerves

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The idiom "not say boo to a goose" is believed to have originated in Britain. The phrase originally referred to someone who was so timid or shy that they wouldn't even make a noise like "boo" to scare away a goose. It is used to describe someone who is exceptionally shy, timid, or introverted. It also suggests that the person is unlikely to speak up or take any action that might cause even a slight disturbance.

What is the origin of the idiom "not say boo to a goose" and when to use it?

to {not} [say] boo to a goose

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The idiom "like a bump on a log" is believed to have originated in the United States in the 1800s. Since Bumps on logs are simple, basic shapes with no complex functions, comparing a person to one suggests they are doing essentially nothing of significance, but just sitting or lying around idly and motionlessly, resembling an inanimate protrusion on a piece of wood.

What is the origin of the idiom "like a bump on a log" and when to use it?

like a bump on a log

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The term "couch potato" came into use in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It plays on the image of a potato plant, which remains static in one place and passively absorbs nutrients. It refers to someone who spends much of their free time lounging on the couch in an inactive state, often while watching television or screen-based entertainment. It describes a sedentary lifestyle characterized by excessive inactivity and lack of exercise due to excessive time spent engaged with media sources from a horizontal position.

What is the origin of the idiom "couch potato" and when to use it?

couch potato

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The idiom "sour grapes" comes from a fable named "The Fox and the Grapes." In the story, a fox couldn't reach some grapes and, feeling disappointed, claimed that the grapes were probably sour anyway. This phrase is used to describe someone who pretends to dislike or devalue something they desire but cannot have, often out of envy or frustration.

What is the origin of the idiom "sour grapes" and when to use it?

sour grapes

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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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The idiom "have sticky fingers" dates back to at least the early 1900s. It refers to the tendency of people's fingers to become sticky or coated after handling something adhesive or sticky - much like the fingers of a thief might become after stealing or handling stolen goods. It is used to suggest that someone is dishonest, prone to theft, or inclined to take things that do not belong to them.

What is the origin of the idiom "have sticky fingers" and when to use it?

to [have] sticky fingers

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The idiom "lower than a snake's belly" is a figurative expression that likely originated from the association of snakes with negative qualities in various cultures. The phrase implies that a snake's belly, being close to the ground, is already considered low, and the person being referred to is even lower in character. It is used to emphasize extreme disapproval or contempt for someone's actions or character.

What is the origin of the idiom "lower than a snake's belly" and when to use it?

lower than a snake's belly

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The idiom "penny pincher" originated from the practice of being extremely frugal or thrifty with money, particularly when it comes to small amounts or insignificant expenses. The term "penny" refers to the smallest unit of currency, emphasizing the meticulousness in saving even the tiniest sum. A "pincher" refers to someone who tightly grasps or holds onto something. Therefore, a "penny pincher" is used to describe a person who is excessively careful or reluctant to spend money, often going to great lengths to save every penny. This term can be used to characterize individuals who are excessively frugal or cautious regarding their financial decisions, often avoiding unnecessary expenditures or seeking the best deals and discounts.

What is the origin of the idiom "penny pincher" and when to use it?

penny pincher

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The idiom "hairy at the heel" dates back to at least the 17th century. It originally referred to horses that appeared healthy except for fur or hairy growths around their heels, which indicated underlying problems. Today, it is used to describe a person who has bad manners and not behave well in social situations.

What is the origin of the idiom "hairy at the heel " and when to use it?

hairy at the [heel]

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to [cry] stinking fish

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Explore English idioms regarding unappealing characteristics with examples like "couch potato" and "wet blanket".

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