The idiom "skin in the game" is derived from the concept of gambling, where a person who puts their own money on the line is said to have "skin in the game." The phrase is used to describe someone who has a personal interest in the outcome of a situation, and is therefore more likely to be invested in the outcome and to take action to ensure that it is successful.

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

skin in the game

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The phrase "have a dog in the fight" comes from a violent and illegal activity called dogfighting, where two dogs are made to fight each other for entertainment. In dogfighting some people have personal interest in the outcome of the dogfight, either because they own one of the dogs or because they have made a bet on the outcome. Over time, the phrase "have a dog in the fight" has been used in different situations to mean that someone has a personal interest in the outcome of an event or decision.

What is the origin of the idiom "have a dog in the fight" and when to use it?

to [have] a dog in the fight

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The idiom "bring something to the table" is thought to have originated in the early 1900s in the context of business negotiations. It is believed to have been used as a metaphor for a person bringing something of value to a meeting or negotiation, much like a meal would be brought to a table. The usage of the idiom has since expanded beyond business and can now refer to any situation where someone is bringing something of value or worth to a group or discussion.

What is the origin of the idiom "bring something to the table" and when to use it?

to [bring] {sth} to the table

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The idiom "a piece of the pie" is believed to have originated in the United States in the mid- to late-1800s. Its origin is thought to be related to the division of land or resources, where a pie was seen as a metaphorical representation of a limited resource that needed to be divided among multiple parties. The usage of the idiom has since expanded beyond its original context and can now refer to any situation where there is a limited resource or opportunity that needs to be shared among multiple parties.

What is the origin of the idiom "a piece of the pie" and when to use it?

a (piece|slice|share) of the pie

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The idiom "make hay while the sun shines" has agricultural origins and is believed to have been in use since the 1500s. The idiom encourages people to take advantage of favorable conditions to accomplish tasks or goals while they can, as those conditions may not last indefinitely. The usage of the idiom has since expanded beyond agriculture and can now refer to any situation where someone should take advantage of a fleeting opportunity or favorable circumstances.

to [make] hay while the sun [shine]

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The idiom "grist for the mill" originates from the practice of grinding grain in a mill. "Grist" refers to grain that is brought to a mill to be ground into flour. Historically, millers would grind this grain for local farmers and keep a portion as payment. The phrase implies that the grain, or "grist," is something that can be used to produce a beneficial outcome. Over time, it came to mean any experience, material, or information that can be used to one's advantage or that contributes to one's work or knowledge.

What is the origin of the idiom "grist for the mill" and when to use it?

grist for the mill

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The idiom "to go a long way" originated from the literal idea of traveling a considerable distance. However, in its idiomatic usage, it means to have a significant impact, produce favorable results, or contribute significantly to achieving a goal. It emphasizes the idea that even a small effort or action can lead to substantial progress or success.

What is the origin of the idiom "go a long way" and when to use it?

to [go] a long way

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The idiom "tip the balance" comes from the ancient practice of weighing objects on a balance scale. The phrase refers to the act of adding weight to one side of the scale to make it heavier than the other, causing the scale to tip in favor of the heavier side. In the context of the idiom, it means any action or influence that can shift the outcome of a situation in favor of one party over another. The idiom is now used more broadly to refer to any situation where a small action or influence can make a significant difference in the outcome.

What is the origin of the idiom "tip the balance" and when to use it?

to [tip|tilt] the (balance|scales)

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The idiom "stand someone or something in good stead" has origins in the practice of horseback riding. The phrase "in good stead" refers to the position that a rider takes in the saddle, which is a balanced and secure position that enables the rider to stay on the horse and ride effectively. In the context of the idiom, it means that having a particular quality or skill will be advantageous in the future, much like a good riding position is advantageous for a horseback rider. The usage of the idiom has since expanded beyond horseback riding and can now refer to any situation where having a particular quality or skill will be beneficial or advantageous in the future.

What is the origin of the idiom "stand someone or something in good stead" and when to use it?

to [stand] {sb/sth} in good stead

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The idiom "have the wind at one's back" comes from nautical terminology and refers to the wind being behind a ship, making it easier to sail. The idiom means having favorable conditions or circumstances that make it easier to achieve a goal or succeed, beyond just sailing.The usage of this idiom has since expanded beyond its original nautical context and can now refer to any situation where someone has favorable conditions or circumstances working in their favor, making it easier to achieve a goal or succeed in a particular endeavor.

What is the origin of the idiom "have the wind at one's back" and when to use it?

to [have] the wind at {one's} back

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Explore English idioms regarding benefits and merits with examples like "skin in the game" and "have a dog in the fight".

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