The idiom "under the weather" has origins in the sailing world and dates back to the 18th century. It originated from sailors who would often feel sick or unwell due to rough weather conditions, which could cause them to feel unwell or seasick. The phrase evolved to describe someone who is feeling sick or not in good health. It is used to indicate that someone is feeling unwell or experiencing a mild illness. It suggests a temporary state of physical discomfort or sickness.

What is the origin of the idiom "under the weather" and when to use it?

under the weather

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"Be off one's food" is a commonly used idiom with no specific origin. It has developed over time as a way to describe a temporary loss of appetite or a decreased interest in eating. It is used to describe a situation where someone is experiencing a reduced desire or inability to eat. It suggests a lack of appetite, which can be due to various factors such as illness, stress, or emotional state.

What is the origin of the idiom "be off one's food" and when to use it?

to [be] off {one's} food

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The idiom "one's dogs are barking" originated from early 20th-century American slang, specifically from the African American community. "Dogs" in this context refers to one's feet, and "barking" represents the discomfort or pain experienced in the feet after extended walking or standing. It is used to express that one's feet are hurting or feeling sore, typically from being tired or wearing uncomfortable shoes.

What is the origin of the idiom "one's dogs are barking" and when to use it?

{one's} dogs [are] barking

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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 origin of the idiom "a frog in one's throat" is unclear, but it likely stems from the idea of someone having difficulty speaking or clearing their throat due to a hoarse or croaky voice. The comparison to a frog in the throat emphasizes the sound or sensation of the voice being affected. It is used to describe a temporary hoarseness or difficulty speaking due to irritation or a tickling sensation in the throat. It implies a vocal problem that affects the clarity or smoothness of one's voice.

What is the origin of the idiom "a frog in one's throat" and when to use it?

a frog in {one's} throat

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The idiom "like death warmed over" originated as a vivid and exaggerated way to describe someone who appears extremely sick, pale, or unwell. It is a figurative expression that suggests a person's appearance is reminiscent of someone who has recently returned from the state of death. It is used to emphasize a person's extremely unwell or unhealthy appearance. It suggests that the person looks very pale, thin, or exhausted, as if they have been through a tough time.

What is the origin of the idiom "like death warmed over" and when to use it?

like death warmed over

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The phrase "puke one's guts out" is an idiomatic expression that emerged as a colloquial way to describe vomiting forcefully. The origin of the phrase is unclear, but it likely developed from the vivid and exaggerated imagery of forcefully expelling the contents of one's stomach. It is used to describe the act of vomiting intensely or forcefully and emphasizes a violent or severe form of vomiting.

What is the origin of the idiom "puke one's guts out" and when to use it?

to [puke] {one's} guts out

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The phrase "toss one's cookies" is a slang expression that emerged as a casual way to describe the act of vomiting. The exact origin of the phrase is uncertain, but it likely developed as a playful and lighthearted euphemism for vomiting. It is used informally to describe the act of vomiting, particularly when it is sudden or unexpected. It is a light-hearted expression that adds a touch of humor to an otherwise unpleasant topic.

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

to [toss] {one's} cookies

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The origin of the idiom "ride the porcelain bus" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated as a humorous and lighthearted slang expression. It is used to describe the act of vomiting into a toilet. The phrase is typically used in informal and casual contexts to add humor or make light of the unpleasant experience of vomiting. It can be used when discussing situations where someone feels nauseous or experiences an upset stomach that leads to vomiting.

What is the origin of the idiom "ride the porcelain bus" and when to use it?

to [ride|drive] the porcelain bus

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The exact origin of the phrase is uncertain, but it likely developed as a funny and imaginative euphemism for the unpleasant experience of vomiting into a toilet. It is used informally and humorously to refer to the act of vomiting. It implies the imagery of someone metaphorically having a conversation with a person named Ralph while leaning over a toilet, which is often white.

What is the origin of the idiom "talk to ralph on the big white telephone" and when to use it?

to [talk] to Ralph on the big white (telephone|phone)

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The exact origin of the idiom is unclear, but it likely developed as a vivid and straightforward way to depict extreme thinness. It is used metaphorically to describe someone who is excessively thin or lacking body mass. It highlights the person's skeletal appearance and suggests a lack of flesh or muscle. This phrase is typically used in informal conversations or when discussing someone's physical appearance in a descriptive manner.

What is the origin of the idiom "bag of bones" and when to use it?

bag of bones (and feathers|)

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The idiom "thin as a yard of pump water" is a colloquial expression that originated as a vivid and humorous way to describe extreme thinness. The exact origin of the phrase is unclear, but it likely developed as a creative and exaggerated comparison. it is used to describe someone who is extremely thin. It suggests that the person is so thin that they resemble the thin stream of water from a faucet. The phrase emphasizes the person's lack of body mass and implies a very skinny or gaunt appearance.

What is the origin of the idiom "thin as a yard of pump water" and when to use it?

(as|) thin as a yard of pump water

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The phrase "thin as a rake" is an idiomatic expression that dates back several centuries. It originated from the comparison between someone's thinness and the slim shape of a garden rake. It is used to describe someone who is extremely thin or skinny. It emphasizes the person's lack of body mass and suggests that they have a slender physique.

What is the origin of the idiom "thin as a rake" and when to use it?

(as|) thin as a rake

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The phrase "skin and bone" is an idiomatic expression that originated as a descriptive comparison. It emphasizes the thinness of a person by comparing them to the bare minimum of flesh, consisting only of skin and bone. It is used to describe someone who is extremely thin, to the point where their skeletal structure is prominent and visible. It suggests that the person lacks significant muscle mass and body weight.

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

skin and bone

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The phrase "spill one's guts" is an idiomatic expression that originated from the graphic and vivid imagery of forcefully expelling the contents of one's stomach. It is commonly used informally to describe the act of vomiting. It emphasizes the forcefulness or intensity of the act.

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

to [spill] {one's} guts (out|)

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The idiom "black and blue" originates from the visual appearance of bruises, which often exhibit shades of dark blue and black. It has been used figuratively to describe the physical condition of having bruises since the 14th century. It is used to describe the discoloration and soreness that result from physical injuries, particularly bruises. It signifies that a person has been physically struck or injured, often resulting in visible marks on the body.

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

black and blue

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The idiom "under the knife" originated from the field of surgery, where the knife represents the surgical instrument used for incisions. It has been used metaphorically since the early 20th century to refer to undergoing a surgical procedure. It is used to describe the act of undergoing a surgical operation or procedure. It implies that someone is undergoing a medical intervention that involves the use of a surgical instrument, such as a scalpel.

What is the origin of the idiom "under the knife" and when to use it?

under the knife

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The idiom "sick as a dog/horse" has origins that date back to the 17th century. It is believed that the phrase emphasizes the perception that dogs and horses can become quite ill and display symptoms of sickness more visibly compared to other animals. It is used to describe someone who is very sick or experiencing extreme illness or discomfort. It conveys the idea that the person's sickness is severe, similar to the condition of a sick dog or horse.

What is the origin of the idiom "sick as a dog/horse" and when to use it?

(as|) sick as a [dog|horse]

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The idiom "weak as a kitten" originated from the observation that kittens are small and lack strength compared to fully grown cats. It has been in use since at least the 19th century to describe someone who is extremely weak or lacking in strength. It is used to describe someone who is very physically weak or lacking energy. It emphasizes the person's lack of strength by comparing them to a small, fragile kitten.

What is the origin of the idiom "weak as a kitten" and when to use it?

(as|) weak as a kitten

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Discover how English idioms like "under the weather" and "black and blue" relate to sickness in English.

English Idioms for "Sickness"