The origin of this phrase can be traced back to the 14th century in England, where "thick" referred to dense woods or forests and "thin" referred to open or sparse land. In this context, traveling "through thick and thin" meant to navigate through the densely wooded areas as well as the more open terrain. Over time, the phrase evolved to refer to the ups and downs of life and the loyalty required to support each other through all circumstances. It has become a common expression used to describe the unwavering support and commitment in relationships, friendships, and other important connections.

What is the origin of the idiom "through thick and thin" and when to use it?

through thick and thin

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The origin of the phrase is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in the late 1700s or early 1800s. It may have emerged from the idea that speaking or communicating with someone is a sign of a positive relationship or mutual understanding. Alternatively, it may have derived from the concept of "terms" in a negotiation or agreement, suggesting that two parties are on "speaking terms" when they are able to communicate effectively and reach a mutual understanding. Regardless of its origin, the phrase remains in use today to describe a positive relationship between individuals who had previously been at odds.

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

speaking terms

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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 phrase is unclear, but it is believed to have originated from the practice of maintaining fences or boundaries between properties. In the past, farmers and landowners would use fences made of wood or wire to mark the boundaries of their land and to keep livestock from wandering onto neighboring properties. If a fence was damaged or in disrepair, it would be necessary to mend it in order to prevent conflicts with neighbors. Over time, the phrase "mend one's fences" came to be used metaphorically to refer to repairing damaged relationships or making amends with others.

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

to [mend] {one's} fences

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The phrase originated in the 19th century and was likely used in both Britain and the United States. The phrase suggests that a guest should feel comfortable and relaxed, as if they were in their own home. It is often used as a polite invitation for a guest to feel free to help themselves to food and drink, or to make any necessary adjustments to their surroundings. The phrase is also used in a broader sense to indicate a general feeling of welcome and hospitality, and can be used in both formal and informal settings. Overall, the phrase "make oneself at home" has come to represent a warm and welcoming attitude towards guests, and is an important part of many cultures around the world.

What is the origin of the idiom "make oneself at home" and when to use it?

to [make] {oneself} at home

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The origin of the phrase can be traced back to the 1800s. Originally, it was used in a literal sense, meaning to physically reconstruct or rebuild something that had been damaged or destroyed. Over time, the phrase began to take on a more figurative meaning, referring to the act of repairing a relationship or compensating someone for a wrong that had been done to them. The phrase became more popular in the early 1900s and is still commonly used today. It is often used in situations where someone has caused harm or inconvenience to another person and wishes to make amends or offer some form of restitution.

What is the origin of the idiom "make it up to someone" and when to use it?

to [make] it up to {sb}

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The origin of the phrase is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in the 19th century in America. One theory suggests that it may have originated from the practice of actors kissing each other on stage to signify the end of a scene. Another theory suggests that it may have been inspired by the customs of boxing matches, where fighters would often embrace and kiss each other after a match as a sign of respect and reconciliation.

What is the origin of the idiom "kiss and make up" and when to use it?

to [kiss] and [make] up

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The origin of the phrase is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the mid-20th century. The term "joined at the hip" may have been derived from medical terminology, where doctors use the term "hip joint" to describe the place where the leg bone connects to the hip bone. The phrase gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s and has since become a common expression used in everyday conversation to describe close friendships or relationships.

What is the origin of the idiom "joined at the hip" and when to use it?

joined at the hip

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The origin and history of the idiom "go back a long way" are unclear, but it is likely that it developed from the idea of a physical distance that people have traveled together over time. The phrase has been in use since at least the early 19th century and was originally used to refer to journeys or expeditions that had taken a long time to complete. Over time, the phrase began to be used more figuratively to describe the length of time that people had known each other or had been associated with each other in some way.

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

to [go] back a long way

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The origin of the phrase is uncertain, but it has been in use since at least the 1700s. It likely comes from the idea of a mutually beneficial exchange or transaction, where each party gives something and receives something in return. The phrase is often used in the context of negotiations or relationships, where each side must make concessions in order to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome.

What is the origin of the idiom "give and take" and when to use it?

give and take

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The earliest recorded use of this phrase in English is in William Tyndale's translation of the Bible from 1526, where it appears in the Gospel of St. Luke: "For with what measure ye mete, with the same shall it be measured to you again" (Luke 6:38, KJV). The phrase became popular in the 17th and 18th centuries as a way of describing the process of bargaining or negotiating, particularly in business or political contexts. In the 20th century, it came to be used more broadly to describe any situation in which both parties are willing to compromise and make concessions to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.

to [give] and [take]

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The origin and history of this phrase are not clear, but it is likely that it evolved from the idea of companionship and the desire to avoid loneliness. In this sense, "for company" can be seen as a way to alleviate the boredom or solitude of an activity or journey. It is also possible that the phrase has its roots in the practice of traveling in groups for safety, with the "company" providing protection and support.

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

for company

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The origin of the phrase can be traced back to the literal construction of bridges. Building bridges was a complex task that required collaboration and teamwork, as well as a willingness to overcome obstacles and find common ground. Over time, the metaphorical use of the phrase emerged, as people began to use it to describe the process of overcoming differences and finding ways to work together.

What is the origin of the idiom "build bridges" and when to use it?

to [build] bridges

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The origin of the idiom "be in each other's pockets" is unclear. It likely emerged from the notion of two people being so physically close that they are constantly near each other, like items kept in the pockets of clothing. It is used to describe a situation where two or more people are constantly in close proximity, often to the point of being overly involved or dependent on each other. It implies a lack of personal space or independence between the individuals.

What is the origin of the idiom "be in each other's pockets" and when to use it?

to [be|live] in each other's [pocket]

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The origins of the phrase can be traced back to the early 19th century. It is believed to have originated in the criminal underworld of London, England, where thieves and pickpockets would form close alliances to carry out their illicit activities. The phrase likely refers to the notion that these criminals were so close that they could be compared to family members, or even thicker than blood. The phrase became more widely known in the mid-20th century and is now used in a variety of contexts to describe close friendships or alliances.

What is the origin of the idiom "thick as thieves" and when to use it?

(as|) thick as thieves

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The origin of the phrase comes from the practice of writing on a slate board with chalk, which could easily be wiped clean with a damp cloth. This made it a useful tool for teachers to use with students, as they could easily correct mistakes and start over. The metaphorical use of the phrase in regard to personal relationships or business dealings likely stems from the idea that, like a slate board, mistakes and offenses can be wiped away, allowing for a fresh start. The phrase has been in use since at least the mid-1800s and continues to be a common expression today.

What is the origin of the idiom "wipe the slate clean" and when to use it?

to [wipe] the slate clean

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Its origin is uncertain, but it may have come from the idea of starting a journey on the correct foot, so as to ensure a good start. Another possible origin is from the world of dance, where starting a dance routine on the right foot is crucial for a smooth performance. The phrase has been in use since the 17th century and continues to be a common expression in modern English.

What is the origin of the idiom "get off on the right foot" and when to use it?

to [get|start] off on the right foot

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The phrase originated in the early 19th century and was initially used in a literal sense to describe a physical state, such as someone not experiencing physical pain. It later evolved to its current figurative use in the early 20th century to describe an emotional state of being free from anger or ill-will towards another person.

The origin and history of "no hard feelings"

no hard feelings

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Its origin can be traced back to the social customs of the 18th century. In those times, it was customary for people of the upper classes to greet each other with a bow or a nod instead of shaking hands. The nodding gesture was a sign of recognition and acknowledgement, but it was not necessarily a sign of familiarity or friendship. Therefore, if two people were on nodding terms, it meant that they knew each other and acknowledged each other's presence but were not necessarily close friends or associates.

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

on nodding terms

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Discover how English idioms like "joined at the hip" and "no hard feelings" relate to friendships and reconciliation in English.

English Idioms for "Friendship & Reconciliation"