The phrase is thought to have originated in the 19th century, when it was used to describe the progress of a ship sailing up a river. The ship would be said to be "on the way up" as it got closer to its destination. The phrase has since been used to describe any kind of progress or improvement. It is often used in professional or social contexts to describe individuals or organizations that are achieving greater recognition, success, or influence.

What is the origin of the idiom "be on the way up" and when to use it?

to [be] on the way up

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The phrase is thought to have originated in the 19th century, when it was used to describe people who were considered to be the most important or influential members of society. It follows a common structure in the English language where "everybody" is used to refer to a collective group of people, and "who is anybody" adds emphasis to the idea that only those who hold importance or influence are included. Today, the phrase is still used to describe people who are well-known or respected in their field.

What is the origin of the idiom "anyone who is anyone" and when to use it?

anyone who is anyone

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The origin of the idiom "big cheese" is not definitively known, but there are a few theories about its possible origins. One theory suggests that it may have originated from the Hindi word "chiz" or "chizzi," meaning "thing" or "person." British colonizers in India may have adopted and modified this term, leading to the use of "cheese" as a slang term for an important person. Another theory points to the fact that cheese, particularly large wheels of cheese, used to be a valuable and prized commodity. In the past, the person who had possession of the "big cheese" was considered to be important or influential. It is used to refer to a person who holds a position of importance, power, or influence, describing someone who is in a leadership role or has significant authority within a particular organization, group, or field.

What is the origin of the idiom "big cheese" and when to use it?

big cheese

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The origin of the idiom "big enchilada" is believed to be rooted in Mexican food and culture, specifically referencing the enchilada, a popular Mexican dish. Enchiladas are tortillas filled with various ingredients, rolled up, and typically topped with sauce and cheese. The reference to the "big enchilada" may signify the largest, most important, or most substantial part of a meal, and this metaphor has been extended to describe a person in a position of significance. It is used in a colloquial or informal manner to refer to a person who holds a position of great importance, influence, or power.

What is the origin of the idiom "big enchilada" and when to use it?

big enchilada

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The origin of the idiom "big fish" is rooted in fishing terminology and the concept of catching fish of varying sizes. In the context of fishing, a "big fish" refers to a large, prized catch that stands out from the rest. The metaphorical extension of this term to describe an important or influential person likely emerged from the idea that a big fish in a pond or body of water stands out due to its size and significance. It is used to refer to a person who is important, influential, or powerful within a particular context or organization. It implies that the individual holds a prominent position or has a significant impact on others.

What is the origin of the idiom "big fish" and when to use it?

big fish

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The origin of the idiom "big gun" can be traced back to the military context, where large and powerful guns were used as weapons of great force. The association between these powerful weapons and influential individuals or organizations may have led to the figurative use of "big gun" to describe those who possess significant power or influence. It is used to refer to a person or an organization that possesses great power, influence, or expertise in a particular field.

What is the origin of the idiom "big gun" and when to use it?

big gun

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The idiom "big shot" originated in American English around the early 20th century. It likely came from the expression "shot," meaning someone noteworthy or outstanding. "Big shot" emphasizes the significance or importance of the person being described. The idiom refers to a person who is considered important, influential, or powerful in a particular context. It implies that the individual holds a high-ranking position or has achieved notable success and recognition. While it often conveys a sense of importance or influence, it can also carry connotations of arrogance, self-importance, or a negative attitude towards someone perceived as being overly confident or boastful about their position or achievements.

What is the origin of the idiom "big shot" and when to use it?

big shot

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The origin of the idiom "big wheel" can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States. It emerged during the era of industrialization and the rise of large corporations. The term "big wheel" metaphorically refers to the large, prominent wheels found in machinery and vehicles. These wheels played a crucial role in powering and driving the machinery forward. Similarly, in the business world, a "big wheel" represented someone who held a position of power, influence, or importance within a company or industry. The idiom became popularized as a way to describe individuals who held significant authority, control, or influence in their respective fields, businesses, or communities.

What is the origin of the idiom "big wheel" and when to use it?

big wheel

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The origin of the phrase "come up in the world" is uncertain, but it likely emerged in medieval Europe. One theory suggests that it comes from the idea of moving up in society, while another theory suggests that it is derived from the idea of rising from poverty to achieve success. Regardless, the phrase has been used for centuries to describe achieving greater success or prosperity than one previously had.

What is the origin of the idiom "come up in the world" and when to use it?

to [come|go] up in the world

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The exact origin of the term "head honcho" is believed to have originated from the Japanese language during the American occupation of Japan after World War II. It is thought that American soldiers picked up the Japanese word "hancho," which means "squad leader" or "group leader," and brought it back with them to the United States. Over time, the term "hancho" was anglicized to "honcho," and its meaning evolved to refer to someone who is in charge or a boss.

What is the origin of the idiom "head honcho" and when to use it?

head honcho

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The origin of this expression is likely a combination of the meanings of "large" and "in charge." "Large" can mean physically big, but it can also mean important or influential. "In charge" means to be responsible for something or to have authority over others. Together, these phrases create an image of someone who is both powerful and confident.

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

large and in charge

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a poppy is a type of flowering plant that is known for its bright, colorful petals. In ancient Greece, poppies were commonly grown as a crop, and farmers would often cut down any poppies that grew taller than the others. This practice was seen as a way to ensure that the entire crop would be harvested at the same time and would be of a consistent quality. Just as the tall poppies were cut down to make sure they did not grow taller than the rest, successful or outstanding individuals might be criticized or resented for being different and standing out from others.

What is the origin of the idiom "tall poppy" and when to use it?

tall poppy

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The origin of the idiom "the powers that be" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the Bible, specifically in the Book of Romans, where it is used to refer to God's authority. Over time, the phrase came to be used more broadly to refer to any powerful or influential group or individual.

What is the origin of the idiom "the powers that be" and when to use it?

the powers that be

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The origin of the idiom "mover and shaker" is uncertain, and there are a few possible explanations for its origin. One theory is that the phrase comes from the world of dance, where a "mover" is a dancer who is skilled at moving gracefully and elegantly, while a "shaker" is a dancer who is skilled at moving with energy and enthusiasm. The phrase may have originally been used to describe a person who was skilled at both styles of dance, and was therefore able to move with both grace and energy on the dance floor. The second theory for the origin of the idiom "mover and shaker" is that it comes from the world of machinery, specifically the terminology used to describe the different parts of a machine. In this context, "movers" are the parts of a machine that cause other parts to move, while "shakers" are the parts that vibrate or shake. Over time, the phrase "mover and shaker" came to be used more broadly to refer to people who were skilled at making things happen or bringing about change, particularly in business or politics.

What is the origin of the idiom "mover and shaker" and when to use it?

mover and (a|) shaker

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It is likely that the origin of "sleeping giant" comes from a quote attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte, who allegedly said, "China is a sleeping giant. Let her sleep, for when she wakes she will move the world." This quote suggests that China had great potential as a world power but had not yet fully realized its power. The idiom "sleeping giant" is commonly used to describe a person, group, or organization that has great potential or power but has not yet been fully utilized or realized.

What is the origin of the idiom "sleeping giant" and when to use it?

sleeping giant

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The phrase "men in suits" originated in the mid-20th century when corporate culture became more formalized, and the business suit became a symbol of authority and power. It became popularized in the 1950s and 1960s and is still used today to describe those in positions of power and authority who are seen as out of touch with ordinary people.

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

men in (gray|) suits

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The exact origin of the phrase "corridors of power" is unclear, but it has been in use since at least the early 20th century. It is believed to have originated in the context of government buildings and other institutional settings, where corridors are often used as passageways for people in positions of power to move between offices and meeting rooms. The phrase "corridors of power" is commonly used to describe the hidden networks of power and influence that exist within political, corporate, and other institutional settings.

What is the origin of the idiom "corridors of power" and when to use it?

the (corridors|halls) of power

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The origin of the phrase "the gnomes of Zurich" can be traced back to the 1960s. The phrase was popularized by a British politician named Harold Wilson, who used it in a speech in 1964 to criticize the role that Swiss bankers were playing in international finance. The phrase "the gnomes of Zurich" is primarily associated with Swiss bankers and financiers, given the historical context in which the term first emerged. However, the phrase can also be used more generally to refer to powerful and secretive figures in the world of finance who are thought to be manipulating the global financial system for their own gain.

What is the origin of the idiom "the gnomes of Zurich" and when to use it?

the gnomes of Zurich

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Explore English idioms that relate to power, including "be on the way up" and "big cheese".

English Idioms for "Power"