While the exact origin of the idiom "make something worth one's while" is believed to have developed from the Old English phrase "wille," which means "desire" or "pleasure." Over time, the phrase evolved to include the word "while," which referred to a period of time. The phrase "worth one's while" began to be used in the 1800s to describe situations where someone was deciding whether or not to make an investment of time, effort, or money.

What is the origin of the idiom "make something worth one's while" and when to use it?

to [make] {sth} worth {one's} [while|time]

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The origin of the idiom is uncertain, but it is believed to have developed in the English language in the 1800s. The phrase "do someone good" has been in use since at least the 1500s, and the addition of "the world of" likely emphasizes the magnitude or significance of the benefit being provided. The idiom is often used in the context of offering advice or suggestions for how someone can improve their well-being.

What is the origin of the idiom "do someone the world of good" and when to use it?

to [do] {sb} (the|a) world of good

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The term "friend at court" is thought to have originated in the Middle Ages, when people would often seek the help of powerful nobles or clergymen to get their way. This was especially true in the court of the king, where having a friend who could speak on your behalf could be the difference between success and failure. The phrase "friend at court" has been used in many different contexts over the years. It can be used to describe someone who has a connection to someone in power, or it can be used to describe someone who is able to use their influence to get what they want.

What is the origin of the idiom "friend at court" and when to use it?

[friend] (at|in) court

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The origin of this idiom is thought to have originated in the Middle Ages. At that time, the nobility and clergy held a great deal of power, and people who had connections to them were able to succeed in life. The phrase "get ahead" means to make progress or achieve success. In this context, it refers to the ability of people with connections to the nobility and clergy to succeed in life. This is because these people had access to resources and opportunities that were not available to the general population.

What is the origin of the idiom "friends in high places" and when to use it?

friends in high places

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The phrase is believed to have originated from the practice of bird hunting, where a hunter might be tempted to release a bird they have caught in the hope of catching two more. However, by releasing the bird, the hunter risks losing the one they have already caught, while the two in the bush may be hard to catch. It is commonly used to advise caution and to suggest that it is better to be content with what one has than to risk losing it by pursuing something that is uncertain or has a higher potential reward.

What is the origin of the idiom "a bird in the hand" and when to use it?

a bird in the hand

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The origin of the idiom "have something going for someone" is believed to have emerged in the mid-20th century in American English. The phrase is likely an extension of the use of the verb "to go" to mean "to succeed" or "to progress." It implies the idea that certain qualities or circumstances can work in someone's favor and help them succeed, even if they may not have all the qualifications or advantages that others possess.

What is the origin of the idiom "have something going for someone" and when to use it?

to [have] something going (on|) for {sb}

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The English idiom "ride a wave of something" has its origins in the world of surfing. In surfing, the goal is to catch a wave and ride it as it travels towards the shore. Surfers must position themselves correctly and time their movements precisely to catch the wave and stay on it for as long as possible. The metaphorical use of the phrase "ride a wave" emerged in the 1960s and 1970s to describe taking advantage of a trend or a period of success. The phrase suggests that, like a surfer catching a wave, someone can position themselves correctly and take advantage of a favorable circumstance to achieve their goals.

What is the origin of the idiom "ride a wave of something" and when to use it?

to [ride] (a|the) wave of {sth}

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The origin of this idiom is believed to date back to the 16th century, when it was first used in the sense of "to have a better condition of life." The phrase "off" in this context means "away or distant from a previous or less desirable situation." So, to be "better off" meant that one was farther away from a previous, less desirable situation and closer to a new, more desirable situation. It is now commonly used to refer to any situation in which someone has improved their condition or situation, whether through their own efforts or through external circumstances.

What is the origin of the idiom "be better off" and when to use it?

to [be] better off

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The origin of the idiom "do someone good" is not entirely clear, but it is likely that the phrase emerged in the English language in the late Middle Ages.  The phrase "do good" has been used in English since the 14th century to describe actions that are beneficial or helpful to others. The addition of the word "someone" to the phrase likely emerged in the 16th or 17th century, when the meaning of the phrase shifted to describe actions that are specifically beneficial to an individual. This expression is used to describe actions or behaviors that have a positive effect on someone's physical or mental health, well-being, or overall quality of life.

What is the origin of the idiom "do someone good" and when to use it?

to [do] {sb} (any|) good

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The phrase "be sitting pretty" is thought to have originated in the 19th century. It is believed to be a reference to the fact that people who are sitting in a comfortable position are not in danger of falling over. In this sense, the phrase means that someone is in a safe and secure position. The word "pretty" in this phrase is used in the sense of "attractive" or "pleasing." This is because people who are sitting in a comfortable position are often seen as being relaxed and content. In this sense, the phrase means that someone is in a good position, both physically and emotionally.

What is the origin of the idiom "be sitting pretty" and when to use it?

to [be] sitting pretty

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The origin of the English idiom "put something to work" is not entirely clear, as the phrase has likely evolved over time through common usage. However, the word "work" has been used to describe productive activity or labor since the Middle English period, and the combination of "put" and "work" has been used to describe the act of making something useful or productive since at least the 17th century. It is used to describe the act of using something in a practical or productive way to achieve a specific goal.

What is the origin of the idiom "put something to work" and when to use it?

to [put] {sth} to work

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Discover how English idioms like "be sitting pretty" and "a bird in the hand" relate to advantages in English.

English Idioms for "Advantage"