The idiom "chink in one's armor" has historical origins and refers to a small opening or crack in a suit of armor, which could leave a warrior vulnerable to attack. In the context of the idiom, it means a weakness or vulnerability that can be exploited by an opponent or enemy. The usage of the idiom has since expanded beyond its historical context and can now refer to any situation where someone has a weakness or vulnerability that could be exploited or used against them.

What is the origin of the idiom "chink in one's armor" and when to use it?

chink in {one's} armor

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The origin of this meaning of "on the run" is unclear. It may have developed as an extension of the original meaning of the phrase, which referred to a criminal or fugitive who was fleeing from the authorities. Alternatively, it may have developed independently as a metaphorical expression. It is used to describe a situation where someone is in a state of disadvantage, difficulty, or vulnerability, the phrase suggests that the person is struggling to keep up with the demands of the situation and is at risk of being overwhelmed.

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

on the run

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The idiom "Achilles' heel" has its origins in Greek mythology where the hero Achilles was invulnerable except for his heel, which was his one weakness, Achilles was eventually killed when an arrow struck his heel, which led to the popularization of the idiom. Today, the phrase "Achilles' heel" is used to describe a person's one weakness or vulnerable spot that can lead to their downfall or failure.

What is the origin of the idiom "Achilles' heel" and when to use it?

Achilles' heel

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The idiom "dig one's own grave" has its origins in the act of digging one's own burial plot. The phrase was originally used in a literal sense to describe someone who was digging their own grave, either as a form of punishment or as a result of their own actions. Over time, the phrase has taken on a more figurative meaning and is now used to describe someone who is doing something that will lead to their own downfall or ruin. The phrase is commonly used to warn someone that their actions or decisions could have serious negative consequences for themselves.

What is the origin of the idiom "dig one's own grave" and when to use it?

to [dig] {one's} own grave

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The idiom "cut one's own throat" has its origins in the act of committing suicide by cutting one's own throat. The phrase is now used in a more figurative sense to describe someone who is doing something that is self-destructive or harmful to their own interests. It can also refer to someone who is undermining their own position or causing their own downfall through their actions or decisions. The phrase is often used to warn someone that their behavior is likely to have serious negative consequences for themselves.

What is the origin of the idiom "cut one's own throat" and when to use it?

to [cut] {one's} own [throat]

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The origin of the idiom "be one's worst enemy" is unclear, but it has been in use since at least the 19th century. It is commonly used to describe situations where someone is making choices that are detrimental to their own interests or well-being, despite knowing better. The phrase is often used as a warning or advice to encourage someone to change their behavior and avoid self-destructive patterns.

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

{one's} (own|) worst enemy

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The idiom "foul one's own nest" has its origins in the behavior of birds who will dirty their own nests with excrement or waste. The phrase is now used in a more figurative sense to describe someone who is behaving in a way that is damaging or harmful to their own reputation or interests. The usage of the idiom is not limited to any particular context and can be applied to a variety of situations where someone is harming themselves or others by their behavior.

to [foul] {one's} (own|) nest

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The idiom "kill the goose that lays the golden egg" has its origins in one of Aesop's fables, where a farmer becomes greedy and kills the goose that lays golden eggs, only to find that there are no more eggs inside. The moral of the story is that greed can lead to one's downfall and that it is important to not destroy a valuable resource in pursuit of short-term gains. The phrase is now used in a more figurative sense to describe situations where someone is undermining or destroying a valuable asset or resource that is providing them with benefits over time. The idiom is often used as a warning to encourage someone to be more careful and to not sacrifice long-term gains for short-term benefits.

What is the origin of the idiom "kill the goose that lays the golden egg" and when to use it?

[kill] the goose that lays the golden egg

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The idiom "the final nail in the coffin" has its origins in the act of nailing shut a coffin after a person has died. It refers to the last event or action that seals the outcome and makes it irreversible. The phrase can also be used to describe the point of no return, where there is no possibility of recovery or redemption.

What is the origin of the idiom "the final nail in the coffin" and when to use it?

the final nail in the coffin

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The idiom "get on top of somebody" likely has its origins in the image of a person being buried or trapped under a heavy weight, and struggling to get out from underneath it. The idiom is typically used in informal or casual language, particularly in spoken English, to describe situations where a person is struggling to cope with a problem or challenge and feels overwhelmed by it.

What is the origin of the idiom "get on top of somebody" and when to use it?

to [get] on top of {sb}

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The origin of the phrase "rest on one's laurels" comes from ancient Greece, where laurel wreaths were awarded to victorious athletes and military commanders as a symbol of honor and achievement. The laurel wreath was worn on the head and was a sign of victory and distinction. This phrase is typically used as a warning to someone who has achieved success and is in danger of becoming complacent.

to [rest|sit] on {one's} laurels

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The origin of the idiom "on shaky ground" is unclear, but it likely comes from the idea of standing on ground that is not firm or stable, such as on loose soil or an uneven surface. The phrase is often used to describe situations where there is a risk of failure or uncertainty, such as a struggling business or a relationship experiencing problems. It can also be used in personal situations, such as when someone is unsure of their footing or in a dangerous physical situation.

What is the origin of the idiom "on shaky ground" and when to use it?

on shaky ground

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The origin of the idiom "knock something on the head" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in Britain in the early 20th century. It is thought to have originated from the practice of slaughtering animals by hitting them on the head with a hammer. This phrase is often used in informal or casual language to indicate that something is finished or is no longer happening.

What is the origin of the idiom "knock something on the head" and when to use it?

to [knock] {sth} on the head

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The origin of the phrase "lose steam" is uncertain, but it likely comes from the idea of a steam engine losing power as the pressure in its boiler decreases. This phrase is often used in informal or casual language to describe situations where someone or something was once moving forward with energy and enthusiasm, but has since slowed down or come to a stop.

What is the origin of the idiom "lose steam" and when to use it?

to [lose] steam

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The origin of the idiom "kiss of death" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated from Italian mafia culture, where a kiss on the cheek was given to someone who was marked for death. This phrase is often used to describe situations where a particular action or event will have negative consequences, such as a politician receiving the endorsement of an unpopular figure or an actor being cast in a string of unsuccessful films. It can also be used in personal situations, such as when someone makes a decision that will have serious negative consequences for their career or relationships.

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

kiss of death

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The origin of the idiom "take a beating" is unclear, but it likely comes from the literal meaning of taking a physical beating or being physically assaulted. This phrase is often used in informal or casual language to describe situations where someone has suffered a defeat or has been harmed in some way.

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

to [take] a beating

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Discover how English idioms like "on shaky ground" and "on the run" relate to failing in English.

English Idioms for "Resulting in Failure"