The origin of the idiom "lame duck" phrase is uncertain, but it may be related to the idea of a bird that is injured or unable to fly, leaving it vulnerable to predators and unable to fend for itself. Over time, the phrase has come to be used more generally to describe any situation where someone or something is vulnerable or weakened, whether it be a political leader who is nearing the end of their term or a business that is struggling to stay afloat. The phrase can also be used to describe a person who is in need of help or support in order to succeed or achieve their goals.

What is the origin of the idiom "lame duck" and when to use it?

lame duck

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The idiom "rotten egg" is a term that originally referred to an egg that had gone bad and was no longer fit for consumption. The term has been used metaphorically to describe a person who is considered to be a failure or a disappointment, particularly in a humorous or derisive way. The exact origin of the idiom is unclear, but it likely dates back to the early 20th century. It is often used to describe a person who is unsuccessful or inept, particularly in a humorous or sarcastic way.

What is the origin of the idiom "rotten egg and when to use it?

rotten egg

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The origin of the idiom "blind alley" is uncertain, but it may be related to the idea of a street or alley that has no outlet or exit, forcing anyone who enters it to turn back. The phrase has been in use in English since the early 19th century, and it has been applied to a wide range of situations, including business ventures, relationships, and investigative efforts. In general, the phrase is used to describe a situation where there is no way forward, and further effort or investment is unlikely to produce any positive results.

What is the origin of the idiom "blind alley" and when to use it?

blind alley

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The origin of the idiom "dead loss" is uncertain, but it is used to describe a person who is considered to be completely useless or ineffective in a given situation. This phrase is used in this context to indicate that the person in question is incapable of producing any positive results or benefits, and is therefore a liability or hindrance to any effort or project. This usage of the phrase has been in use since at least the mid-20th century, and it has been applied to a wide range of people, including employees, colleagues, and acquaintances. In general, the phrase is used to express a sense of frustration or disappointment with someone who has failed to meet expectations or deliver the desired results.

What is the origin of the idiom "dead loss" and when to use it?

dead loss

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The origin of the idiom "losing battle" is related to the idea of a battle or conflict that is being fought at a disadvantage, perhaps due to a lack of resources or unfavorable conditions. The phrase has been in use in English since at least the mid-19th century, and it has been applied to a wide range of situations, including personal struggles, political campaigns, and military conflicts. In general, the phrase is used to describe a situation where success is unlikely, but where the effort to achieve it is still considered worthwhile or noble.

a losing battle

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The origin of the idiom "be done for" is uncertain, but it may be related to the idea of something being finished or done in the sense of being completely defeated or destroyed. The phrase has been in use in English since at least the early 19th century, and it has been applied to a wide range of situations, including personal and financial struggles, as well as business and political ventures. In general, the phrase is used to describe a situation where there is little hope of success, and where failure is almost certain.

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

to [be] done for

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The idiom "one's cake is dough"may have originated in medieval times, when cakes were sometimes made with yeast, and if the yeast failed to rise, the cake would be ruined and the dough would be wasted. The phrase has been in use in English since at least the early 19th century, and it has been applied to a wide range of situations, including personal and financial struggles, as well as business and political ventures. In general, the phrase is used to describe a situation where someone has invested time, effort, or resources into a project or goal, but where the outcome is disappointing or unsuccessful.

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

{one's} cake [is] dough

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The origin of the idiom "hit rock bottom" is related to the idea of a miner who has dug deep into the earth and reached the very bottom layer of rock. The phrase has been in use in English since at least the mid-20th century, and it has been applied to a wide range of situations, including personal and financial struggles, addiction, and mental health issues. In general, the phrase is used to describe a situation where someone has experienced a significant and often painful setback, and where they are at the lowest point in their life, with little hope of improvement.

What is the origin of the idiom "hit rock bottom" and when to use it?

to [hit|reach] rock bottom

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The origin of the idiom "not have a prayer"  is uncertain, but it may be related to the idea of prayer as a form of supplication or appeal to a higher power for help or mercy. The phrase has been in use in English since at least the mid-20th century, and it has been applied to a wide range of situations, including personal and financial struggles, legal cases, and sports competitions. In general, the phrase is used to describe a situation where success is so unlikely that even divine intervention would not be enough to bring it about.

What is the origin of the idiom "not have a prayer" and when to use it?

to {not} [have] a (single|) prayer

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The idiom “the end of the line” is believed to have originated in the 19th century, when trains were the primary mode of transportation. When a train reached the end of the line, it could not go any further. Over time, the phrase came to be used in a figurative sense to describe any situation that is at its conclusion.

What is the origin of the idiom "the end of the line" and when to use it?

the end of the (line|road)

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The origin of the idiom "no dice" is uncertain, but it may be related to the idea of a game of chance, where dice are used to determine the outcome. The phrase has been in use in English since at least the early 20th century, and it has been applied to a wide range of situations, including personal and professional interactions, negotiations, and requests. In general, the phrase is used to indicate that someone has failed to achieve their goal or that their request has been denied, without any possibility of changing the outcome.

What is the origin of the idiom "no dice" and when to use it?

no dice

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The idiom “go down the tube” is believed to have originated in the 1930s, when people would throw unwanted items down the sewer pipes. Over time, the phrase came to be used in a figurative sense to describe anything that is going to waste or being ruined.

What is the origin of the idiom "go down the tube" and when to use it?

to [go] down the [tube]

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The idiom “go down like a lead balloon” may be related to the idea of a heavy lead balloon that would fall quickly to the ground instead of rising or floating. The phrase has been in use in English since at least the mid-20th century, and it is often applied to situations where a person's attempt to be humorous or persuasive has failed miserably. In general, the phrase is used to indicate that something has been received very poorly, with little or no positive reaction or response.

What is the origin of the idiom "go down like a lead balloon" and when to use it?

to [go] down like a lead balloon (across Wales|)

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Master English idioms that relate to being lost in the game, like "rotten egg" and "no dice".

English Idioms for "Lost in the Game"