The origin of the idiom "bring owls to Athens" goes back to ancient Greece, where Athens was known for its large population of owls and for being a center of learning and knowledge. Bringing owls to Athens would be unnecessary since there were already plenty of owls there. Today, the idiom is commonly used to describe a situation where someone is doing something that is redundant or unnecessary, such as bringing something to a place where it is already abundant or adding something that is not needed. The idiom implies that the person's actions are pointless and a waste of time and resources.

What is the origin of the idiom "bring owls to Athens" and when to use it?

to [bring|carry] owls to Athens

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What is the origin of the idiom "make a go of something" and when to use it?

to [carry|take] coals to Newcastle

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The origin of the idiom "chase rainbows" goes back to the ancient Greek myth of Iris, the goddess of the rainbow, who was said to use the rainbow as a bridge between the gods and mortals. Today, the idiom is commonly used to describe a situation where someone is pursuing a goal or objective that is unlikely to be achieved, often because it is based on unrealistic expectations or impossible desires. The idiom implies that the person's efforts are futile and that they should focus on more achievable goals or objectives.

What is the origin of the idiom "chase rainbows" and when to use it?

to [chase] rainbows

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The origin of the idiom "be for naught" is uncertain, but it has been in use since the 16th century. Today, the idiom is commonly used to describe a situation where someone has put in a lot of effort, time, or resources into something, but the outcome has been disappointing or unsuccessful. The idiom implies that the person's efforts were in vain and that they have achieved nothing or very little.

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

to [be|go] for naught

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The idiom "come to nothing" has been in use since the 16th century. Its origin is uncertain, but it likely emerged from the concept of something being built up or anticipated, only to fail to materialize or achieve its intended goal. The idiom implies a sense of disappointment or frustration, as something that was hoped for or anticipated has not come to fruition. Today, the idiom is commonly used to describe a situation where a plan, project, or effort has failed to achieve its intended outcome, despite significant effort or investment.

What is the origin of the idiom "come to nothing" and when to use it?

to [come] to nothing

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The idiom "down the drain" is believed to have originated in the United States in the 20th century. The phrase refers to something that has been wasted or lost, often due to careless or thoughtless action. The phrase "down the drain" likely originated from the idea of water or other liquid being lost or wasted by being poured down a drain. Today, the idiom is commonly used to describe a situation where something that was valuable or important has been lost or wasted due to poor decision-making or a lack of care.

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

down the drain

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The idiom "fall on stony ground" originates from a parable told by Jesus in the New Testament of the Bible. In the parable, a sower scatters seeds on different types of ground, including stony ground. The seeds that fall on the stony ground fail to take root and grow, as the soil is not deep enough to allow the roots to develop properly. Today, the idiom is commonly used to describe a situation where an idea, proposal, or suggestion is not well-received or is unlikely to be successful.

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

to [fall] on stony ground

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The idiom "go nowhere" has likely emerged from the concept of someone walking or running without reaching a destination, or traveling without making progress toward a goal. Today, the idiom is commonly used to describe a situation where someone is stuck in a rut or not making any progress in their personal or professional life, despite their best efforts.

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

to [go|get] nowhere

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The origin of the idiom "in circles" has likely emerged from the idea of someone walking or running in circles, without making any forward progress. Today, the idiom is commonly used to describe a situation where someone is stuck in a repetitive cycle of action or thought, without achieving any significant results or progress.

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

in circles

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The phrase "milk the bull" may have originated from the idea that bulls are male and therefore cannot produce milk, making the act of milking a bull pointless and impossible. This phrase is used to describe a situation where someone is attempting to do something that is impossible or to try to extract something from a situation or person that is not possible.

What is the origin of the idiom "milk the bull" and when to use it?

to [milk] (the|a) (bull|ram)

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The idiom "pay too dearly for one's whistle" is believed to have originated in England in the 17th century. The phrase comes from a story about a boy who spends all of his money on a whistle, only to realize that he has paid too much for something that has little value. Today, the idiom is commonly used to describe a situation where someone has paid a high price or made a significant sacrifice for something that is ultimately of little value or benefit.

What is the origin of the idiom "pay too dearly for one's whistle" and when to use it?

to [pay] too dearly for {one's} whistle

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The idiom "wild goose chase" is believed to have originated in the 16th century in England. The phrase describes a type of hunting game, where hunters would pursue a flock of wild geese in a seemingly endless and fruitless pursuit. Today, the idiom is commonly used to describe a situation where someone is pursuing something that is unlikely to be achieved or is a waste of time and effort.

What is the origin of the idiom "wild goose chase" and when to use it?

wild goose chase

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The idiom "wise after the event" is believed to have originated in the early 19th century in England. The phrase describes a situation where someone has gained knowledge or understanding about a past event or situation, only after it has occurred. The idiom implies that the person did not have the knowledge or understanding at the time of the event, and that their insight is only valuable in hindsight. Today, the idiom is commonly used to describe a situation where someone has gained insight or understanding about something only after it has happened, and that their hindsight is of little use in preventing the event from occurring.

What is the origin of the idiom "wise after the event" and when to use it?

wise after the event

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The phrase "boil the ocean" likely originated from the idea of trying to boil the entire ocean, which is obviously impossible. Today, the idiom is commonly used in business or corporate contexts to describe a situation where someone is attempting to achieve an unattainable or impractical goal, often at great expense or effort. The phrase can also be used more broadly to describe any situation where someone is attempting to achieve something that is beyond their capabilities or resources.

What is the origin of the idiom "boil the ocean" and when to use it?

to [boil] the ocean

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to [wave] a dead chicken

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The idiom "put lipstick on a pig" is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. The phrase is used to describe a situation where someone is attempting to make something that is unattractive or unpleasant appear more appealing or attractive, often through superficial or cosmetic means. The idiom implies that the effort to improve the appearance of the thing is ultimately futile or ineffective, as the underlying problems or flaws remain unchanged.

What is the origin of the idiom "put lipstick on a pig" and when to use it?

to [put] (a|) lipstick on a pig

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The idiom "whistle in the wind" is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. The phrase is used to describe a situation where someone is speaking or making a statement that is unlikely to be heard or acknowledged, or where someone is making an effort that is unlikely to be successful or noticed.

What is the origin of the idiom "whistle in the wind" and when to use it?

to [whistle] in the wind

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The idiom "argue the toss" is believed to have originated in the United Kingdom in the mid-20th century. The phrase is used to describe a situation where someone is engaging in a pointless or fruitless argument or discussion, often over a trivial or unimportant matter. The idiom implies a sense of frustration or annoyance, as the argument or discussion is not likely to achieve anything meaningful or productive.

What is the origin of the idiom "argue the toss" and when to use it?

to [argue] the toss

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Dive into English idioms regarding fruitlessness, like "wild goose chase" and "boil the ocean".

English Idioms for "Fruitlessness"