The origin of the idiom "drag one's name through the mud" can be traced back to the practice of humiliating wrongdoers in ancient times. In some cultures, people would publicly shame individuals who committed crimes or acted immorally by dragging them through the mud. Today, the phrase is commonly used in a figurative sense to refer to someone who has been slandered or defamed in some way, causing their reputation to be damaged.

What is the origin of the idiom "drag one's name through the mud" and when to use it?

to [drag] {one's} name through the (mud|mire)

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The idiom "dirt on someone" is believed to have originated in the mid-20th century and has its roots in the concept of dirt as a metaphor for shameful or embarrassing information. The phrase is commonly used in a gossip or scandal context, where someone has information that could be used to expose secrets or weaknesses of another person.

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

dirt on {sb}

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The idiom "dirty linen" is believed to have originated in the 19th century and has its roots in the idea of laundry. In the past, it was common for people to wash their clothes by hand and hang them outside to dry. This phrase is now used figuratively to describe the act of discussing private or embarrassing matters in public, especially those relating to personal relationships or family issues.

What is the origin of the idiom "dirty linen" and when to use it?

dirty (linen|laundry)

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The idiom "nine day wonder" refers to something or someone that generates a lot of interest or excitement initially but quickly loses its appeal and is forgotten soon after. The origin of this phrase is unclear, but it's believed to have originated in the 16th century when a popular entertainment in England was the "nine days' wonder," which referred to a traveling show or exhibition that lasted for nine days and then disappeared. The term was later used to describe anything that was short-lived and generated only temporary interest or excitement. Today, the idiom is still used to describe things that are quickly forgotten or no longer fashionable after a brief period of popularity.

What is the origin of the idiom "nine day wonder" and when to use it?

nine day wonder

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The origin of the idiom "fall from grace" is rooted in Christian theology, where "grace" refers to the unmerited favor or gift of God. In this context, a fall from grace would refer to the loss of God's favor and the subsequent punishment for wrongdoing. Over time, the phrase has evolved to refer to any situation where someone experiences a significant and sudden decline in status or reputation due to their own actions or behavior, whether it's in a religious, political, or social context. Today, the idiom is commonly used to describe the downfall of public figures who have fallen out of favor with the public due to scandal or misconduct.

What is the origin of the idiom "fall from grace" and when to use it?

to [fall] from grace

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The idiom "lay a glove on someone or something" means to strike or hit them, either physically or metaphorically. The origin of this phrase is rooted in boxing, where it referred to the act of landing a punch on an opponent. The phrase has since evolved to encompass any situation where someone confronts or challenges another person or thing, whether it's through physical combat or verbal debate.

What is the origin of the idiom "lay a glove on someone or something" and when to use it?

to [lay] a glove on {sb/sth}

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The origin of the idiom "lose face" is rooted in East Asian cultures, where "face" refers to one's social standing and reputation. In these cultures, losing face can have significant social consequences, leading to shame, embarrassment, and loss of respect. The phrase has since been adopted into English and is commonly used to describe any situation where someone experiences a loss of respect or prestige, whether it's in a personal or professional context.

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

to [lose] face

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The origin of the idiom "loss of face" is rooted in East Asian cultures, where "face" refers to one's social standing and reputation. In these cultures, losing face can have significant social consequences, leading to shame, embarrassment, and loss of respect. The phrase has since been adopted into English and is commonly used to describe any situation where someone experiences a loss of respect or prestige, whether it's in a personal or professional context.

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

loss of face

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The origin of the idiom "one's name is mud" is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the mid-19th century. Some sources suggest that the phrase may be related to Dr. Samuel Mudd, who was convicted of conspiring in the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln and whose name became synonymous with betrayal and infamy. Over time, the phrase has evolved to refer to any situation where someone's reputation has been damaged, whether it's due to a specific incident or a pattern of behavior.

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

{one's} name [is] mud

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The origin of the idiom "out of season" is related to agriculture and refers to crops that are planted or harvested outside of their natural growing season. When crops are grown out of season, they may not grow as well or produce as much as they would if they were grown during the appropriate season. Over time, the phrase has evolved to refer to any situation where something is not appropriate or optimal for the current time or condition. Today, the idiom is commonly used to describe situations where something is not in sync with its surroundings, whether it's a product that is being sold at the wrong time of year or a behavior that is not appropriate for the current situation.

What is the origin of the idiom "out of season" and when to use it?

out of season

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The origin of the idiom "get the bird" is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the early 20th century as slang among performers in vaudeville and burlesque shows. In these shows, an audience member who disliked a performance would often throw a bird, or a small bird-shaped whistle, onto the stage as a sign of disapproval. Over time, the phrase came to refer to any situation where someone was rejected or dismissed in a rude or contemptuous manner, whether it was in a performance or in everyday life.

What is the origin of the idiom "get the bird" and when to use it?

to [get] the bird

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The idiom "blot one's copybook" originated in the 19th century and refers to making a mistake or committing an error that damages one's reputation or standing. The phrase comes from the practice of schoolchildren using copybooks to practice their penmanship. If a student made a mistake and blotted the page with ink, it would ruin the copybook and the teacher would take note of the error. Today, the idiom is used to describe any action that harms one's reputation or standing, particularly in a professional or social context.

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

to [blot] {one's} copybook

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The origin of the idiom "pick holes in something" is unclear, but it may have originated from the practice of examining cloth for defects by holding it up to the light and looking for small holes or imperfections. Over time, the phrase came to be used more broadly to describe any situation where someone is overly critical or nit-picky in their evaluation of something.

What is the origin of the idiom "pick holes in something" and when to use it?

to [pick] holes in {sth}

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The idiom "make an ass of someone" can be traced back to ancient Rome, where it was common to mock public figures by placing a donkey's ears on their head. The idiom is often used in situations where someone has made a mistake or acted foolishly, and others are pointing out their error. It can also be used to caution against acting hastily or making assumptions without all the facts, as this can lead to making oneself look foolish.

What is the origin of the idiom "make an ass of someone" and when to use it?

to [make] an ass (out|) of {sb}

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The idiom "put one's head on the block" can be traced back to the practice of beheading as a form of execution. In the past, a person condemned to death by beheading would be made to kneel or lie down on a block or chopping board, with their neck positioned over a wooden or metal block. The executioner would then use a sword or axe to sever the person's head from their body. It is commonly used in business or political contexts, where taking a bold or controversial stance can have significant implications for one's career or reputation.

What is the origin of the idiom "put one's head on the block" and when to use it?

to [put|have] {one's} [head|neck] on the block

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The idiom "make an exhibition of oneself" originated in the early 19th century and refers to behaving in a way that draws excessive or inappropriate attention to oneself, often with the intention of impressing others or seeking approval. The word "exhibition" in this context refers to a public display or demonstration, such as a performance or show. The idiom can be used to describe a wide range of behaviors, from showing off to acting inappropriately or embarrassingly in public. It is often used in a negative sense to criticize someone for being attention-seeking or lacking in self-awareness.

What is the origin of the idiom "make an exhibition of oneself" and when to use it?

to [make] an exhibition of {oneself}

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The origin of the idiom "black eye" in the figurative sense likely derives from its association with physical injury, caused by bruising around the eye due to trauma, has been historically perceived as unsightly and indicative of being involved in a physical altercation or mishap. Over time, this physical symbol of injury has been metaphorically extended to refer to any form of damage to one's reputation or image, leading to the figurative use of "black eye" to describe a tarnished reputation or negative perception.

What is the origin of the idiom "black eye" and when to use it?

black eye

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Explore English idioms regarding defamation and unpopularity with examples like "nine day wonder" and "fall from grace".

English Idioms for "Defamation & Unpopularity"