The idiom "close call" is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, and it is often used to emphasize the uncertainty or nearness of an outcome that could go either way. It underscores the idea that the outcome is finely balanced, and the margin between success and failure is very narrow.

What is the origin of the idiom "close call" and when to use it?

close call

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The idiom "go toe-to-toe" is believed to have originated from boxing, where opponents stand toe to toe in the ring before the fight begins. In modern usage, the term "go toe-to-toe" can refer to any situation where two people or groups engage in a close competition or confrontation. It can be used to describe a physical contest, such as a boxing match or a wrestling match, or a non-physical contest, such as a debate or a negotiation.

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

to [go|stand|be] toe-to-toe

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The idiom "look to one's laurels"  is believed to have originated from ancient Greece, where victors in athletic competitions were awarded wreaths made of laurel leaves as a symbol of their victory. In modern usage, the term "look to one's laurels" can refer to any situation where a person or group needs to work hard to maintain their position or reputation, especially in the face of competition.

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

to [look] to {one's} laurels

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The idiom "meet one's match" is originated from the game of chess, where players have to find a match for their opponent's moves. The phrase is often used in a competitive context, where individuals or groups are pitted against one another, and one side finds a match in the other.

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

to [meet|find] {one's} match

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The idiom "take up the gauntlet" has its origin in medieval times, where a knight would throw down his metal gauntlet as a challenge to a duel. Over time, the phrase has evolved to refer to any situation where a challenge is issued, and someone boldly accepts it.

What is the origin of the idiom "take up the gauntlet" and when to use it?

to [take] up the gauntlet

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The idiom "throw down the gauntlet" dates back to medieval times, where a knight would throw down his metal gauntlet as a challenge to a duel. Today, the phrase is often used more figuratively to refer to any situation where a challenge is issued in a bold or confrontational manner.

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

to [throw] down the gauntlet

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The idiom "bring it on" originated in the world of boxing, where a fighter would signal to their opponent to come at them and start fighting. Over time, the phrase has become more widely used in a variety of contexts to express a willingness to face a challenge.

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

bring it on

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The idiom "playing field" has its origin in sports, where a level playing field is necessary to ensure fair competition between teams or individuals. The phrase can be used to refer to any situation where the conditions or circumstances are perceived as being fair or unfair to different participants. It is often used in discussions of social justice and equality, where the goal is to create a level playing field for all members of society.

What is the origin of the idiom "playing field" and when to use it?

playing field

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The idiom "zero-sum game" originated in game theory, where it describes a game in which the total amount of winnings and losses is always zero. The phrase is often used more broadly to describe situations where there is a fixed amount of resources or opportunities, and any gain by one person or group must come at the expense of another.

What is the origin of the idiom "zero-sum game" and when to use it?

zero-sum game

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The idiom "dog eat dog" has its origins in the world of dogfighting, where dogs were pitted against each other in fights to the death. Today, the phrase is used more broadly to describe any situation where people are competing fiercely for limited resources or opportunities, and are willing to do whatever it takes to come out on top, regardless of the impact on others.

What is the origin of the idiom "dog eat dog" and when to use it?

dog eat dog

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Dive into English idioms that regard to losing or winning, like "take up the gauntlet" and "close call".

English Idioms for "Lose or Win"