The origin of the idiom "bring home the bacon" can be traced back to the medieval English fairs and festivals. During these events, there was a custom of organizing a game where a greased pig would be released, and participants would try to catch it. The winner, who could catch the pig and "bring it home," would be rewarded with the prize. Today, this idiom is used to describe the act of earning a living, providing for one's family, or being the primary source of income in a household.

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

to [bring] home the bacon

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The origin of the idiom "one's bread and butter" can be traced back to the 18th century in England. Bread and butter have been staple foods for many people throughout history, and they symbolize the basic necessities of life. It is used to describe the main source of income or the primary activity through which someone earns a living.

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

{one's} bread and butter

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The idiom "keep the pot boiling" has its roots in cooking practices from the past. In traditional cooking, especially in older kitchens, maintaining a constant heat under a pot or kettle was crucial to ensure that the food inside would be cooked properly. Today, this phrase is used to express the idea of keeping an activity, project, or process active or continuing without interruption.

What is the origin of the idiom "keep the pot boiling" and when to use it?

to [keep] the (pot|kettle) boiling

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The origin of the phrase "keep body and soul together" can be traced back to the 16th century. It is believed to have been inspired by the idea that "body" and "soul" represent the physical and spiritual aspects of a person, respectively. This idiom is used to describe the act of surviving or maintaining one's existence, especially under challenging circumstances.

What is the origin of the idiom "keep body and soul together" and when to use it?

to [keep] body and soul together

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The origin of the idiom "make ends meet" is uncertain, but it dates back to at least the 17th century and is thought to have originated from accounting or financial terminology. It is used to describe the act of managing one's finances in a way that allows them to cover all their expenses with their available income, without going into debt or experiencing financial hardship.

What is the origin of the idiom "make ends meet" and when to use it?

to [make] (both|) ends meet

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The origin of the idiom "keep the wolf from the door" can be traced back to medieval times. Wolves were considered a significant threat to people's safety and livelihood, especially in rural areas. This phrase is used to describe the effort to meet one's basic needs, particularly related to food, shelter, and other essential necessities.

What is the origin of the idiom "keep the wolf from the door" and when to use it?

to [keep] the [wolf] from the door

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The idiom "coin money" originated from the minting or creation of coins by a government or authority. In ancient times, rulers would mint coins with their image and seal to legitimize and control the currency. This idiom is used to describe the act of making a significant amount of money, often implying that someone is successful in a business or financial venture.

What is the origin of the idiom "coin money" and when to use it?

to [coin] money

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The origin of the idiom "make a killing" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. It is used to describe the act of making a large or excessive amount of money, especially in a short period or from a specific venture, investment, or opportunity.

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

to [make] a killing

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The idiom "make a mint" is derived from the word "mint," which refers to a place where money is produced, typically in the form of coins. It is used to describe the act of making a large amount of money or accumulating significant wealth, often through a successful business venture, investment, or other lucrative opportunities.

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

to [make] a mint

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The origin of the idiom "laugh all the way to the bank" is not precisely known, but it likely originated in the mid-20th century. It is used to describe the feeling of great satisfaction or triumph one experiences when they have achieved significant financial gain or success.

What is the origin of the idiom "laugh all the way to the bank" and when to use it?

to [laugh] all the way to the bank

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The origin of the idiom "line one's pocket" is believed to have originated in the early 19th century. This phrase is used to describe the act of gaining personal profit or financial advantage, especially through dishonest or corrupt practices.

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

to [line] {one's} (own|) [pocket]

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The origin of the idiom "license to print money" can be traced back to the early 20th century, and it is often attributed to the field of finance and banking. It is used to describe a situation or opportunity that allows someone to make an enormous amount of money with little effort or risk.

What is the origin of the idiom "license to print money" and when to use it?

license to print money

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The term "plum job" is thought to have originated in the 19th century, when plums were considered to be a particularly delicious and expensive fruit. In the early 1800s, plums were often used as a symbol of wealth and status. The term "plum job" is used to describe a job that is well-paid and desirable.

What is the origin of the idiom "plum job" and when to use it?

plum job

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The origin of the idiom "money for old rope" is believed to have come from the practice of recycling or reusing old materials in various trades.  In the past, ropes made from natural fibers were widely used, and when they became worn or damaged, they were often sold as scrap. Today, it is used to describe a situation where someone is making money or earning a profit with little effort or by doing something that requires minimal skill or investment.

What is the origin of the idiom "money for old rope" and when to use it?

money for (old rope|jam)

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The idiom "Midas touch" comes from Greek mythology and is named after King Midas. According to the myth, everything King Midas touched turned to gold, including his food and even his daughter. This idiom is used to describe someone who has the ability to be highly successful in everything they do or to turn every venture they undertake into a profitable or successful one.

What is the origin of the idiom "Midas touch" and when to use it?

Midas touch

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The idiom "play the market" originates from the world of finance and investing, particularly in the context of the stock market. The word "play" suggests an element of risk and strategy, implying that investing in the market involves a certain level of skill, knowledge, and calculated decision-making. It is used to describe the act of buying, selling, or trading financial assets, such as stocks, bonds, or commodities, with the goal of making a profit.

What is the origin of the idiom "play the market" and when to use it?

to [play] the market

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The phrase "in pocket" originated in the 16th century, and it referred to carrying something in one's pocket, such as money or a handkerchief. Over time, it came to mean having something firmly under control or being in a position of advantage. It is used to describe a situation where someone has gained an amount of money as profit in a transaction.

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

{num} in pocket

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The origin of the idiom "golden handcuffs" can be traced back to the world of finance and employment contracts. It is used to describe financial or non-financial benefits, such as stock options, bonuses, or perks, that are designed to keep an employee tied to a particular job or company.

What is the origin of the idiom "golden handcuffs" and when to use it?

golden handcuffs

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The phrase "golden parachute" originates from the world of corporate finance and executive compensation. This idiom is used to describe a substantial severance package or financial benefits offered to executives if they are forced to leave their position due to certain circumstances, such as a merger, acquisition, or termination.

What is the origin of the idiom "golden parachute" and when to use it?

golden parachute

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The idiom "golden handshake" also originates from the world of corporate finance and employment. This phrase is used to describe a lucrative severance package or financial arrangement offered to an employee upon their retirement or departure from the company.

What is the origin of the idiom "golden handshake" and when to use it?

golden handshake

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The idiom "on the dole" has its origins in British English and dates back to the early 20th century. The word "dole" historically referred to charitable distributions or donations given to the poor. It is used to describe the state of being unemployed and receiving financial assistance from the government or other sources.

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

on the dole

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Explore English idioms that regard to earning money with examples like "plum job" and "bring home the bacon".

English Idioms for "Earning Money"