The idiom "all in a day's work" originated in the world of work and describes a situation or task that is considered routine or typical for a particular person or profession. It can be used to describe a range of scenarios, such as when someone responds to an emergency situation, handles a difficult customer, or completes a challenging project.

What is the origin of the idiom "all in a day's work" and when to use it?

all in a day's work

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The idiom "in harness" originated in the world of horse-drawn transportation and refers to a situation where a horse is harnessed to a carriage or other vehicle. It can be used to describe a range of scenarios, such as when a team is working together on a project, when a worker is performing a task with dedication and focus, or when a group is working towards a common goal.

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

in harness

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The idiom "mix business with pleasure" refers to the act of combining work or business activities with leisure or recreational activities. The term is often used as a cautionary phrase to advise against engaging in activities that blur the line between work and personal life, and to emphasize the importance of maintaining a professional demeanor in business settings.

What is the origin of the idiom "mix business with pleasure" and when to use it?

to [mix] business with pleasure

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The term "rat race" originates from the world of rat-catching, where rats were pitted against each other and the winner was the one that escaped. This idiom is typically used to describe the hectic and competitive nature of modern life, particularly in urban areas.

What is the origin of the idiom "rat race" and when to use it?

rat race

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The origin of the idiom "talk shop" is unclear, but it likely dates back to at least the 19th century. The word "shop" here refers to a workplace or profession, and the phrase "talk shop" means to discuss work-related topics. It is typically used to describe a conversation that is focused on work-related topics, often between colleagues or people in the same profession.

What is the origin of the idiom "talk shop" and when to use it?

to [talk] shop

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The idiom "the right does not know what the left is doing" is a biblical reference that appears in the New Testament, specifically in the book of Matthew. It is typically used to describe a situation where there is a lack of coordination or communication among different parts of an organization or group.

What is the origin of the idiom "the right does not know what the left is doing" and when to use it?

the right (hand|) does not know what the left (hand|) [is] doing

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The idiom "red tape" has its origins in 16th century England where legal documents were bound by red tape as a way of showing that they were official. This phrase is typically used to describe excessive bureaucracy or official procedures which can hinder or delay progress.

What is the origin of the idiom "red tape" and when to use it?

red tape

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The idiom "close the books" comes from the accounting or financial world, where it refers to the process of finalizing a company's financial records at the end of an accounting period. It is typically used in a business or financial context to describe the completion of a particular accounting period.

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

to [close] the books

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The origin of the idiom "blood on the carpet" is unclear, but it likely comes from the idea of a violent confrontation or conflict, where blood is spilled on the carpet. This phrase is typically used to describe a situation where there is a serious problem or conflict that needs to be addressed or resolved.

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

blood on the carpet

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The idiom "top dog" comes from the world of dog fighting, where the top dog was the most successful or dominant fighter. It is typically used to describe a person or organization that is dominant or successful in their field.

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

top dog

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big mama

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The idiom "new kid on the block" originated in the mid-20th century and referred to a new person in a neighborhood or community. The term "block" is used metaphorically to represent a neighborhood or community. It is used to describe a person who is new to a particular environment or situation.

What is the origin of the idiom "new kid on the block" and when to use it?

new kid on the block

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The phrase "part of the furniture" originated in the early 20th century and referred to a person or thing that had been in a particular place or organization for so long that they were like a piece of furniture. The term "furniture" is used metaphorically to represent the idea of something that is permanent and immovable. It is often used in work or professional contexts, where someone may have worked for an organization for many years.

What is the origin of the idiom "part of the furniture" and when to use it?

part of the furniture

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The idiom "run a tight ship" is believed to have originated in the maritime industry in the 19th century. This idiom is typically used to describe a person, organization, or situation that is well-organized, efficient, and disciplined.

What is the origin of the idiom "run a tight ship" and when to use it?

to [run] a tight ship

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The idiom "fall out with one's bread and butter" is a metaphorical expression that refers to a situation where someone has a major disagreement or conflict with their primary source of income or livelihood. The exact origin of the idiom is unclear, but it likely dates back to the early 20th century. It is typically used to describe a situation where someone has a falling out or dispute with their employer, main client, or primary source of income. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

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

to [fall] out with {one's} bread and butter

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The phrase "golden years" was first used in Shakespeare's play "Henry V" in 1599, where it referred to the later years of someone's life. It is used to describe the later years of someone's life, typically from retirement age onwards.

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

golden years

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The phrase "dead-end job" originated in the early 20th century, and it refers to a job that offers few opportunities for advancement or growth. The idiom "dead-end job" is used to describe a job that provides little or no opportunity for career advancement or personal growth. It is often associated with low-paying, menial work that is seen as unfulfilling or unsatisfying.

What is the origin of the idiom "dead-end job" and when to use it?

dead-end job

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The phrase "busman's holiday" originated in the 19th century and refers to a situation where someone spends their time off doing the same type of work they do for a living. The term "busman" refers to a bus driver, but the phrase can be applied to any profession. It is used to describe a situation where someone spends their leisure time doing the same type of work they do for a living.

What is the origin of the idiom "busman's holiday" and when to use it?

busman's holiday

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The idiom "new blood" originated in the 16th century and referred to the introduction of new people or ideas into an established group or organization. The term "blood" is used metaphorically to represent fresh energy or vitality. it is used to describe the introduction of new people, ideas, or approaches into an established group or organization.

What is the origin of the idiom "new blood" and when to use it?

(new|fresh) blood

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Explore English idioms regarding office life and work with examples like "run a tight ship" and "in harness".

English Idioms for "Office Life & Work"