The origin of the idiom "give a good account of oneself" can be traced back to military terminology. In the context of warfare, soldiers were expected to give a detailed and accurate account of their actions and conduct during battles or engagements. This reporting was essential for assessing the performance and effectiveness of the troops. It is commonly employed in competitive settings such as sports events, job interviews, academic exams, or public speaking engagements in which someone is expected to perform well or handle challenging situations effectively.

What is the origin of the idiom "give a good account of oneself" and when to use it?

to [give] a good account of {oneself}

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The idiom "keep one's nose to the grindstone" originated from the practice of grinding tools on a grindstone, symbolizing the need to work diligently and stay focused without distractions.  It is commonly employed in professional settings, such as workplaces or business environments, to encourage individuals to stay focused and diligently work on their tasks or responsibilities.

What is the origin of the idiom "keep one's nose to the grindstone" and when to use it?

to [keep|put] {one's} nose to the grindstone

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The idiom "play for keeps" is believed to have originated in American gambling circles during the 19th century. In early gambling games, participants would often play for amusement or practice using tokens or play money. However, when someone decided to "play for keeps," it meant they were willing to wager real money or valuable possessions, indicating a serious and committed approach to the game. It can be used in personal situations involving conflicts or challenges, where individuals are willing to take significant risks and make dedicated efforts to achieve their desired outcomes.

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

to [play] for keeps

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The origin of the idiom "have nothing to lose" can be traced back to the general concept of risk and reward. The concept of having nothing to lose has likely been a common sentiment throughout history. The phrase encapsulates the idea that when someone is in a situation where they have little or nothing to lose, they may be more inclined to take risks or pursue opportunities without hesitation or fear of negative consequences.  This phrase is often used when someone is facing adversity, has hit rock bottom, or is in a position where they have little to lose in terms of material possessions, reputation, or personal standing.

to [have] nothing to lose

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The origin of the idiom "put one's shoulder to the wheel" can be traced back to a literal practice in the early days of industrialization. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the phrase referred to the act of physically pushing or turning a wheel, often in the context of machinery or transportation.

What is the origin of the idiom "put one's shoulder to the wheel" and when to use it?

to [put|keep|set|have] {one's} [shoulder] to the wheel

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The exact origin of the idiom "run on fumes" is unclear, as it has become a common idiomatic expression in the English language. The usage of "fumes" in this context likely stems from the idea of a vehicle running on the vapors or remaining traces of fuel, indicating that it is nearly out of gas.

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

to [run] on fumes

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The idiom "set one's heart on something" can be traced back to the Middle English period. The word "set" in this context means to fix or focus, while "heart" refers to one's desires, emotions, and passionate inclinations. The phrase likely originated from the metaphorical association of the heart as the center of one's desires and aspirations. It is frequently used in conversations about personal growth, relationships, education, or career planning, where individuals express their deep emotional attachment and unwavering commitment to attaining a specific objective.

What is the origin of the idiom "set one's heart on something" and when to use it?

to [set] {one's} heart on {sth}

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The idiom "stop at nothing" can be traced back to the early 19th century. The word "stop" in this context means to cease or halt, while "at nothing" indicates an absence of limitations or barriers. The phrase likely originated from the idea of someone being so determined that they would not allow anything to hinder or obstruct their pursuit of a goal. This phrase is commonly used in contexts such as sports, business, politics, and personal achievements, where individuals or organizations demonstrate an exceptional drive, resilience, and a disregard for conventional limits or boundaries.

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

to [stop] at nothing

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The idiom "hang in there" emerged in the mid-20th century and gained significant popularity during the 1970s through the widespread circulation of motivational posters featuring a determined kitten clinging to a branch. These posters became iconic symbols of resilience and perseverance as time went on. This expression is frequently used in personal conversations, as well as in professional settings such as work environments or academic settings, to uplift and motivate individuals during times of stress, uncertainty, or adversity.

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

to [hang] (on|) in there

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The idiom "get on top of" likely emerged from the literal concept of physically being on top of something, which symbolizes being in a position of control or authority. It is commonly employed in professional settings, such as in the workplace or business environments, to indicate taking proactive measures to handle tasks, projects, or challenges promptly.

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

to [get] on top of {sth}

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The idiom "give one's right arm" likely stems from the idea that the right arm is typically associated with strength, skill, and dexterity, especially for right-handed individuals. Therefore, offering to give up one's right arm symbolizes an extreme sacrifice or willingness to give something of great personal value.  This expression can be used in personal contexts, such as expressing one's willingness to make a significant sacrifice for a loved one or to achieve a lifelong dream. Additionally, it is commonly used in professional settings to highlight a person's strong dedication to their work or their willingness to go to great lengths to achieve success.

What is the origin of the idiom "give one's right arm" and when to use it?

to [give] {one's} (right arm|eyetooth)

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The idiom "if it is the last thing someone do" likely stems from the idea that when someone considers a list of actions or possibilities, the one mentioned as "the last thing" is the least preferred or the least likely to be chosen. It is commonly used to convey the depth of their commitment and highlights their readiness to go to great lengths, portraying a strong resolve that surpasses all else.

What is the origin of the idiom "if it is the last thing someone do" and when to use it?

if it is the last thing {sb} [do]

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The idiom "once and for all" has roots in Middle English and can be traced back to the 14th century. It is an idiomatic expression that emerged from the combination of the individual words "once" and "for all," which have been used separately in English for much longer. This expression is used in personal situations to resolve conflicts or make firm commitments, in professional settings to establish clear guidelines or decisions, in legal matters to settle disputes conclusively, and in discussions or debates to assert a final position or settle an argument.

What is the origin of the idiom "once and for all" and when to use it?

once and for all

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The origin of the idiom "stiff upper lip" can be traced back to British culture and its historical context. It is believed to have emerged during the Victorian era in the 19th century when displaying emotional restraint and maintaining a composed demeanor were highly valued traits, particularly among the British upper class. It is often invoked during times of personal hardship, loss, or tragedy, urging individuals to remain strong and composed despite their emotional turmoil.

What is the origin of the idiom "stiff upper lip" and when to use it?

stiff upper lip

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The phrase "there is no stopping someone" is a common expression in English, and its origin can be traced back to the natural way language evolves and the inherent concept it represents.  This expression is often used to highlight the indomitable spirit of individuals who overcome obstacles, exhibit exceptional perseverance, or possess an unyielding passion for their pursuits.

What is the origin of the idiom "there is no stopping someone" and when to use it?

there [is] no (stopping|holding) {sb}

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The idiom "break the back of something" likely emerged from a combination of the metaphorical use of "breaking" to denote overcoming or defeating something challenging, and the imagery of breaking the backbone of an animal to render it powerless. This expression can be used in professional settings to describe the completion of a difficult project, the resolution of a complex issue, or the achievement of a major milestone.

What is the origin of the idiom "break the back of something" and when to use it?

to [break] the back of {sth}

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The origin of the idiom "like a dog with a bone" can be traced to the innate behavior of dogs and their tendency to become possessive and determined when it comes to bones or other objects of interest. Dogs are known for their tenacity in holding onto bones, chewing on them, and not easily letting go. This natural behavior of dogs has been metaphorically applied to human characteristics, leading to idiomatic expression. This expression is now used informally to highlight someone's tenacity and single-minded focus on a specific matter, whether it is pursuing a personal ambition, advocating for a cause, solving a problem, or asserting a viewpoint.

What is the origin of the idiom "like a dog with a bone" and when to use it?

like a dog with a bone

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The phrase "eat the frog" is often attributed to Brian Tracy, a well-known author and motivational speaker, who popularized it in his book titled "Eat That Frog". The exact origin of the expression is unclear beyond its association with Tracy's book, as it is likely a metaphorical concept that has been used in various forms throughout history to emphasize the importance of tackling challenging tasks promptly. This expression is often used in professional settings to promote effective task prioritization and goal attainment. It is applicable in situations where individuals have a list of tasks to complete but may feel overwhelmed or tempted to procrastinate.

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

to [eat] (the|that) frog

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The idiom "break one's back" originated from the imagery of physical labor or heavy manual work that could potentially result in a back injury or strain. It is commonly employed in discussions about hard work, dedication, or strenuous labor. This expression can be used in work-related scenarios to describe someone going above and beyond their duties, putting in long hours, or taking on additional tasks to achieve success or meet demanding deadlines.

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

to [break] {one's} back

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The origin of the phrase "put one's heart into something" can be traced back to ancient Greek and Roman beliefs and literature. In ancient Greek philosophy, the heart was considered the seat of emotions and the source of passion and determination. This expression is often used to convey the idea of wholehearted commitment and the willingness to go above and beyond in order to achieve success or make a significant impact. It is commonly employed in discussions of personal and professional endeavors, creative projects, relationships, and even everyday tasks.

What is the origin of the idiom "put one's heart into something" and when to use it?

to [put] {one's} heart (and soul|) into {sth}

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The idiom "tie up loose ends" has its origins in the literal practice of tying loose or untied elements together to create a tidy result. The phrase likely emerged in the early 19th century, and its usage became more prevalent in the 20th century. It is commonly used in various contexts and occasions where there are unfinished tasks, unresolved issues, or loose threads that need to be addressed for completion.

What is the origin of the idiom "tie up loose ends" and when to use it?

to [tie] up loose ends

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The idiom "step on the gas" has its origin in the early 20th century, specifically in the automotive industry. It refers to the action of pressing down on the accelerator pedal in a vehicle to increase its speed. The phrase became popularized during the rise of automobiles and the widespread adoption of internal combustion engines. It is commonly employed in competitive situations, such as sports, business, or academic pursuits, where individuals are encouraged to push themselves beyond their current level of performance.

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

to [step] on the gas

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Discover how English idioms like "stop at nothing" and "play for keeps" relate to determination and hard work in English.

English Idioms for "Determination & Hard Work"