The origin of the idiom "bend the rules" can be traced back to ancient times when societies had established codes of conduct and legal systems. This phrase likely draws upon the physical action of bending something that is typically rigid or inflexible and conveys the idea of adjusting or manipulating rules to suit a particular situation or purpose. It is frequently used in discussions related to governance, sports, business, education, and any other areas where rules and regulations are in place, but some degree of flexibility or leniency is exercised to achieve specific goals or outcomes.

What is the origin of the idiom "bend the rules" and when to use it?

to [bend|stretch] the rules

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The origin of the idiom "dead to rights" is believed to be rooted in American English, and it has been in use since the early 20th century. It is typically used in informal or colloquial language, particularly in discussions related to law enforcement, crime, or situations involving catching someone in the act.

What is the origin of the idiom "dead to rights" and when to use it?

dead to rights

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The idiom "blood on one's hands" has roots in biblical references, such as the story of Cain and Abel, and has been further popularized through its usage in literary works like Shakespeare's Macbeth. It is commonly employed in discussions about war crimes, acts of violence, or situations where individuals or groups are seen as directly responsible for the loss of lives or inflicting pain.

What is the origin of the idiom "blood on one's hands" and when to use it?

blood on {one's} hands

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The idiom "smoking gun" has its origins in the world of detective fiction and crime investigations. It gained wider popularity and usage in the 20th century. It is used in discussions related to criminal investigations, scandals, legal proceedings, or situations where conclusive proof is presented.

What is the origin of the idiom "smoking gun" and when to use it?

smoking gun

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The phrase "beard the lion in his den" originated from Shakespeare's play "Richard III" and refers to the act of confronting a powerful opponent or authority figure in their own territory or domain. It symbolizes the courage to face a formidable challenge or danger head-on. It is commonly employed in situations involving challenging authority figures, taking on formidable opponents, or standing up to influential individuals in their own stronghold.

What is the origin of the idiom "beard the lion in his den" and when to use it?

to [beard] the lion in (his|her) den

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The idiom "break ranks" has its origins in military terminology and tactics. In a military formation, soldiers stand in a line or formation called ranks. "Breaking ranks" refers to an individual soldier or a group of soldiers deviating from the prescribed formation by stepping out of line or breaking the orderly arrangement. The term has been figuratively extended beyond its military context to describe acts of dissent, rebellion, or disagreement within an organization, group, or team, where someone goes against the established norms or unity.

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

to [break] ranks

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The idiom "take the law into one's hands" has its origins in English common law and legal principles. It refers to the act of individuals or groups assuming the role of law enforcement or justice system without proper authority or due process. It is commonly employed in discussions surrounding issues of perceived injustice, lack of trust in the legal system, or situations where individuals feel compelled to seek their own form of retribution.

What is the origin of the idiom "take the law into one's hands" and when to use it?

to [take] the law into {one's} (own|) hands

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The idiom "jump the light" originated from the context of traffic signals and traffic laws. It is derived from the action of physically "jumping" or disregarding a traffic light, specifically when it changes from red to green. The phrase is used to describe situations where individuals or vehicles disregard the red signal at a traffic light and proceed through the intersection without stopping. It can be found in conversations about traffic accidents, traffic law enforcement, or discussions on the importance of obeying traffic signals.

What is the origin of the idiom "jump the light" and when to use it?

to [jump] the [light]

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The idiom "the law of the jungle" originated from Rudyard Kipling's collection of stories called "The Jungle Book," published in 1894. Kipling used the term to describe the natural order and survival instincts observed in the animal kingdom, particularly in the jungle setting depicted in his stories. This phrase  can be found in conversations about business, politics, sports, or social interactions, particularly when describing situations where individuals are driven by survival instincts, ruthless ambition, or a lack of ethical constraints.

What is the origin of the idiom "the law of the jungle" and when to use it?

the law of the jungle

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The origin of the idiom "bandit territory" can be traced back to historical contexts where banditry and criminal activities were prevalent in certain regions. It is often used in discussions related to travel advisories, security concerns, or assessments of certain regions. The phrase can be found in conversations about remote or poorly governed areas where bandits, thieves, or other criminal elements operate with relative impunity.

What is the origin of the idiom "bandit territory" and when to use it?

bandit territory

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The origin of the idiom "jump the line" can be traced back to the concept of queuing or waiting in a line. While the exact origin is difficult to pinpoint, the phrase likely emerged as a colloquial expression in English-speaking regions where queuing etiquette is commonly practiced. The phrase draws on the visual imagery of someone physically "jumping" or bypassing the line, indicating an unfair or improper action. The phrase is used to express frustration, annoyance, or condemnation towards individuals who disregard the social norm of waiting their turn.

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

to [jump] the line

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The idiom "off the back of a truck" originated from the idea of stolen or illegally obtained goods being sold or acquired from the back of a truck. It is often used in informal conversations, particularly when discussing items that appear suspicious or are obtained without proper documentation or authorization. The phrase is used to convey a sense of skepticism or doubt about the legitimacy of the goods in question.

What is the origin of the idiom "off the back of a truck" and when to use it?

off the back of a truck

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The idiom "AWOL" originated in military usage and is an acronym for "Absent Without Leave." Its precise origin is attributed to the military and dates back to the early 19th century. It can be used in discussions about employee misconduct, academic misconduct, or any situation where someone fails to fulfill their responsibilities.

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

AWOL

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The idiom "French leave" is believed to have emerged in the 18th or 19th century and is associated with British usage. The term "French leave" does not have a direct connection to French culture or practices. Instead, it is thought to have been a playful or sarcastic way for the British to describe an unannounced and unauthorized absence, suggesting that the French were known for their nonchalant or carefree approach to such matters. It's important to note that the term may carry stereotypes or outdated connotations, and its usage should be considered with sensitivity in modern contexts.

What is the origin of the idiom "French leave" and when to use it?

French leave

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The origin of the phrase "slip someone a Mickey" can be traced back to the early 20th century in the United States. It is thought to be derived from the name of a person who was notorious for drugging unsuspecting individuals. Over time, the phrase became more widely used to describe the act of secretly administering a drug to someone with the intent of incapacitating or sedating them. It is important to note that the phrase may carry negative connotations due to the unethical and potentially illegal nature of drugging someone without their consent.

What is the origin of the idiom "slip someone a Mickey" and when to use it?

to [slip] {sb} a Mickey (Finn|)

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The origin of the idiom "pink elephants" in the context of hallucinations or alcohol-induced visions can be traced back to the early 20th century. The term became more widely known and referenced through various forms of popular culture, such as literature, films, and cartoons. One notable example is the 1941 Disney film "Dumbo," where the main character, Dumbo the elephant, experiences a sequence featuring pink elephants after accidentally consuming alcohol. It is often used in social gatherings, parties, or casual conversations when discussing the effects of drinking or referencing the idea of seeing things that are not there.

What is the origin of the idiom "pink elephants" and when to use it?

pink elephants

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The origin of the idiom "out of season" can be traced back to traditional hunting practices and the need for wildlife conservation. It is commonly used in discussions related to wildlife management, conservation, and hunting practices. Hunters, wildlife conservationists, and authorities responsible for enforcing hunting laws and regulations use the term to emphasize the importance of adhering to designated hunting seasons and respecting the natural breeding, migration, and resting patterns of wildlife.

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

out of season

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Explore English idioms that relate to defying the norms with examples like "bandit territory" and "break ranks".

English Idioms for "Defying Norms"