The origin of the idiom "get away with murder" can be traced back to the early 19th century. The expression is believed to have emerged from the legal system and the concept that murder is one of the most serious crimes one can commit. It is often employed in discussions about justice, law enforcement, and ethics to criticize situations where individuals or entities seem to evade punishment or face minimal repercussions despite engaging in significant wrongdoing.

What is the origin of the idiom "get away with murder" and when to use it?

to [get] away with murder

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The idiom "jump the line" likely emerged organically within English-speaking communities as a way to describe the act of unfairly bypassing others who are patiently waiting their turn. The imagery of "jumping" implies a sudden and unauthorized action, highlighting the disregard for the established order. It is often utilized in everyday conversations, informal settings, or even in more formal discussions to express disapproval, highlight a breach of fairness, or emphasize the importance of respecting proper order and turns.

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

to [jump] the line

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The idiom 'conflict of interest' originated in the mid-20th century and is used in situations where individuals or entities have dual roles or interests that could potentially make it hard for them to be fair. It is often used in legal, ethical, and professional contexts where transparency, fairness, and honesty are crucial. It is a reminder to be careful when people have different interests that could get in the way of doing the right thing.

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

conflict of interest

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The exact origin of the idiom "raw deal" is not definitively known, but it is believed to have emerged in the United States during the early 20th century. It is associated with American English and has been commonly used in informal speech and writing. The phrase gained popularity and became more widely known through its usage in various contexts, including literature, film, and everyday conversations. The phrase is commonly used in informal conversations, everyday discussions, or even in more formal contexts to express a sense of dissatisfaction or a perception of being on the receiving end of an unjust treatment.

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

raw deal

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The origin of the phrase "tar someone or something with the same brush" can be traced back to the practice of using brushes to apply tar or paint to surfaces. In this context, if one brush was used to apply tar to a particular object, it would inevitably carry traces of the tar. If another object was subsequently painted with the same brush, it would also acquire those traces, regardless of whether or not it deserved the same treatment. It is commonly employed in discussions related to prejudice, stereotypes, discrimination, or biased judgments.

What is the origin of the idiom "tar someone or something with the same brush" and when to use it?

to [tar] {sb/sth} with the same brush

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The origin of the idiom "cheap shot" can be traced back to sports, particularly boxing. It originated in the early 20th century and referred to a punch or blow that was considered unsportsmanlike or delivered when the opponent was unprepared or defenseless. Today, it is commonly used in various domains to describe actions or remarks that are perceived as unfair, disrespectful, or taking advantage of someone.

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

cheap shot

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The origin of the idiom "cry foul" can be traced back to sports, specifically to the game of cricket. In cricket, players would shout "foul" to indicate that a ball was not played according to the rules or that an opponent had violated the fair play standards. It can be used in various contexts and occasions, including sports, politics, business, relationships, or any scenario where there is a perceived violation of rules, ethics, or fairness.

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

to [cry] foul

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The exact origin of the idiom "kangaroo court" is uncertain, but it is believed to have emerged in the United States during the mid-19th century. The term draws upon the behavior and reputation of kangaroos, which are known for their hopping and unpredictable movements. It is commonly used to criticize makeshift or informal courts that lack proper legal procedures and impartiality.

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

kangaroo court

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The exact origin of the idiom "get a free pass" is unclear, but it draws upon the concept of a pass or ticket that grants someone permission or access without cost or restrictions. It can be used in discussions about social dynamics, politics, ethics, or personal situations.

What is the origin of the idiom "get a free pass" and when to use it?

to [get] a free pass

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The origin of the idiom "below the belt" can be traced back to the sport of boxing. In boxing, there are rules and regulations that define legal and illegal target areas for punches. Striking an opponent below the beltline, specifically hitting the groin area, is considered an illegal blow and is penalized. It implies that someone is hitting or attacking another person in a way that is unfair, unethical, or taking advantage of their vulnerabilities. Over time, the phrase has been adopted and used in various contexts beyond the world of boxing to describe any action or remark that is considered unfair or exploitative.

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

below the belt

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The idiom "judge, jury, and executioner" has its origins in the concept of frontier justice, particularly during the American Old West era. In those times, when law enforcement was often limited or absent, individuals or groups would take it upon themselves to maintain order and administer justice. This involved assuming the roles of judge, jury, and executioner, making decisions on guilt or innocence and carrying out punishments without formal legal proceedings. This phrase is commonly used in discussions surrounding issues of justice, governance, and authority, particularly when there are concerns about abuse of power, lack of accountability, or the absence of impartiality.

What is the origin of the idiom "judge, jury, and executioner" and when to use it?

judge, jury, and executioner

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The idiom "the short end of the stick" is believed to have originated from a literal practice involving the use of sticks or straws to determine one's share or position. In certain situations, such as dividing tasks or allocating resources, individuals would draw or select sticks of varying lengths. The person who drew the shortest stick would receive the least desirable outcome or the most challenging task. It is commonly employed when discussing matters of fairness, inequality, or perceived injustice.

What is the origin of the idiom "the short end of the stick" and when to use it?

the short end of the stick

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Explore English idioms that relate to injustice, including "jump the line" and "below the belt".

English Idioms for "Injustice"