The idiom "vote with one's pocketbook" originated in the United States in the early 20th century. It emerged during a time when consumerism was on the rise and individuals began to recognize the power of their purchasing decisions. The phrase draws a parallel between the act of voting in elections and the act of making consumer choices.

What is the origin of the idiom "vote with one's pocketbook" and when to use it?

to [vote] with {one's} [pocketbook|dollar|purse]

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The origin of the idiom "drive a wedge" can be traced back to its literal meaning. The use of wedges as tools to create separation or division predates the idiomatic expression. In carpentry and other manual trades, wedges are used to split or drive apart objects or materials. It is commonly used in discussions related to interpersonal relationships, politics, social dynamics, and conflicts.

What is the origin of the idiom "drive a wedge" and when to use it?

to [drive] a wedge

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The idiom "bridge the gap" draws upon the literal concept of building a bridge to span a physical gap or divide. This phrase has been widely used in various contexts, including social, cultural, and technological domains. Its usage has become deeply embedded in everyday language to describe efforts to overcome differences, establish understanding, or foster cooperation.

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

to [bridge] the (gap|gulf|divide)

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The idiom "spin doctor" is believed to have originated in the United States and its origins can be traced back to the field of public relations and the world of politics. It gained prominence in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It is used when discussing individuals or professionals who strategically manage information and communication to shape public opinion.

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

spin doctor

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The origin of the idiom "divide and conquer" can be traced back to ancient times. The concept has been used by various military and political strategists throughout history. The phrase itself is commonly attributed to the Roman general Julius Caesar, who reportedly said, "Divide et impera" (Latin for "divide and rule"). This phrase is used in various contexts and occasions where strategies of fragmentation and control are employed.

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

to [divide] and [conquer|rule]

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The idiom "drain the swamp" has a historical origin that predates its political usage. It can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States. It is often used in politics when politicians promise to get rid of bad practices and bring positive changes.

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

to [drain] the swamp

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The idiom "new wine in an old bottle" originates from a metaphor used by Jesus in the New Testament of the Bible, illustrating that new ideas or teachings cannot fit or thrive within old, inflexible structures. It is used to emphasize the need for compatible frameworks to accommodate innovation and change.

What is the origin of the idiom "new wine in an old bottle" and when to use it?

new wine in an old bottle

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The idiom "old wine in a new bottle" originates from a metaphor used by Jesus in the Bible, emphasizing the need for new vessels to hold new wine. This phrase is commonly used in discussions about marketing, product development, art, or any situation where there is a perceived lack of genuine innovation or substantive change.

What is the origin of the idiom "old wine in a new bottle" and when to use it?

old wine in a new bottle

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The idiom "pass the buck" has its origin in American poker during the 19th century. In poker games, a marker or token called a "buck" was used to indicate the player who was the dealer. When a player did not want to assume the responsibility of dealing, they would "pass the buck" to the next player. It is commonly employed in discussions related to decision-making, accountability, and problem-solving.

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

to [pass] the buck

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The idiom "flex one's muscles" originated from the literal action of flexing or contracting one's muscles to demonstrate strength or physical prowess. The term "flex" refers to the action of tightening or contracting muscles, typically done to showcase their size, definition, or power. Over time, the phrase became a figurative way to describe assertive displays of power, skill, or authority in different domains.

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

to [flex] {one's} muscles

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The idiom "plum tree" has its origin in the concept of a literal plum tree. The plum tree is known for producing sweet, succulent fruits that are highly desirable. In the context of the idiom, the metaphorical plum tree symbolizes an opportunity or benefit that is coveted and valued. Just as people would compete for the choicest plums on a tree, individuals in professional or political settings strive to attain the most advantageous positions or opportunities.

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

plum tree

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The origin of the idiom "dream ticket" can be traced back to American politics, specifically to the presidential election campaigns. The term gained prominence in the mid-20th century, particularly during the 1984 United States presidential election. During this time, the idea of a "dream ticket" emerged as a popular concept, referring to a potential pairing of two highly regarded and complementary candidates from the same political party. The term was used to describe an ideal combination that would maximize the party's chances of electoral success by appealing to a broad range of voters. Since then, "dream ticket" has become a widely recognized phrase used not only in politics but also in other contexts to describe an ideal or highly desirable pairing or combination.

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

dream ticket

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The origin of the idiom "take the floor" can be traced back to the world of dance and performance. In dance settings, "taking the floor" refers to stepping onto the dance floor to perform or showcase one's skills. Over time, the phrase's meaning expanded beyond the realm of dance and became more widely used to describe assuming a prominent position to speak or present. The metaphorical connection between taking the physical floor in dance and taking the figurative floor in speech or presentation likely influenced the adoption of the idiom in its current context. It is frequently employed in formal settings such as conferences, seminars, public meetings, or debates, where individuals step forward to deliver speeches or make compelling arguments.

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

to [take] the floor

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The origin of the idiom "on the stump" can be traced back to the 19th century in the United States. During that time, political candidates would often deliver speeches in outdoor settings, using a tree stump as a makeshift platform. These stump speeches were a common way for candidates to connect with voters and share their views and campaign promises. Over time, the phrase "on the stump" came to represent the act of actively campaigning, delivering speeches, and engaging with the public during an election. While the practice of delivering speeches on an actual tree stump has become less common, the idiom "on the stump" continues to be used to describe political campaigning efforts.

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

on the stump

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Dive into English idioms regarding politics, like "drive a wedge" and "spin doctor".

English Idioms for "Politics"