The idiom "slap on the wrist" originated from the idea of giving someone a light physical punishment by lightly hitting their wrist. It is used to describe a mild or lenient form of reprimand or penalty for someone's wrongdoing. The phrase suggests that the punishment is not severe and does not effectively discourage or correct the behavior. It has been in use for a long time and is commonly used to express disapproval when a punishment is seen as too lenient or ineffective.

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

to [slap] {sb} on the wrist

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The origin of the idiom "bring someone to book" can be traced back to the practice of keeping records or account books, particularly in legal contexts. In the past, when someone was accused of a crime or wrongdoing, their name would be recorded in a book as part of the legal process. It is often employed in legal and judicial settings to describe the process of pursuing justice for crimes or offenses committed.

What is the origin of the idiom "bring someone to book" and when to use it?

to [bring] {sb} to book

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The idiom "face the music" originated from the world of theater, where actors were required to face the orchestra pit (known as the "music") when receiving either applause or booing from the audience. It is commonly employed when someone is responsible for their behavior, whether it's in personal relationships, professional settings, or legal matters.

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

to [face] the music

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The idiom "have it coming" has its origins in the early 20th century, specifically in American English. It is commonly employed when discussing situations of justice or fairness, emphasizing that someone is facing the appropriate outcome as a result of their choices.

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

to [have] it coming

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The idiom "take the fall" is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, primarily in American English. The phrase likely emerged within the context of criminal or legal settings, where individuals would take responsibility or accept blame for crimes committed by others. It is commonly employed in discussions related to legal matters, criminal activities, and situations involving accountability.

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

to [take] the fall

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The origin of the idiom "hair shirt" can be traced back to religious practices and traditions that date back centuries. The practice of wearing a hair shirt as a form of penance or self-mortification was prevalent in various religious orders, particularly in medieval Christianity. The use of a hair shirt was seen as a way to demonstrate humility, repentance, and spiritual discipline.

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

hair shirt

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The idiom "up the river" originated in the United States in the 19th century and refers to the practice of transporting prisoners by boat or barge to penitentiaries located upstream along rivers. It is often employed in conversations or discussions surrounding criminal justice, legal matters, or personal anecdotes involving incarceration.

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

up the river

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The idiom "at Her Majesty's pleasure" has its origins in British law and is associated with the legal system of the United Kingdom. It has been used for centuries and is rooted in the authority of the British monarch. The concept of royal prerogative, including the power to determine the length of imprisonment, has historical roots in the discretionary powers of the British crown. It is used when referring to individuals, often juveniles or those deemed mentally unfit, who are sentenced without a fixed term and are subject to the discretion of the monarch or relevant authorities for determining the duration of their confinement.

What is the origin of the idiom "at Her Majesty's pleasure" and when to use it?

at (Her|His) Majesty's pleasure

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The exact origin of the idiom "sue the pants off someone or something" is unclear. However, it is believed to have emerged as a colloquial expression in the United States during the 20th century. The phrase likely developed as a colorful and exaggerated way to convey the idea of pursuing legal action with great determination and intensity. It is used when someone intends to take strong legal action against another party, typically seeking significant compensation or damages.

What is the origin of the idiom "sue the pants off someone or something" and when to use it?

to [sue] the pants off (of|) {sb/sth}

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The idiom "dead man walking" originated in the context of the American prison system, particularly in reference to death row inmates. It gained significant attention and recognition after the release of the book "Dead Man Walking" by Sister Helen Prejean in 1993. The book recounts her experiences as a spiritual advisor to death row inmates and examines the moral and ethical implications of capital punishment. It can be used in the context of discussing the death penalty, criminal justice, or legal proceedings involving capital offenses.

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

dead man walking

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The idiom "put someone to death" has been used for centuries and its origin can be traced back to the practice of capital punishment that has existed in various cultures throughout history. The specific origin of the phrase itself is difficult to pinpoint, as it naturally emerged in discussions and documentation related to executions. It is used in formal and official settings, such as courtrooms, legal documents, and discussions among legal professionals, when referring to the act of carrying out the authorized and lawful penalty of death.

What is the origin of the idiom "put someone to death" and when to use it?

to [put] {sb} to death

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The idiom "bring someone to account" originated from the Middle English period and has roots in Old French and Latin. The word "account" comes from the Old French word "aconter," which means "to reckon" or "to count." This term was derived from the Latin word "computare," meaning "to calculate." Over time, it came to be used in legal and administrative contexts to refer to the act of holding someone responsible or making them answer for their actions.

What is the origin of the idiom "bring someone to account" and when to use it?

to [bring|call] {sb} to account

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The idiom "one's head on a plate" has its origins in the Bible, specifically in the New Testament. It refers to the story of John the Baptist's execution, as recounted in the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Mark. This expression is frequently used in political, legal, or professional settings, where individuals may face severe repercussions for their actions, such as being fired, facing legal charges, or enduring public humiliation.

What is the origin of the idiom "one's head on a plate" and when to use it?

{one's} head on a (plate|platter)

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The idiom "rap someone on the knuckles" has its origins in the physical act of disciplining students in educational settings. In the past, it was common for teachers or schoolmasters to use a ruler or similar object to lightly strike or "rap" a student's knuckles as a form of punishment for misbehavior or mistakes. This physical action was intended to serve as a deterrent and a reminder to the student to correct their behavior. It is commonly used in situations where a person has made a small mistake, acted inappropriately, or deviated from expected norms.

What is the origin of the idiom "rap someone on the knuckles" and when to use it?

to [rap] {sb} (on|over|across) the knuckles

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The origin of the idiom "the devil to pay" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated from nautical terminology. In traditional wooden ship construction, the "devil" referred to a narrow seam or joint between the hull planks. This particular seam, known as "the devil," was challenging to access and caulk or seal. "To pay" in this context meant to seal or cover with pitch, tar, or other materials. The phrase "the devil to pay" was used to describe the arduous and difficult task of caulking or repairing this seam.

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

the devil to pay

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The origin of the idiom "a price on one's head" can be traced back to historical practices of offering bounties for capturing or killing wanted individuals. In ancient times and throughout history, it was not uncommon for authorities or powerful figures to offer a monetary reward, or "price," to incentivize others to capture or harm a specific person. This practice was particularly prevalent during times of political unrest, where rewards were often offered for the capture or elimination of political enemies or fugitives.

What is the origin of the idiom "a price on one's head" and when to use it?

a price on {one's} [head]

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Explore English idioms regarding punishment with examples like "face the music" and "have it coming".

English Idioms for "Punishment"