The idiom "voice crying in the wilderness" originates from the Bible, specifically from the Gospel of Matthew. It refers to John the Baptist, who was described as a voice proclaiming a message in the deserted wilderness, preparing the way for Jesus Christ. It is often used in discussions about activism, social change, or advocacy, highlighting the struggle of individuals who passionately advocate for their beliefs or ideas, even when they face resistance or indifference.

What is the origin of the idiom "voice crying in the wilderness" and when to use it?

a voice crying in the wilderness

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The idiom "against the grain" originated from the practice of milling or grinding grains, particularly wheat. When grinding wheat into flour, it is more efficient and easier to go with the natural alignment of the grain, as it requires less energy and produces a smoother result. However, if one were to grind the wheat "against the grain," going in the opposite direction, it would be harder and more challenging. It can be applied to situations where people challenge societal standards, question traditional practices, or choose their own paths.

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

against the grain

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The origin of the idiom "a law unto oneself" can be traced back to the concept of self-governance and personal autonomy. While it is difficult to pinpoint a specific origin, the phrase embodies a philosophical idea that individuals have the ability to establish their own rules and principles, separate from external laws or societal norms. This phrase is used when someone consistently does things their own way, based on what they think is right, without caring about what others say or any rules from outside.

What is the origin of the idiom "a law unto oneself" and when to use it?

a law unto {oneself}

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The idiom "beyond the pale" has its origins in the historical use of the word "pale" to refer to a fence or boundary. Specifically, it refers to the English Pale in Ireland, which was a defined area under English control. It is used when discussing situations or conduct that is believed to be morally, socially, or culturally unacceptable.

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

beyond the pale

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The origin of the idiom "break the mold" can be traced back to the manufacturing process of creating objects using molds. A mold is a hollow form or pattern that is used to shape a material, such as clay, metal, or plastic, into a specific form. This phrase is often employed to praise and celebrate uniqueness, originality, and innovation.

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

to [break] the mold

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The idiom "cross the line" likely emerged from the concept of drawing lines or boundaries to establish acceptable behavior or standards. By crossing the line, someone is symbolically stepping over that boundary, often into territory that is considered unacceptable, offensive, or morally objectionable. It is often used to describe situations where someone's actions, words, or behavior overstep what is considered acceptable, appropriate, or morally right.

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

to [cross] (the|a) line

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The idiom "out of bounds" is a figurative extension of the literal meaning of the phrase as used in sports where it refers to going outside the designated playing area. Over time, this usage has been adopted metaphorically to describe actions or behavior that exceed societal norms or boundaries.

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

out of bounds

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The origin of the idiom "step out of line" can be traced back to military formations and drills. In formal military settings, soldiers are required to maintain precise alignment and positioning within the formation. Any deviation from the straight line or the assigned position is considered a breach of discipline and order. Stepping out of line disrupts the visual unity and uniformity of the formation, often resulting in reprimands or corrective actions. It is commonly used in personal, professional, and societal settings to address instances where someone's actions, conduct, or statements go against established boundaries.

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

to [step|be] out of line

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The origin of the idiom "sacred cow" can be traced back to Hinduism, particularly in India, where cows hold a revered status. In Hindu culture, cows are considered sacred animals and are associated with various deities. It is commonly used in discussions about cultural, religious, or societal norms that are considered unquestionable or resistant to change.

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

sacred cow

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The idiom "line in the sand" originated from the Battle of the Alamo in 1836, where Colonel William Travis drew a symbolic line and asked his fellow defenders to cross it if they were committed to fighting. It is often used in discussions about personal relationships, politics, negotiations, conflicts, or decision-making processes.

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

line in the sand

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The idiom "break every rule in the book" draws on the concept of rulebooks or rule sets that govern various domains of human activity, such as law, sports, or social conventions. This phrase is commonly used in discussions about unconventional behavior, acts of defiance, or situations where someone goes against societal norms or expectations.

What is the origin of the idiom "break every rule in the book" and when to use it?

to [break] every rule in the book

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The idiom "the done thing" is often used to describe actions or behaviors that are considered appropriate or expected within a particular social or cultural context. The phrase is used to imply adherence to established norms or conventions, reflecting a sense of propriety or decorum.

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

the done thing

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The origin of the idiom "herd mentality" can be traced back to the concept of herd behavior observed in animals, particularly in groups of animals like sheep or cattle. It is used to refer to the instinctual behavior of animals to stick together and follow the movement or actions of the herd for safety and survival. This expression can be used in diverse settings, including social media trends, consumer behavior, political movements, and even decision-making processes.

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

herd mentality

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The idiom "go against the tide" comes from sailing terms. When sailing, the tide refers to the movement of the water caused by the moon and sun. Going against the tide means sailing in the opposite direction of the water's flow. This idiom can be invoked when discussing individuals who hold unconventional beliefs, pursue alternative approaches, or make choices that are different from the mainstream.

What is the origin of the idiom "go against the tide" and when to use it?

to [swim|go] against the (tide|stream)

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The origin of the idiom "play the game" is rooted in the concept of participating in organized sports or games, where individuals follow the established rules and regulations. This phrase was later used to describe engaging in various aspects of life, such as business, politics, or social interactions, where operating within the accepted rules and conventions is essential for achieving success or desired outcomes.

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

to [play] the game

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The idiom "go rogue" originally came from spy stories, where it referred to agents who acted on their own without following orders. This phrase can be used in conversations about politics, business, entertainment, or any situation where someone breaks away from the expected or accepted course of action.

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

to [go] rogue

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The idiom "overstep the mark" finds its origin in the concept of boundaries or markers that define acceptable behavior. It draws from the idea of physical markers or lines, like those in sports or games, which delineate the acceptable limits of play. It is used when individuals go too far in their actions, behavior, or remarks, causing offense, crossing social norms, or violating established rules.

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

to [overstep] the (mark|line)

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Dive into English idioms regarding social norms and conformity, like "against the grain" and "play the game".

English Idioms for "Social Norms & Conformity"