The phrase "on one's conscience" has its roots in the Latin word "conscientia," which means "knowledge within oneself" or "consciousness." The concept of conscience and its association with moral responsibility has been present in human societies for centuries. This idiom can be heard in conversations, debates, or discussions related to ethics, morality, and personal integrity. It is often used to emphasize the weight of guilt or remorse that someone carries due to their actions, highlighting the inner conflict and sense of responsibility they experience.

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

on {one's} conscience

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The phrase "eat someone alive" originated in the English language and has likely evolved naturally over time. It draws upon the figurative use of the verb "eat" to vividly convey the idea of causing someone extreme pain or distress. The expression is often used in informal contexts to describe situations where individuals are subjected to intense pressure, criticism, or competition that can mentally or emotionally overwhelm them.

What is the origin of the idiom "eat someone alive" and when to use it?

to [eat] {sb} alive

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The exact origin of the idiom "a lump in one's throat" is uncertain, as it has been used in various forms and contexts throughout history. The expression likely emerged from the physical sensation that individuals experience when they are strongly affected emotionally. It can be used in conversations about touching moments, heartwarming gestures, tearful goodbyes, or when reminiscing about cherished memories. The phrase captures the feeling of being moved to the point of speechlessness or having difficulty expressing emotions due to the constriction or tightness felt in the throat.

What is the origin of the idiom "a lump in one's throat" and when to use it?

a lump (in|to) {one's} throat

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The precise origin of the phrase "eat one's heart out" is uncertain, but it is thought to stem from the metaphorical connection between emotional pain and the physical sensation of heartache. This idiom is employed when someone experiences profound emotional distress or sorrow, often related to a lost opportunity, unfulfilled desire, or unrequited love.

What is the origin of the idiom "eat one's heart out" and when to use it?

to [eat] {one's} heart out

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The idiom "open the floodgates" originated from the literal act of opening the gates of a dam or reservoir to release a large volume of water rapidly. It can be used to show the release of long-restrained emotions, such as when someone finally expresses their long-suppressed feelings, leading to an outpouring of emotions.

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

to [open] the floodgates

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The origin of the idiom "nose out of joint" can be traced back to the 17th century. The phrase was first recorded in the play "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare. This phrase is commonly used in various contexts to describe situations where someone feels offended, upset, or annoyed due to a perceived slight or a sense of being treated unfairly. It is often employed in interpersonal relationships, both personal and professional.

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

{one's} nose out of joint

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The origin of the idiom "take something to heart" can be traced back to the Middle Ages. The concept of the heart as the seat of emotions and feelings has long been associated with deep emotional involvement. The phrase evolved from the belief that the heart was not only the physical organ but also the center of one's emotions and innermost thoughts. The idiom is commonly used in personal growth, self-reflection, and interpersonal relationships, emphasizing the emotional investment and sincere consideration of the matter at hand. It conveys the idea of deeply valuing and being influenced by the significance of the information or experience.

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

to [take] {sth} to heart

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The origin of the idiom "out of one's element" is believed to come from the classical elements theory, which originated in ancient Greece. It is commonly employed when discussing instances of individuals feeling out of place, lacking confidence, or struggling to adapt to a specific situation or context. This phrase can be used in personal or professional settings.

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

out of {one's} element

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The origin of the phrase "sick and tired" can be traced back to the 16th century. The word "sick" in this context means weary or fed up, while "tired" means exhausted or fatigued. This idiom is used in various contexts to express profound frustration or weariness with a particular situation, person, or ongoing circumstances. This idiomatic expression is commonly used in personal conversations, informal settings, and even in written or spoken expressions of discontent.

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

sick and tired

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The origin of the phrase "in the dumps" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the mid-19th century. It is commonly employed in informal conversations and everyday language to express one's own feelings or to empathize with others experiencing sadness or disappointment. This phrase can be used when discussing personal struggles, such as after a breakup, during a period of grief, or when feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges.

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

(down|) in the dumps

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The idiom "cry someone a river" does not have a specific documented origin, it likely emerged organically as a way to describe this behavior pattern in interpersonal relationships.The expression uses the imagery of crying as a means of creating an emotional impact on someone else, much like the imagery of someone crying so much that they could form a river of tears. This expression is used to convey a specific type of emotional manipulation, where tears are employed as a tool to influence the feelings or actions of others.

What is the origin of the idiom "cry someone a river" and when to use it?

to [cry] {sb} a river

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The exact origin of the phrase "broken heart" is difficult to trace, but it has been used as a metaphor for emotional pain and distress for centuries in various cultural and literary traditions. It represents the deep impact of heartbreak and loss on a person's emotions and well-being. It is commonly used when discussing the end of a romantic relationship, such as a breakup or divorce, where one person feels deeply hurt and devastated. The phrase is also employed to describe feelings of grief and sadness following the loss of a loved one.

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

broken heart

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The phrase "break one's heart" originated in Old English and Middle English literature, gaining popularity during the Renaissance era. It is commonly employed when discussing the end of a romantic relationship, such as a devastating breakup or divorce, where one's heart is metaphorically shattered by the loss of love and companionship. The phrase is also used to depict the anguish and sorrow experienced after the loss of a loved one, evoking the deep emotional impact and grief.

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

to [break] {one's} heart

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Master English idioms regarding sadness or discontent, like "open the floodgates" and "broken heart".

English Idioms for "Sadness or Discontent"