The origin of the idiom "watch the clock" is rooted in the literal act of observing or monitoring a clock to keep track of time. The phrase has been in use for centuries and is derived from the practice of using clocks to measure and manage time. The origin of the phrase itself can be traced back to the widespread use of mechanical clocks in various cultures throughout history. It can be used in professional settings, such as workplaces, to remind individuals to be mindful of deadlines, meeting times, or project timelines.

What is the origin of the idiom "watch the clock" and when to use it?

to [watch] the clock

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The origin of the phrase "on the spot" can be traced back to the late 16th century. The phrase likely originated from the idea of being physically present at a specific spot or location, emphasizing the need for prompt and instant response. It is often used in situations that demand quick thinking, problem-solving, or adaptability.

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

on the spot

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The origin of the idiom "time flies" can be traced back to ancient Latin literature, specifically to the phrase "tempus fugit," meaning "time flees" or "time flies." This expression reflects the universal human experience of time passing swiftly and is found in various literary works throughout history. The concept of time flying has been a recurring theme in philosophical and poetic discourse, emphasizing the transient nature of moments and the swift passage of time. Over centuries, the sentiment has been carried forward and translated into different languages, becoming a widely used and recognized expression to convey the perception that time seems to move quickly, especially during enjoyable or memorable experiences

What is the origin of the idiom "time flies" and when to use it?

time flies

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The idiom "at the drop of a hat" is believed to have emerged in the mid-19th century. The phrase is often associated with Western cowboy culture, where dropping a hat was used as a signal to start a horse race or a fight. The action of dropping the hat was meant to initiate an immediate response or action from the participants.

What is the origin of the idiom "at the drop of a hat" and when to use it?

at the drop of a (hat|dime)

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The idiom "in a trice" has its origins in Middle English and dates back to the 14th century. The word "trice" derives from the Middle Dutch word "trise" or the Middle French word "trice," both of which mean "a moment" or "a short period of time." It is often used when describing tasks or activities that are accomplished quickly or efficiently.

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

in a trice

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The exact origin of the idiom "in two shakes" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the mid-19th century. The phrase likely developed from the expression "a shake," which referred to a short period of time or a brief moment. The addition of "two" in the phrase "in two shakes" emphasizes an even shorter duration, further emphasizing the quickness or immediacy of an action. It is often used in informal conversations or casual writing to convey a sense of immediacy.

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

in two shakes

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The origin of the idiom "on a dime" can be traced back to the United States, specifically in the realm of sports, particularly basketball. The phrase originated in the mid-20th century and is commonly associated with the sport of basketball. It refers to a player's ability to make quick and precise movements, such as changing direction or stopping abruptly, often within a very small space. The phrase likely derives from the size of a dime, which is small and represents a tight turning radius or the ability to maneuver in a limited area. It is frequently employed in sports discussions, such as basketball, soccer, or football, to highlight the skill of players who can swiftly change direction or halt their movement in a small space.

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

on a dime

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The origin of the idiom "out of the gate" can be traced back to horse racing. In horse racing, the starting gates are used to contain the horses before the race begins. When the gates open, the horses burst out, initiating the race. It is often used in sports discussions, particularly in racing-related activities, such as horse racing, car racing, or track and field events, to emphasize the quick start of participants.

What is the origin of the idiom "make a go of something" and when to use it?

(right|) out of the [gate]

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The idiom "at a stroke " has its origins in the English language and dates back to at least the 16th century. Its usage can be traced to idiomatic expressions and figures of speech that convey the idea of a single, decisive action. It is often employed in discussions related to decision-making, policy changes, or problem-solving, emphasizing the ability to bring about immediate and far-reaching results.

What is the origin of the idiom "at a stroke" and when to use it?

at a (single|) stroke

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The idiom "now or never" dates back to the 16th century and has its origins in the English language. It is a combination of the adverb "now," indicating the present time, and the adverb "never," denoting the absence of any future opportunity. The phrase is commonly used in personal goals, such as pursuing dreams, making life-changing choices, or expressing feelings to someone.

What is the origin of the idiom "now or never" and when to use it?

now or never

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While the exact origin of the idiom "time will tell" is difficult to trace definitively, it can be attributed to the natural progression of language and the common human experience of waiting for the passage of time to reveal outcomes or truths. It is commonly used when there is uncertainty, speculation, or skepticism about the future, allowing for time to provide clarity. This phrase is often used in discussions of relationships, business ventures, investments, or any situation where the final result or consequences are uncertain.

What is the origin of the idiom "time will tell" and when to use it?

time will tell

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While the exact origin of the idiom "cold turkey" is not definitively known, it is believed to have emerged in the early 20th century in the United States. The phrase initially gained popularity in the context of addiction, particularly referring to the abrupt and complete withdrawal from drugs or alcohol. It is often used in conversations about overcoming addiction, sharing personal experiences of quitting, or offering advice on quitting habits.

What is the origin of the idiom "cold turkey" and when to use it?

cold turkey

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The idiom "in the blink of an eye" has its origins in ancient literature and has been used in various cultural and religious contexts throughout history. This phrase is believed to have derived from this biblical reference, conveying the idea of a sudden and nearly imperceptible action or event. It is commonly used to describe situations where something happens almost instantaneously, often without any noticeable delay or warning.

What is the origin of the idiom "in the blink of an eye" and when to use it?

in the (blink|twinkle) of an eye

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The origin of the idiom"off the bat" is rooted in baseball terminology. In baseball, when a batter hits the ball, it makes immediate contact with the bat and quickly flies off. This association of swift action and immediate response likely influenced the idiomatic usage of this expression to describe an action that is done without instantly and without any hesitation.

What is the origin of the idiom "off the bat" and when to use it?

(right|) off the bat

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The idiom "slow day" originated from business and commercial contexts in the late 19th/early 20th centuries. At this time, many retailers, shops, and service industry workplaces would see natural variations in their daily customer traffic, sales transactions, or order volumes. Over time, the phrase "slow day" has come to be commonly used in workplace contexts. It refers to periods when business or operations experience a significant decrease in activity and productivity compared to typical levels. This term is often used by workers to describe instances when there is a noticeable slowdown or lack of demand, resulting in downtime and a decrease in workload.

What is the origin of the idiom "slow day" and when to use it?

slow day

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The idiom "by degrees" has a long history and can be traced back to Middle English. It originated from the Old French phrase "par degrés," which means "by steps" or "gradually." It is often used when discussing personal or professional growth, the development of relationships, or the evolution of circumstances over time.

by degrees

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The exact origin of the idiom "before someone can say Jack Robinson" is uncertain, but it has been in use since at least the 18th century. It is believed to have emerged in England and is often employed in storytelling, anecdotes, or casual conversations to describe instances where something happens rapidly or unexpectedly.

What is the origin of the idiom "before someone can say Jack Robinson" and when to use it?

before {sb} (can|could) say Jack Robinson

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Dive into English idioms regarding fastness or slowness, like "in two shakes" and "by degrees".

English Idioms for "Fast or Slowly"