The idiom "till all hours" has its origin in the concept of timekeeping and the practice of measuring time in hours. It suggests a late or extended period during the night or early morning when most people are asleep. The phrase "till all hours" implies staying awake and active long past the usual bedtime or working hours. It is used to emphasize the length of time or dedication someone exhibits while engaged in an activity, whether it is working, partying, studying, or simply staying awake for an extended period.

What is the origin of the idiom "all hours" and when to use it?

(till|until) all hours (of the day and night|)

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The origin of the idiom "late in the day" can be traced back to the concept of measuring time based on the progression of daylight hours. The phrase draws upon the literal meaning of the word "late," which refers to something occurring towards the end of a period or after the expected or usual time. In this case, "the day" refers to the period of daylight. it It is often used to convey a sense of missed opportunity or limited impact, suggesting that something is happening or being considered when it may be too late to make a significant difference.

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

late in the day

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The idiom "a day after the fair" is believed to have originated from the context of fairs and carnivals. In the past, fairs were significant events that attracted large crowds and offered various attractions, entertainment, and commercial opportunities. The phrase conveys the idea of arriving or taking action after the fair has ended, indicating that one has missed out on the excitement, benefits, or opportunities associated with the event.

What is the origin of the idiom "a day after the fair" and when to use it?

a day after the fair

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The idiom "light years away" is an idiomatic expression that refers to a significant or vast distance, often used metaphorically to describe something that is far beyond reach or extremely distant in terms of progress, understanding, or comparison. It emphasizes a considerable gap or difference, typically in a non-literal sense. It is often used in discussions about technology, progress, knowledge, or cultural understanding.

What is the origin of the idiom "light years away" and when to use it?

light years away

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The idiom "at the crack of dawn" refers to a very early time in the morning, typically at daybreak or just before sunrise. The phrase is used to describe activities or events that occur at the earliest part of the day. Its origin is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the late 1800s. The word "crack" in this context refers to the first light of the morning before the sun peeks over the horizon, symbolizing the beginning of the day,

What is the origin of the idiom "at the crack of dawn" and when to use it?

at the crack of dawn

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The exact origin of the idiom "bright and early" is unclear, but it has been in use since at least the early 19th century. The phrase combines the words "bright" and "early" to convey the idea of starting a task or activity at the first light of day, when the sky is brightening. It is often employed in everyday conversations, informal writing, and even in more formal or professional settings.

What is the origin of the idiom "bright and early" and when to use it?

bright and early

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The origin of the idiom "first light" can be traced back to the natural phenomenon of the sun rising and illuminating the sky. The term "first light" has been used for centuries to describe the initial appearance of daylight at the beginning of each day. As humans have long been attuned to the cycles of day and night, the concept of "first light" likely emerged as a way to describe the earliest moments of dawn, when the sky transitions from darkness to light. Over time, the phrase became a part of everyday language and is now commonly used to refer to the early stages of daylight.

What is the origin of the idiom "first light" and when to use it?

first light

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The idiom "at one's earliest convenience" emerged in the 18th century, primarily within formal correspondence and social etiquette. During this period, the use of polite language and deference in written communication was highly valued. The phrase was used to request prompt action or response while maintaining a respectful and considerate tone. Over the years, the phrase has become a standard and widely accepted way to convey a polite sense of urgency in various formal and professional contexts.

What is the origin of the idiom "at one's earliest convenience" and when to use it?

at {one's} earliest convenience

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The origin of the idiom "about time" can be traced back to the Middle English period, where the word "about" was used to mean "concerning" or "regarding." The use of "about" in this manner can be seen in expressions like "about that matter" or "about this issue." In this phrase, the emphasis is on the passage of time and the feeling of it being an appropriate or overdue moment for a particular event or action. It is commonly used in informal conversations, casual writing, and even in more formal settings.

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

(about|high) time

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The idiom "the eleventh hour" has its origins in the Bible, specifically in the New Testament. It is mentioned in the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard found in the Gospel of Matthew. In this parable, a landowner hires workers at different times throughout the day, with some starting early in the morning and others being hired as late as the eleventh hour (or the last hour of the workday). When the workers are paid, those who were hired last receive the same payment as those who worked the full day. It often comes up when referring to deadlines, critical decisions, or moments of crisis.

What is the origin of the idiom "the eleventh hour" and when to use it?

the eleventh hour

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The idiom "the small hours" has been in use for a significant period, and its exact origin is unclear. It has likely evolved over time through cultural and linguistic influences. The use of "small" in this context may have originated from the concept of the nighttime hours being perceived as shorter or narrower compared to the longer daylight hours. This expression is commonly used in both formal and informal language to specify a particular time period during which most people are asleep and the night is at its quietest.

What is the origin of the idiom "the small hours" and when to use it?

the small hours

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the origin of the idiom "a day late and a dollar short" can be traced back to African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and its usage in African American culture. The expression gained popularity in the mid-20th century and was often used in African American communities. It is commonly used when referring to missed opportunities, failed attempts, or inadequate preparations.

What is the origin of the idiom "a day late and a dollar short" and when to use it?

a day late and a dollar short

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The origin of the idiom "before the ink is dry" can be traced back to the practice of writing with ink and the time it takes for ink to dry on paper or other writing surfaces. The phrase likely originated from the observation that ink takes a short period to dry, and actions or events can occur in that brief span of time. It is commonly employed in discussions or descriptions related to contracts, agreements, or legal documents, highlighting actions taken before the formalities are completed.

What is the origin of the idiom "before the ink is dry" and when to use it?

before the ink [is] [dry]

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The idiom "the last minute" originated from the concept of time management and deadlines, emphasizing the urgency and pressure felt as a task or decision needs to be completed within the remaining time. Its exact origin is uncertain, but it has become a widely used expression in English around the 19th century. It is often used to highlight the significance of time and the need for efficiency.

What is the origin of the idiom "the last minute" and when to use it?

the last minute

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Explore English idioms that relate to lateness or earliness, including "at the crack of dawn" and "the eleventh hour".

English Idioms for "Late or Early"