The origin of the idiom "drag one's feet" can be traced back to the literal act of dragging one's feet while walking. When someone drags their feet, it indicates a lack of enthusiasm, motivation, or willingness to move forward. It is often used in discussions related to work, projects, decision-making, or tasks where a person is perceived as stalling or avoiding their responsibilities.

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

to [drag] {one's} (feet|heels)

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The origin of the idiom "on hold" can be traced back to the telecommunications industry. In the early days of telephone systems, operators would physically connect calls by plugging cables into switchboards. When a call needed to be temporarily suspended or transferred to another line, the operator would place it "on hold" by placing the caller's line on a specific hold position on the switchboard. Overtime, as technology advanced and automated phone systems were introduced, the concept of putting a call "on hold" became ingrained in the common language, extending beyond the telephone industry to describe any situation where a planned action or process is temporarily paused or deferred. It is mostly used in project management to describe the temporary suspension of a task or project due to resource constraints, pending approvals, or changing priorities.

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

on hold

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The origin of the idiom "rain check" can be traced back to the late 19th century in the United States. It originated from the practice of issuing tickets known as "rain checks" during baseball games.When a baseball game was rained out or postponed due to bad weather, spectators would receive a rain check ticket that allowed them to attend a future game instead.  It is often employed when unforeseen circumstances arise, conflicting schedules occur, or when someone is unable to attend an event or engage in an activity as initially planned.

What is the origin of the idiom "rain check" and when to use it?

rain check

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The origin of the idiom "buy time" is not attributed to a specific event or source. It is a figurative expression that likely emerged from the concept of purchasing or acquiring additional time as a valuable resource. It is frequently used in professional scenarios, such as negotiations, project management, or strategic planning, where buying time allows for further analysis, negotiation, or preparation.

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

to [buy] time

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The idiom "kick the can down the road" is believed to have originated in the United States during the mid-20th century.  It draws its metaphorical meaning from the children's game of kicking a can along a road, which was a common pastime in many neighborhoods. The game involved players taking turns kicking a can and trying to keep it moving without it being caught by others.

What is the origin of the idiom "kick the can down the road" and when to use it?

to [kick] the can down the road

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The idiom "put something on ice" began to be used in the early 20th century to indicate the act of temporarily setting aside or delaying a particular matter or plan. Its origin can be traced back to the practice of preserving or keeping perishable items, such as food or beverages, by placing them in containers filled with ice. It is frequently used in professional settings, such as business negotiations, when parties need more time to evaluate options or align resources before moving forward.

What is the origin of the idiom "put something on ice" and when to use it?

on ice

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The origin of the idiom "sit on one's hands" can be traced back to the literal act of sitting with one's hands placed in one's lap, indicating a lack of activity or involvement. The phrase has been in use since at least the 19th century and has its roots in the realm of politics and decision-making. It is often employed in discussions about decision-making, leadership, and responsibility.

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

to [sit] on {one's} hands

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The origin of the idiom "on the fence" can be traced back to the literal image of someone physically sitting or straddling a fence, which represents a position of neutrality or indecision. The phrase has been in use since the late 19th century and has its roots in the idea of being caught between two sides or options. It can also be used in discussions about opinions or beliefs when someone is hesitant to take a definitive stance or express a clear viewpoint.

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

on the fence

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The phrase "put off until tomorrow what someone can do today" is commonly associated with Benjamin Franklin, who popularized it in his book "Poor Richard's Almanack." While the exact origin of the phrase might have existed before Franklin's time, he played a significant role in popularizing and promoting the idea. Today, the phrase serves as a reminder to seize the moment, take timely action, and avoid unnecessary delay.

What is the origin of the idiom "put off until tomorrow what someone can do today" and when to use it?

to [put] off (until|till) tomorrow what {sb} can do today

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The exact origin of the idiom "play for time" is unclear, as it has been in use for quite some time and has become a common expression in the English language. The concept of strategically buying time or delaying action can be traced back to various strategies employed in different fields, such as diplomacy, military tactics. It is commonly used in negotiations, discussions, or conflicts, where one side may intentionally prolong the process to gather more information, assess the situation, or buy themselves time to formulate a better strategy.

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

to [play] for time

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Master English idioms that relate to being put off, like "play for time" and "rain check".

English Idioms for "Putting Off"