The origin of the idiom "red-letter day" can be traced back to medieval manuscripts. In religious texts, particularly in the Christian tradition, important feast days and holy days were traditionally written in red ink or highlighted with red letters to signify their significance. The practice of using red ink for these special days can be traced back to as early as the 8th century.  It is commonly used to describe personal milestones such as birthdays, weddings, graduations, or anniversaries, which hold special importance and are celebrated with joy and enthusiasm.

What is the origin of the idiom "red-letter day" and when to use it?

red-letter day

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The origin of the idiom "zero hour" can be traced back to military terminology. It was initially used in the context of military operations and combat planning. The term refers to the specific time when an operation or attack is scheduled to commence. The concept of "zero hour" emerged during World War I and was commonly used during subsequent conflicts. It is used to describe critical moments or decisive actions in various contexts, including military operations, project management, emergencies, and personal choices, signifying the pivotal point when important events or decisions take place.

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

zero hour

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The origin of the idiom "moment of truth" can be traced back to Spain's bullfighting tradition. In bullfighting, the "moment of truth" or "el momento de la verdad" refers to the climax of the fight when the matador faces the charging bull. It is the crucial moment that determines the matador's skill, courage, and ability to execute the final decisive moves. It is commonly used in personal, professional, and societal contexts to describe significant events that expose the truth or reality of a situation, such as a key moment in a trial or a critical point in a social movement.

What is the origin of the idiom "moment of truth" and when to use it?

moment of truth

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The phrase "turning point" does not have a specific origin tied to a particular person or historical event. It is a common expression that evolved over time to describe a pivotal moment of change or transformation. The concept of a turning point in a narrative or in life situations has been recognized and expressed in various forms throughout human history. As such, the phrase has become a widely understood and used expression in the English language. It is often used when describing pivotal moments in personal journeys, such as a life-changing decision, a transformative experience, or a critical event that alters the course of one's life.

What is the origin of the idiom "turning point" and when to use it?

turning point

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The idiom "on the other side of something" draws upon the concept of physically crossing from one side to another, which has been used metaphorically to represent progress or transformation in various contexts. The phrase itself has likely emerged through the natural evolution of language and has become a commonly used expression to convey the idea of successfully moving past a difficult situation.

What is the origin of the idiom "on the other side of something" and when to use it?

on the other side of {sth}

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The origin of the idiom "come hot on the heels of something" can be traced back to the imagery and idiomatic expressions related to hunting. In hunting, dogs or horses would follow the scent or tracks of prey, running swiftly and closely behind. It is commonly used when discussing news, announcements, or actions that closely follow a recent event.

What is the origin of the idiom "come hot on the heels of something" and when to use it?

to [come|follow] (hot|close|hard) on the heels of {sth}

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The idiom "out of season" likely emerged as a way to describe the availability of agricultural products based on their seasonal patterns. The concept of seasons and their impact on the growth and availability of crops has been understood since ancient times. People have long recognized that certain fruits, vegetables, and foods have specific times of the year when they naturally thrive and are more abundant.It is commonly used in discussions about culinary practices, agriculture, and consumer choices.

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

out of season

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The origin of the idiom "Black Days" can be traced back to significant historical events or tragedies that occurred on those particular dates. It is commonly associated with the stock market crash of 1929, which marked the beginning of the Great Depression. It can be used to commemorate historical events marked by significant losses or disasters, such as national tragedies, terrorist attacks, or natural disasters.

What is the origin of the idiom "Black Days" and when to use it?

black day

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The origin of the idiom "in the same breath" can be traced back to ancient Greek rhetoric and literary devices. In Greek rhetoric, there was a technique called "symploke" which involved connecting contrasting or contradictory ideas or statements in quick succession. This technique was used to create emphasis, surprise, or irony in speech or writing. It is now commonly used in conversations, debates, or discussions where someone makes contrasting or contradictory remarks or expresses conflicting thoughts or opinions in a short span of time.

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

in the (same|next) breath

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to [lose] track of time

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The idiom "have time on one's hands" has its origins in the English language and dates back to the 17th century. The word "hands" in this expression refers to the idea of having one's hands unoccupied or free from tasks or responsibilities. It suggests that someone has an excess of time that is not filled with necessary or obligatory activities. It is often employed when discussing periods of downtime, such as during vacations, holidays, or extended breaks from work or school.

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

to [have] time on {one's} hands

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The idiom "run its course" has its origins in the field of medicine and dates back to the 16th century. It is derived from the idea of a disease or illness following a natural progression and ultimately resolving itself without intervention. The term "course" refers to the path or trajectory that an illness or condition takes until it reaches its expected outcome. It is often used when discussing the resolution of illnesses or diseases, indicating that the body's natural healing mechanisms will take effect and the condition will improve over time.

What is the origin of the idiom "run its course " and when to use it?

to [run|take] its course

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The idiom "be early days" is an idiomatic expression that suggests it is still the beginning or early stages of a process, endeavor, or situation. It conveys the idea that there is still a significant amount of time, progress, or development needed before reaching a more advanced or conclusive stage. The phrase is often used to express caution, patience, or a lack of certainty regarding the ultimate outcome or result.

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

to [be] early days (yet|)

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Discover how English idioms like "turning point" and "run its course" relate to time in English.

English Idioms for "Time"