The origin of the idiom "play fast and loose with someone or something" can be traced back to medieval games of chance, particularly a game called "fast and loose" that was popular in the 16th century. In this game, a belt or cord was looped in intricate patterns, and participants were challenged to unravel it while betting money. The person running the game would manipulate the loops to make it seem easy to win, but it was designed to deceive and take people's money. It is used in various situations, such as discussions about trust, relationships, ethics, and responsibility.

What is the origin of the idiom "play fast and loose with someone or something" and when to use it?

to [play] fast and loose with {sb/sth}

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The origin of the idiom "play Old Harry with something" can be traced back to historical folklore and superstitions. In many cultures, "Old Harry" is a colloquial term used to refer to the devil or a mischievous, disruptive force. The expression likely evolved from the idea that if someone were to invite chaos or disorder into a situation, they were, in essence, inviting the mischief associated with "Old Harry. It is commonly used in discussions about mismanagement, disorganization, or chaos in various situations, such as work environments, projects, plans, or even personal matters.

What is the origin of the idiom "play Old Harry with something" and when to use it?

to [play] Old Harry with {sth}

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The origin of the idiom "sell someone or something short" is closely tied to financial and trading terminology. In stock trading and financial markets, the term "short selling" refers to a practice where an investor sells an asset (like a stock) that they do not currently own, hoping to buy it back at a lower price in the future. This practice involves betting that the asset's value will decrease. It often arises in discussions involving judgments, assessments, or decisions where it is important to acknowledge and appreciate the full extent of someone's capabilities or the true value of something.

What is the origin of the idiom "sell someone or something short" and when to use it?

to [sell] {sb/sth} short

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The idiom "shoot the messenger" has its origins in ancient historical events and military practices. In times of war, couriers or messengers were crucial for communication between different armies or regions. When a messenger delivered bad news or conveyed unwelcome orders, it was not uncommon for the recipient, who might be angered or upset by the message, to react impulsively and violently by attacking or even killing the messenger. This practice, while ruthless, was aimed at venting frustration on the bearer of bad tidings rather than addressing the underlying issues. This expression is commonly used in discussions involving business, politics, personal relationships, and even everyday life.

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

to [shoot|kill|blame] the messenger

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The idiom "treat someone like dirt" has origins rooted in the concept of soil or earth being associated with lowliness and insignificance. Throughout history, soil or dirt has symbolized something base or inferior, while humans have often been linked to higher status and worth. The idiom metaphorically likens a person to the lowly status of dirt, implying that they are being treated with extreme disrespect or disdain. It is commonly employed in discussions related to interpersonal relationships, workplace dynamics, and personal interactions, emphasizing a complete lack of respect, empathy, or consideration for another person's feelings, dignity, or worth.

What is the origin of the idiom "treat someone like dirt" and when to use it?

to [treat] {sb} like (a piece of|) (dirt|trash)

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The origin of the idiom "walk all over someone" is not precisely documented, but it likely draws its imagery from the idea of physically walking on a person, which would be a clear demonstration of dominance or disregard. Over time, this physical act transformed into a figurative expression to describe situations where one person takes advantage of another, figuratively "walking" on them by asserting control, authority, or disrespect without any regard for the other person's feelings or rights. It is often used to criticize or express disapproval of individuals who take advantage of another person's kindness, passivity, or weakness.

What is the origin of the idiom "walk all over someone" and when to use it?

to [walk] all over {sb}

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The origin of the idiom "look daggers at someone" is linked to the historical association of daggers or knives with threat and danger. In centuries past, people commonly carried daggers, which were sharp and potentially lethal weapons. The act of looking at someone with intense anger or hostility, often accompanied by sharp or piercing glares, was likened to threatening them with a metaphorical dagger or knife. It is often used in situations of conflict, disagreement, or when someone's behavior or actions are seen as unacceptable.

What is the origin of the idiom "look daggers at someone" and when to use it?

to [look] daggers at {sb}

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The origin of the idiom "backhanded compliment" is not tied to a specific historical event or source but rather emerges from the concept of delivering praise in a way that conceals criticism or negative intent. The term "backhanded" draws from the idea of using the back of one's hand, a less direct and more subtle approach, as opposed to a straightforward or open-handed compliment. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, interpersonal relationships, social gatherings, workplace settings, and even in discussions about public figures or public statements.

What is the origin of the idiom "backhanded compliment" and when to use it?

backhanded compliment

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The idiom "do a number on someone or something" is believed to have its roots in American slang from the mid-20th century. The use of "number" in this expression likely refers to a performance or act, with "do a number" suggesting the idea of causing a significant impact or executing an action, often with negative consequences. Over time, this phrase evolved into an idiomatic expression used to describe situations where someone or something has been negatively affected or disrupted. It is commonly employed in everyday conversations, discussions about setbacks or difficulties, or when recounting experiences where someone or something has been significantly impacted, often negatively.

What is the origin of the idiom "do a number on someone or something" and when to use it?

to [do] a number on {sb/sth}

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The idiom "do someone dirty" is rooted in informal and colloquial language, particularly in American English. It has evolved over time from street slang and is characterized by the use of "dirty" in a figurative sense, denoting actions that are dishonest, unethical, or unfair. This expression conveys the idea of treating someone unjustly or betraying their trust, often through actions that harm their reputation or well-being. It is often used in discussions of interpersonal relationships, conflicts, or situations where trust has been betrayed.

What is the origin of the idiom "do someone dirty" and when to use it?

to [do] {sb} (dirty|dirt)

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The idiom "throw it over the wall" has its roots in the world of business and project management. It symbolizes the practice of delegating a task or issue without providing comprehensive information or guidance to the recipient. The "wall" in this expression represents a figurative barrier between different departments or teams within an organization. It is often used when there is a perceived lack of collaboration, information sharing, or clarity in the delegation process.

What is the origin of the idiom "throw it over the wall" and when to use it?

to [throw] it over the wall

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The idiom "throw someone a bone" likely derives from the practice of tossing a bone to a dog as a way to reward or appease it. The bone serves as a small token of appreciation or distraction, aimed at keeping the dog content or momentarily occupied. It is frequently used in workplaces, group dynamics, and relationships when there's a desire to keep someone content, involved, or satisfied, even if the main situation may not fully meet their expectations or desires.

What is the origin of the idiom "throw someone a bone" and when to use it?

to [throw] {sb} a bone

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The idiom "send someone packing" is believed to have its origins in the idea of sending unwanted or uninvited individuals away by literally packing their belongings and directing them to leave. While the exact historical origin is not precisely documented, it likely evolved from a straightforward and practical action in which people would be asked to gather their belongings and depart, often due to misconduct, unwelcome presence, or a failure to meet expectations. It is typically used when individuals are no longer welcome or have behaved poorly, and their presence is unwanted or disruptive.

What is the origin of the idiom "send someone packing" and when to use it?

to [send] {sb} packing

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The idiom "be out on one's ear" originates from the image of someone being physically thrown out of a place by their ear, a way of forcefully ejecting someone in a humiliating manner. It is used to describe a situation where someone is abruptly and forcefully removed from a job, position, or place, usually implying a lack of respect or courtesy in the manner of their expulsion.

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

to [be] out on {one's} ear

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The idiom "leave someone in the lurch" is believed to have its origins in the world of sports, particularly in games involving teams or pairs where coordination and teamwork are crucial. In lurch games, players need to work together effectively to achieve a common goal. When one player or team member suddenly abandons their position or fails to fulfill their role, it can leave their fellow players at a disadvantage, making success more challenging or even impossible. It is used in various contexts and occasions to describe situations where individuals are abandoned or betrayed, typically when they were depending on someone for support, assistance, or reliability.

What is the origin of the idiom "leave someone in the lurch" and when to use it?

to [leave] {sb} in the lurch

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The idiom "leave someone holding the bag" is believed to have its origins in 18th-century America, specifically in the context of a scam or deception. In some con games, a person would be tricked into holding a bag supposedly filled with valuable items, while the scammer disappeared, leaving the unsuspecting individual to face the reality that the bag contained nothing of value. Today, it is used as an idiomatic expression in various contexts and occasions to describe situations where an individual or group is abandoned or burdened with responsibility for a problem, situation, or task, typically when they were not originally involved or responsible for it.

What is the origin of the idiom "leave someone holding the bag" and when to use it?

to [leave] {sb} holding the bag

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The idiom "leave someone out in the cold" is believed to have its origins in the harsh realities of winter weather. In cold climates, being left outside without shelter or warmth can be extremely uncomfortable and even life-threatening. This literal scenario of isolation and exposure to the cold evolved into a figurative expression used to describe situations where individuals are excluded or neglected, often intentionally, leaving them feeling isolated, unsupported, or uninformed, much like being left out in the frigid cold.

What is the origin of the idiom "leave someone out in the cold" and when to use it?

to [leave] {sb} out in the cold

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Explore English idioms that relate to mistreatment and misconduct, including "backhanded compliment" and "play fast and loose with".

English Idioms for "Mistreatment & Misconduct"