The origin of the idiom "milk of human kindness" can be traced back to William Shakespeare's play "Macbeth." It appears in Act 1, Scene 5, where Lady Macbeth is contemplating her husband's character and his ambition. She expresses concern that he may not be ruthless enough to seize power and suggests that he should be more deceitful and less compassionate. In this context, she speaks of "the milk of human kindness" as an attribute that might hinder Macbeth's ruthless ambition. It is often employed in contexts where individuals want to emphasize the caring and empathetic qualities of a person.

What is the origin of the idiom "milk of human kindness" and when to use it?

milk of human kindness

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The origin of the idiom "flesh and blood" can be traced back to ancient beliefs and cultural traditions that emphasized the significance of blood ties and kinship. Throughout history, many societies have placed great importance on the concept of blood as a symbol of family connection and lineage. This idiom likely emerged from these cultural and societal beliefs, reflecting the deep-rooted understanding that family members share a common bond and physical connection through their shared bloodlines. It is often employed when discussing family matters, such as the love and loyalty shared among family members.

What is the origin of the idiom "flesh and blood" and when to use it?

flesh and blood

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The idiom "tug at one's heartstrings" comes from the idea that our emotions are like strings attached to our hearts. When something deeply moving or touching happens, it feels as if those emotional strings are being gently pulled or tugged, causing us to feel strong emotions. This phrase is used to describe moments that stir our feelings or make us emotional.  It is commonly used when discussing moving or touching moments in literature, film, music, or real-life events.

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

to [tug|pull] at {one's} heartstrings

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The idiom "harden one's heart" originates from ancient beliefs about the heart being the seat of emotions, particularly compassion and empathy. This idiom reflects the idea of deliberately becoming emotionally unresponsive or insensitive, often as a defense mechanism in response to painful or challenging situations. It is often used in discussions of personal relationships, empathy, and emotional responses.

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

to [harden] {one's} [heart]

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The idiom "cold comfort" refers to a situation where something may provide a small amount of relief or consolation but ultimately fails to offer true comfort or solace. It describes a situation where the consolation or reassurance provided is insufficient to alleviate the distress or disappointment being experienced. It describes a situation where the consolation or reassurance provided is insufficient to alleviate the distress or disappointment being experienced.

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

cold comfort

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The idiom "in cold blood" originated in the late 19th century and gained widespread recognition through Truman Capote's true-crime novel of the same name, published in 1966. This book told the true story of a brutal murder in Kansas in 1959, where two strangers killed a family for no clear reason. The phrase "in cold blood" perfectly described how these killers acted – they were cold-hearted and showed no emotion or remorse. Over time, the idiom has become a powerful way to describe acts that are carried out deliberately, ruthlessly, and without compassion, whether in the context of crime or other actions lacking empathy.

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

in cold blood

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The origin of the idiom "kiss it better" is likely rooted in the natural instinct of caregivers, especially parents, to offer affection and comfort to a distressed child. It is a gesture of love and reassurance that has likely been practiced by parents for generations. While the specific historical origin is difficult to pinpoint, the act of kissing a child's injury to provide solace and alleviate their pain has likely been a common practice in many cultures and households. This phrase is typically used in the context of comforting a child or someone close to you who has a minor injury or is experiencing mild physical discomfort. It is a gentle and affectionate way to provide emotional support and reassurance, particularly when the injury is not serious but is causing distress.

What is the origin of the idiom "kiss it better" and when to use it?

to [kiss] it better

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The origin of the idiom "one's heart bleeds" is rooted in the metaphorical use of "bleeding" to express deep emotional pain or empathy. While the exact historical origin is not documented, the concept of heartache and suffering has long been associated with physical sensations, including bleeding. This idiom likely evolved over time as a way to vividly convey the intensity of one's emotions when witnessing or empathizing with someone else's suffering. It is a figurative expression that helps individuals express their sympathy or compassion for others' hardships in a relatable manner, despite the absence of physical bleeding. It is often employed in both formal and informal contexts when discussing emotional or difficult topics, such as personal tragedies, social injustices, or challenging circumstances.

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

{one's} heart [bleed]

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The origin of the idiom "get something off one's chest" is believed to be rooted in the physical sensation of relief when a heavy weight or burden is lifted. The chest is often associated with the emotions and the heart, and when people have something troubling or distressing on their mind, it can feel like a heavy weight pressing down on them. Sharing their thoughts or concerns with someone else can provide a sense of release or catharsis, akin to the feeling of relief when removing a physical burden from one's chest. It is often used in situations where people want to express their feelings, seek advice, or simply share their thoughts with someone they trust.

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

to [get] {sth} off {one's} chest

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The idiom "have a heart" has its origins in ancient beliefs about the heart as the center of human emotion and compassion. In various cultures throughout history, the heart was associated with love, kindness, and empathy. This idea was reinforced by the physical sensations one feels in the chest area during strong emotional experiences. Over time, this cultural and physiological connection between the heart and compassion led to the idiomatic expression "have a heart," which means to show understanding, empathy, or mercy in a given situation.  It is commonly used when asking for leniency, understanding, or assistance from another person.

What is the origin of the idiom "have a heart" and when to use it?

have (a|some) heart

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The origin of the idiom "in one's shoes" can be traced to the idea of stepping into someone else's footwear, symbolizing the act of taking on their role or experiencing their situation. While the precise historical origin is not documented, the concept of empathy and understanding by imagining oneself in another person's circumstances has been a fundamental aspect of human communication and social interaction for centuries. It is commonly employed in conversations involving interpersonal relationships, conflict resolution, and decision-making.

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

in {one's} shoes

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The origin of the idiom "one's heart goes out to someone" is rooted in the concept of empathy and emotional connection with others. While the precise historical origin is not documented, this expression reflects the fundamental human capacity to relate to the feelings and experiences of others. It is used to symbolize the idea that when we witness someone facing adversity or hardship, our hearts figuratively reach out to them, emphasizing our shared humanity and capacity for compassion.

What is the origin of the idiom "one's heart goes out to someone" and when to use it?

{one's} [heart] [go] out to {sb}

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The origin of the idiom "strike a chord with someone" can be traced to music and the concept of playing musical chords. In music, when a chord is struck on an instrument like a piano or guitar, it produces a harmonious and resonant sound. This sound can evoke emotions and connect with the listener on an emotional level. It is commonly used in discussions about art, literature, music, films, or any form of creative expression that deeply resonates with an individual's feelings, beliefs, or personal experiences.

What is the origin of the idiom "strike a chord with someone" and when to use it?

to [strike|touch] a chord with {sb}

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The idiom "heart of stone" originates from the idea that a heart, as the symbol of emotion and compassion, should be warm and soft, but when described as "of stone," it signifies a person's lack of empathy, compassion, or emotional responsiveness. It is used to imply that someone is emotionally cold, unfeeling, or indifferent.

What is the origin of the idiom "heart of stone" and when to use it?

heart of stone

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The idiom "woe is someone" has its roots in Old English and Middle English literature. It reflects a time when English speakers used more elaborate and poetic language to convey complex emotions and sentiments. In this idiom, "woe" refers to a deep feeling of sorrow, distress, or misery, and it is typically followed by "is" to indicate that the sorrow or distress belongs to someone. It is often employed to express a deep sense of sorrow, distress, or misfortune that has befallen someone, and it conveys a degree of empathy or sympathy towards that person's plight.

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

woe [is] {sb}

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The idiom "touch one's heart" likely derives from the idea that the heart has long been associated with emotions and feelings in many cultures. When something touches a person's heart, it implies that it has had a profound emotional impact, stirring feelings of empathy, sympathy, or sentimentality. The use of "touch" in this context signifies a gentle and emotional connection that evokes a heartfelt response. It is often employed when discussing moving stories, heartfelt gestures, or acts of kindness that have deeply affected someone's emotions.

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

to [touch] {one's} heart

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Discover how English idioms like "strike a chord with" and "in cold blood" relate to sympathy in English.

English Idioms for "Sympathy"