The origin of the idiom "kill someone with kindness" is not precisely documented, but it likely stems from the idea that excessive kindness or niceness, when insincere or used as a form of manipulation or passive aggression, can have an overwhelming or negative effect on a person. It may be traced back to observations of human behavior and interactions, where individuals may employ excessive kindness as a way to irritate, confuse, or disarm someone with whom they have a disagreement or conflict. It is used when someone aims to diffuse tension, resolve conflicts, or address stubbornness or hostility through an overwhelming display of niceness.

What is the origin of the idiom "kill someone with kindness" and when to use it?

to [kill] {sb} with kindness

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The origin of the idiom "be after one's blood" is rooted in the historical belief that blood was linked to a person's essence, vitality, and life force. This belief goes back to ancient times when people had various superstitions about blood. When someone is said to be after one's blood, it means they are pursuing one aggressively or relentlessly, often with harmful intentions, as if they want to drain one's vitality or cause one harm. It is typically used to describe a scenario where someone is relentlessly seeking to harm, criticize, or get revenge on someone else.

What is the origin of the idiom "be after one's blood" and when to use it?

to [be] after {one's} blood

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The idiom "fight fire with fire" has its roots in firefighting techniques. Historically, when combating wildfires, firefighters sometimes employed a tactic called controlled burning or backfire. By intentionally setting a smaller, controlled fire in the path of an approaching wildfire, they could burn off the vegetation and other flammable materials, creating a barrier. This controlled fire would consume the fuel needed for the larger wildfire, preventing it from advancing further. It is used when someone decides to respond to a problem or adversary by using tactics or methods that are similar in nature to what they are opposing.

What is the origin of the idiom "fight fire with fire" and when to use it?

to [fight] fire with fire

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The origin of the idiom "pay someone back in their own coin" can be traced back to the idea of currency or payment. In the past, coins were used as a form of payment, and each coin had a specific value. When someone paid one with a coin, one received exactly what was owed to one. Similarly, when one "pays someone back in their own coin," one is figuratively giving them back the same kind of treatment or behavior they have given one. It is typically used in situations where someone wants to retaliate or respond to another person's actions, words, or behavior by using similar tactics or treatment that they have received.

What is the origin of the idiom "pay someone back in their own coin" and when to use it?

to [pay] {sb} back in {one's} own (coin|crown)

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The idiom "an eye for an eye" originated from the ancient code of Hammurabi, a set of laws in Babylonian civilization. This principle, known as lex talionis, states that punishment should be proportional to the harm inflicted. The expression is now used to signify the concept of seeking retribution or justice in a manner that mirrors the offense committed against oneself. In other words, it implies a desire for fairness and retaliation, often used to emphasize the idea of reciprocal punishment.

What is the origin of the idiom "an eye for an eye" and when to use it?

an eye for an eye

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The idiom "an ax to grind" originates from a 19th-century story written by Charles Miner, an American writer. In the story, a young boy tricks an unsuspecting farmer into allowing him to grind his ax. The farmer is initially hesitant but eventually agrees. However, the young boy intentionally grinds the ax poorly, making it less effective. When confronted by the farmer, the boy reveals that he had an ulterior motive – he wanted to borrow the farmer's plow. The idiom came to symbolize having a hidden agenda or a personal motive behind one's actions, often with the intention of benefiting oneself at the expense of others. It is often used when someone is suspected of pursuing their personal interests, seeking revenge, or trying to gain an advantage while appearing to be focused on a different goal.

What is the origin of the idiom "an ax to grind" and when to use it?

ax to grind

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The idiom "bay for blood" likely finds its origin in the imagery of hunting hounds, particularly in traditional hunting practices involving packs of dogs pursuing game. When hounds are on the scent of prey, they often emit loud, baying sounds to signal their pursuit and excitement. This vocalization serves to rally the other hounds and alert the hunters to the presence of prey. It is often used in contexts of anger, outrage, or a desire for justice, typically when people believe that the offender should face severe consequences for their actions.

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

to [bay] for blood

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The idiom "beat someone at their own game" likely originated from the world of sports and competition. It embodies the idea of surpassing an opponent by using their own strategies, tactics, or skills against them. This concept may have emerged in various competitive environments, from games like chess to athletic contests. It can be used to describe instances where an individual gains an advantage by adopting the same tactics as their adversary, achieving a sense of triumph by demonstrating their ability to excel within the same parameters.

What is the origin of the idiom "beat someone at their own game" and when to use it?

to [beat] {sb} at {one's} own game

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The idiom "get one's own back" means to retaliate or take revenge on someone who has wronged you, often in a similar manner. This expression is used when a person seeks to settle a score or redress a perceived injustice. It implies a desire for retribution or payback for a previous act. It is commonly used in informal conversations, particularly among friends or acquaintances discussing personal grievances or conflicts.

What is the origin of the idiom "get one's own back" and when to use it?

to [get] {one's} own back

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The origin of the idiom "give as good as someone gets" is rooted in the concept of reciprocity and fairness. It reflects a fundamental principle of human interaction, suggesting that individuals should respond to others in a manner that matches the treatment they receive. While the precise historical origin is challenging to pinpoint, the idiom embodies the idea of balance and equitable exchange. It is used to encourage individuals to respond with equal or better treatment when they encounter such negative behaviors or confrontations.

What is the origin of the idiom "give as good as someone gets" and when to use it?

to [give] as good as {sb} [get]

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The origin of the idiom "out for blood" can be traced back to a literal interpretation of the phrase. In ancient times, especially in battles or hunting scenarios, people would often be "out for blood" when they were pursuing an enemy or hunting for prey. The phrase likely evolved over time to describe someone who is relentlessly pursuing a goal, often with a strong desire for vengeance or success. It's often employed in competitive or confrontational situations, such as sports, business negotiations, or personal conflicts, to emphasize the person's strong and aggressive resolve to achieve their objective.

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

out for blood

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The idiom "a taste of one's own medicine" has its origins in a proverb that dates back centuries. The proverb "He that will not hear must feel" is one of its earliest forms and implies that those who refuse to listen to advice or admonishments will eventually experience the consequences of their actions physically or emotionally. It is commonly used in situations where an individual is facing the repercussions of their own behavior, especially if that behavior involved mistreatment, deceit, or harm towards others.

What is the origin of the idiom "a taste of one's own medicine" and when to use it?

a (taste|dose) of {one's} own medicine

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The origin of the idiom "teach someone a lesson" can be traced back to the notion of imparting knowledge or wisdom through experience. Teaching, in this context, refers to educating someone about the consequences of their actions. The idiom likely evolved over time as a metaphorical expression to describe the act of ensuring that someone learns from their mistakes or wrongdoing by subjecting them to a situation that serves as a lesson. It is often used in situations where someone has behaved inappropriately, hurt others, or committed a wrongdoing.

What is the origin of the idiom "teach someone a lesson" and when to use it?

to [teach] {sb} a lesson

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The origin of the idiom "two can play that game" can be traced back to the idea of reciprocity and competition. The phrase likely evolved from the concept of responding to someone's actions in a similar manner, especially in situations involving rivalry or conflict. It reflects the notion that if one person initiates a particular course of action, another person can adopt a similar approach to counteract or compete effectively. It is often used when someone observes another person engaging in a particular strategy, behavior, or action, and they want to convey their readiness and ability to respond in a similar manner.

What is the origin of the idiom "two can play that game" and when to use it?

two (can|could) play (that|this|the) game

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The origin of the idiom "tit for tat" can be traced back to ancient English and possibly even earlier. The phrase reflects a fundamental principle of reciprocity, where actions are met with corresponding actions, and fairness is maintained. Its origins may also have roots in various cultures and languages, as the concept of reciprocity is universal. "Tit" and "tat" are simple, repetitive words that convey the idea of a back-and-forth exchange, emphasizing the balanced nature of the interaction. It is commonly employed when discussing conflicts, negotiations, or interactions where one party's response mirrors the actions of another, creating a cycle of matching behaviors.

What is the origin of the idiom "tit for tat" and when to use it?

tit for tat

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The idiom "wipe the smile off one's face" is thought to originate from the physical act of removing a smile, which symbolizes taking away someone's happiness or joy. It is used in situations where someone or something has made another person lose their smile or happiness due to a negative or upsetting event or comment.

What is the origin of the idiom "wipe the smile off one's face" and when to use it?

to [wipe] (the|that) (smile|grin|smirk) off {one's} [face]

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The origin of the idiom "the joke is on someone" can be traced back to the concept of humor and pranks. Humor often revolves around the unexpected or ironic, where the outcome is contrary to what was anticipated. In this idiom, "the joke" refers to a humorous or clever action taken by one person, while "on someone" implies that the humor or cleverness of the situation is at the expense of another person. It is used to emphasize situations where someone's efforts to be clever or humorous have unintended consequences.

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

the joke [is] on {sb}

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The idiom "call it quits" has its origins in informal English and dates back to the early 19th century. It is believed to have originated in the United States. The word "quits" in this context means "even" or "equal." When two parties in a game or competition decided to end it and declare themselves even, they would "call it quits." The idiom "call it quits" is used to indicate that a particular activity, situation, or relationship is being ended, usually because the participants feel that they are on equal terms, or they want to bring it to a close without further dispute or continuation.

What is the origin of the idiom "call it quits" and when to use it?

to [call] it quits

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The idiom "put someone in their place" has its roots in the idea of establishing hierarchy and maintaining social order. It dates back to the English language's evolution and is a figurative expression. The word "place" refers to one's appropriate social or hierarchical position, and "putting someone in their place" originally meant reminding them of their proper rank or status in society. It can be used to assert authority, correct behavior, or make someone recognize their limitations.

What is the origin of the idiom "put someone in their place" and when to use it?

to [put] {sb} in {one's} place

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The idiom "even the score" originates from the world of sports and games, where the term "score" refers to the points or goals earned by competitors. When two teams or individuals are engaged in a match or competition, the objective is to outscore the opponent. "Evening the score" means equalizing the points or achieving a tie, essentially resetting the competition to a balanced state. It can be used in both competitive and non-competitive contexts to indicate a desire for equilibrium.

What is the origin of the idiom "even the score" and when to use it?

to [even] the score

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Master English idioms regarding retaliation, like "fight fire with fire" and "even the score".

English Idioms for "Retaliation"