The idiom "when one's back is turned" likely has its origin in the idea that when a person's back is turned, they are not able to see what is happening behind them. This lack of awareness can be exploited by others for various purposes, whether it is mischievous acts, pranks, or more serious actions. It is used to describe situations where something occurs or someone takes action when another person is not watching or aware of it.

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

(when|while) {one's} [back] [is] turned

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The origin of the idiom "throw someone under the bus" is not definitively known, but it likely stems from the literal idea of someone being pushed or thrown beneath a bus, resulting in harm or betrayal. This phrase is used when someone is willing to sacrifice or betray another person to protect themselves or achieve their own goals. It often implies a lack of loyalty or a willingness to harm someone else for personal gain. This can happen in various contexts, including the workplace, relationships, or politics.

What is the origin of the idiom "throw someone under the bus" and when to use it?

to [throw] {sb} under the bus

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The idiom "stab someone in the back" has origins that date back centuries and are rooted in the idea of treachery and betrayal. The expression draws a vivid image of someone being betrayed by a close friend or ally who literally stabs them from behind, catching them off guard. It is used to describe an act of betrayal or treachery by someone who was previously considered a friend, ally, or trusted individual. It suggests that the betrayal was done secretly or behind the person's back, without their knowledge or awareness.

What is the origin of the idiom "stab someone in the back" and when to use it?

to [stab] {sb} in the back

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The origin of the idiom "snake in the grass" can be traced back to ancient times, rooted in the association of snakes with cunning and danger. The phrase has its origins in classical literature, such as Aesop's fables and Virgil's works, where snakes symbolized deceitfulness and hidden threats. Over time, the expression evolved to represent individuals who appear harmless or friendly on the surface but possess malicious intentions or act in a treacherous manner.

What is the origin of the idiom "snake in the grass" and when to use it?

snake in the grass

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The idiom "sell someone down the river" has its roots in the history of slavery in the United States. It dates back to the 19th century when it was used to describe a betrayal or a severe act of deception. In the context of slavery, "down the river" referred to the deep South, where conditions for enslaved people were often harsher.  It implies that the betrayal is severe and often involves dire consequences for the individual being betrayed. This idiom emphasizes the feeling of being let down or placed in a difficult and disadvantageous position.

What is the origin of the idiom "sell someone down the river" and when to use it?

to [sell] {sb} down the river

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The idiom "leave somebody in the dust" originated from the literal meaning of leaving someone behind in a cloud of dust while driving away quickly. The phrase became popularized in the 20th century and began to be used metaphorically to describe leaving someone behind in terms of success or achievement. The usage of the idiom implies that the person being left behind is inferior or unable to keep up with the person doing the leaving. Therefore, in modern usage, the idiom is used to describe someone being left behind in terms of progress, advancement, or success, often with a negative connotation of indifference or lack of concern towards the person being left behind.

What is the origin of the idiom "leave somebody in the dust" and when to use it?

to [leave] {sb} in the dust

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The idiom"Judas kiss" refers to a deceitful act of apparent friendship or loyalty that is actually a betrayal. It derives from the biblical story of Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' disciples, who famously betrayed Jesus with a kiss, leading to Jesus' arrest and crucifixion. In the New Testament of the Bible, in the Gospel of Matthew 26:48-50, it is written: "Now he who was betraying Him gave them a sign, saying, 'Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him.' Immediately Judas went to Jesus and said, 'Hail, Rabbi!' and kissed Him." This act of betrayal with a kiss has since become a symbol of treachery and deception. This idiomatic expression is used to describe any action or gesture that appears friendly or affectionate on the surface but is intended to deceive or betray someone.

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

Judas kiss

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The idiom "feed someone to the wolves" has its origins in the metaphorical image of someone being sacrificed or abandoned to face danger or a difficult situation alone, much like a literal act of throwing a person to a pack of wolves. This idiom is typically used to describe a situation where someone is left to deal with a difficult or dangerous circumstance on their own, usually by those who should have supported or protected them. It implies betrayal, abandonment, or lack of loyalty.

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

to [feed|throw] {sb} to the wolves

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The idiom "drop a dime on someone" originates from a time when payphones, also known as public telephones, were commonly used for making calls. In the past, it cost ten cents (a dime) to make a local call from a payphone. Therefore, "dropping a dime" on someone referred to making an anonymous or discreet call to report a person's illegal or suspicious activities to the authorities or someone in a position of power. This idiom is used to describe the act of providing information, typically to the authorities, that exposes or incriminates someone's wrongdoing. It implies that the information is shared secretly or anonymously, often as a way to avoid personal involvement or consequences.

What is the origin of the idiom "drop a dime on someone" and when to use it?

to [drop] a dime on {sb}

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The origin of the idiom "behind one's back" is not attributed to a specific historical event or source but rather emerges from the metaphorical association of a person's back with their unawareness or lack of visibility. The phrase draws upon the idea that when someone's back is turned or facing away, they cannot see what is happening behind them. It is commonly used when discussing interpersonal relationships, workplace dynamics, or social interactions.

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

behind {one's} back

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The idiom "rob Peter to pay Paul" originated from the historical practice of taking funds from one church (dedicated to Saint Peter) to support another (dedicated to Saint Paul). The idiom is now used to describe a situation where someone attempts to solve a financial problem or debt by borrowing or taking from one source, but this action may create a new problem or debt elsewhere. It highlights the short-term nature of such solutions and the potential for unintended consequences.

What is the origin of the idiom "Rob Peter to pay Paul" and when to use it?

to [rob] Peter (to|and) [pay] Paul

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Dive into English idioms regarding betrayal, like "drop a dime on" and "snake in the grass".

English Idioms for "Betrayal"