The idiom "feather one's nest" has its origins in the behavior of birds that use feathers, leaves, and other materials to build and line their nests for warmth and comfort. The idiom is used to describe individuals who prioritize their own interests, especially financial or personal gain, over the interests of others or the broader community. It suggests a focus on self-enrichment and a disregard for ethical considerations.

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

to [feather] {one's} (own|) nest

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The idiom "hold a candle to the devil" originated from the Bible, where Satan is referred to as the “father of lies” (John 8:44). It also is also related to the practice of lighting candles in churches during religious services. The candles were lit to represent the presence of God, and it was considered a great sin to extinguish them. This expression is typically used to describe someone who is very evil or wicked.

What is the origin of the idiom "hold a candle to the Devil" and when to use it?

to [hold] (a|the) candle to the Devil

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The idiom "pull strings" originates from the world of puppetry, where puppeteers manipulate puppets by pulling on strings or wires attached to them to make them move and perform. In a figurative sense, to "pull strings" means to use one's influence, often behind the scenes, to make things happen or to achieve a desired outcome, just as a puppeteer controls the actions of a puppet. This idiom is commonly used to describe using one's connections, power, or influence to accomplish a goal or sway a decision.

What is the origin of the idiom "pull strings" and when to use it?

to [pull] (some|) strings

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The origin of the phrase "not do any evil that good come out of it" can be traced back to ethical and moral principles, often associated with religious teachings. It reflects the idea that one should not engage in wrongful or unethical actions, even if they believe that such actions might lead to a positive outcome or result in a greater good. This moral principle has been a part of various ethical and philosophical traditions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining one's integrity and ethical standards, even in challenging situations.

What is the origin of the idiom "not do evil that good come out of it" and when to use it?

{not} [do] (any|) evil that good (may|might|) come (out|) of it

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The exact origin of the idiom "up to no good" is unclear, as it has been a part of the English language for a significant period of time. The phrase is derived from the combination of "up to," meaning engaged in or involved in, and "no good," which refers to actions or intentions that are negative, dishonest, or harmful. It is commonly used in informal conversations, storytelling, or when expressing skepticism or distrust towards someone.

What is the origin of the idiom "up to no good" and when to use it?

up to no good

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The idiom "curry favor" originated from an Old French word, "faveur," which means "favor" or "approval." In the 16th century, it evolved into the English phrase "curry favor," which means to seek or gain favor or approval from someone in a flattering or insincere way. The word "curry" here does not refer to the spice but rather comes from the Middle English word "cury," meaning "care" or "attention. This phrase is used to describe the act of trying to gain someone's favor or approval through flattery, praise, or insincere actions.

What is the origin of the idiom "curry favor" and when to use it?

to [curry] favor

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The origin of the idiom "wheel and deal" can be traced back to the early 20th century in American English. It likely originated from the world of gambling, where players would spin the wheel and engage in various deals and negotiations during games of chance. This expression is informal and is often used in a business or negotiation context. It refers to the act of engaging in a series of negotiations, deals, or transactions, often with a focus on achieving one's goals or interests. It can also imply that the person is adept at navigating complex or tricky situations.

What is the origin of the idiom "wheel and deal" and when to use it?

to [wheel] and [deal]

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The idiom "fall into a trap" is derived from the concept of a physical trap used in hunting or capturing animals. These traps are designed to deceive or ensnare the prey, leading them into a situation from which they cannot easily escape. Over time, this concept of a physical trap was adapted into a metaphorical sense to describe situations where individuals are deceived, manipulated, or caught in a carefully laid plan or scheme. In other words, it is now used to describe someone who unwittingly becomes a victim of a deception, scheme, or situation that was set up to harm or disadvantage them.

What is the origin of the idiom "fall into a trap" and when to use it?

to [fall] into a trap

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The idiom "guinea pig" has its origins in the early 17th century when guinea pigs were first introduced to Europe. These small rodents are not native to Guinea but were imported to Europe via Guinea, a region in West Africa. The exact reason for the association with Guinea remains unclear, but it is believed that European traders may have used the term "Guinea" to refer to any distant or exotic place. Guinea pigs were considered exotic animals when they were first brought to Europe, and the name likely reflects their foreign origin. In modern English, "guinea pig" is used metaphorically to refer to a person or creature used in experiments, tests, or trials to gather information or conduct research, often at some risk to their well-being.

What is the origin of the idiom "guinea pig" and when to use it?

guinea pig

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The idiom "grease one's hand" likely originated from the practice of bribing or corrupting someone in authority by offering them money, which would be concealed in the hand or palm as a discreet transaction. The word "grease" in this context suggests the use of money to make a transaction or deal more smoothly or easily. This phrase is used to describe the act of giving someone money or a bribe, typically in a secretive or underhanded manner, to influence their decisions, secure special treatment, or gain an unfair advantage. It often carries a negative connotation, implying dishonesty or corruption.

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

to [grease] {one's} [hand|palm]

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The idiom "ambulance chaser" likely originated from the idea of lawyers literally chasing after ambulances to seek out clients. It has been used since the early 20th century and is generally used to criticize lawyers who are seen as overly opportunistic or unethical in their pursuit of legal cases.  It has been used since the early 20th century and is used to disparage lawyers who are perceived as unethical or overly aggressive in seeking clients, particularly those who approach accident victims or their families shortly after an accident, injury, or tragedy has occurred.

What is the origin of the idiom "ambulance chaser" and when to use it?

ambulance chaser

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The idiom "load the dice" comes from the practice of cheating in dice games, particularly by adding weights or other manipulations to the dice to ensure that certain numbers come up more frequently. By doing so, cheaters could increase their chances of winning the game unfairly. The idiom has been used figuratively to refer to any situation where someone attempts to manipulate or rig the outcome in their favor, often through deceitful or unfair means. It is used to describe situations where someone tries to manipulate or control the outcome of a situation in their favor through dishonest or unfair methods. It implies a lack of fairness and integrity in one's actions.

What is the origin of the idiom "load the dice" and when to use it?

to [load] the dice

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The idiom "set a thief to catch a thief" is believed to have its origins in various ancient and medieval sources. It is a concept that has been present in different cultures and literary works over the centuries. The idea behind this expression is that sometimes the best person to catch or outsmart a criminal is another criminal or someone with a similar background or expertise. The reasoning is that they would understand the tactics and strategies used by criminals, making them better equipped to apprehend or counteract them. This phrase is typically used to suggest that using someone with a similar background, knowledge, or expertise can be effective in dealing with a specific situation or problem, especially when it involves outsmarting or catching wrongdoers.

What is the origin of the idiom "set a thief to catch a thief" and when to use it?

to [set] a thief to catch a thief

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The idiom "stack the cards" originated from the practice of arranging a deck of playing cards in a way that gives the person manipulating the cards an unfair advantage, typically in card games or gambling situations, with the intent of achieving a desired outcome. This manipulation often involved cheating or deception to ensure a favorable result. Over time, the expression evolved into a figurative idiom to describe any situation where one attempts to unfairly tilt the odds in their favor by arranging or influencing factors or conditions.

What is the origin of the idiom "stack the cards" and when to use it?

to [stack] the (cards|deck)

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The idiom "lead someone by the nose" has origins in the image of physically guiding or controlling someone as if they were angry animal. The phrase plays on the idea of leading an animal by its nose, as domesticated animals like horses or cattle are often guided by their handlers using a rope or leash attached to their nose or halter. This phrase is used to describe situations where one person is easily controlled, influenced, or manipulated by another, often to their detriment or without them realizing it. It implies that the person being led is not thinking independently or acting in their best interest but is instead being directed by someone else's will.

What is the origin of the idiom "lead someone by the nose" and when to use it?

to [lead] {sb} (around|) by the nose

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The idiom "steal someone's thunder" has its origins in the early 18th century and is attributed to John Dennis, an English playwright and critic. In 1709, Dennis invented a new method of simulating the sound of thunder for his play "Appius and Virginia" by rolling a sheet of tin to create a loud noise. However, his play was not successful, and it closed after just a few performances. Later, when another playwright, Richard Steele, used the same thunder-producing technique in his successful play, "Conscious Lovers," Dennis felt that his idea had been appropriated. He accused Steele of "stealing his thunder," coining the phrase. This phrase is used to describe a situation where someone takes credit for, or uses, another person's idea, work, or achievement, often to their disadvantage or without their permission. It implies that the original person's contribution has been overshadowed or diminished by the actions of another.

What is the origin of the idiom "steal someone's thunder" and when to use it?

to [steal] {one's} thunder

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The phrase "play games" is a simple and straightforward idiom that does not have a specific historical or cultural origin. It is derived from the literal meaning of playing games, such as board games, card games, or sports. In this context, "play" refers to engaging in recreational or competitive activities for enjoyment or competition. This phrase is often used to describe someone's behavior when they are being deceptive, insincere, or manipulative in their interactions with others.

What is the origin of the idiom "play games" and when to use it?

to [play] games

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The idiom "sell ice to Eskimos" is believed to have originated in the United States, and it is often used humorously to describe someone's exceptional sales or persuasion skills. The idea behind the idiom is that selling ice to Eskimos would be unnecessary and absurd because Eskimos live in cold climates and have an abundance of ice and snow. This phrase is typically used in a figurative sense to praise or mock someone's ability to persuade or sell something, even in situations where there is little need or demand for it. It can be used both positively and negatively, depending on the context.

What is the origin of the idiom "sell ice to Eskimos" and when to use it?

to [sell] ice to Eskimos

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Discover how English idioms like "load the dice" and "fall into a trap" relate to abuse and manipulation in English.

English Idioms for "Abuse & Manipulation"