The origin of the idiom "like nobody's business" is uncertain, but it likely developed as a colloquial expression in the United States. It is a figurative way of saying that something is done exceptionally well, with great intensity, speed, or enthusiasm, as if there were no restrictions or limitations. This idiomatic phrase is used to suggest that something is done to an extraordinary degree or with remarkable efficiency.

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

like nobody's business

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The idiom "like the Devil" has been used in English for centuries and likely originates from the association of the devil with extreme speed, intensity, or unpredictability. The devil is often depicted as a figure of great energy and force in various myths and religious traditions. People mostly use the phrase "like the devil" to describe doing something with exceptional speed, intensity, or energy, often suggesting a sense of urgency or aggressiveness.

What is the origin of the idiom "like the Devil" and when to use it?

like the Devil

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The idiom "take the edge off" comes from the idea of smoothing or dulling the sharp or uncomfortable parts of something, making it more tolerable or less intense. It is often used metaphorically to describe the act of reducing the intensity or severity of a situation, emotion, or experience. People use this phrase to mean lessening the severity or intensity of something, often with the aim of making it more manageable or more enjoyable.

What is the origin of the idiom "take the edge off" and when to use it?

to [take] the edge off {sth}

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The idiom "take the sting out of" likely comes from the idea of removing or lessening the pain associated with a bee or insect sting. By taking the sting out, you make the experience less painful or distressing. Over time, the phrase has been used metaphorically to describe reducing the impact or unpleasantness of various situations or experiences. People use this expression to mean alleviating or reducing the pain, discomfort, or negative impact of something.

What is the origin of the idiom "take the sting out of" and when to use it?

to [take] the sting out of {sth}

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The idiom "according to Cocker" is a casual expression used to attribute information or instructions to an imaginary source named "Cocker." It originates from Edward Cocker, a renowned English engraver and mathematician who lived during the 17th century. This expression is used to emphasize the fact that something is done or must be done in a way that is considered generally correct or in accordance with the law, rules, or particular standards.

What is the origin of the idiom "according to Cocker" and when to use it?

according to cocker

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The idiom "all the way" is a straightforward idiomatic expression that originates from its literal meaning. It is derived from the idea of going the entire distance or completing a journey without stopping or quitting. This expression is now  used to emphasize that something is done completely, fully, or without compromise. It suggests a commitment to seeing a task through to its conclusion.

What is the origin of the idiom "all the way" and when to use it?

all the way

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The idiom "body and soul" is a figurative expression that reflects the fundamental components of a person. It has been used in English for centuries to describe the entirety of a person, encompassing both the physical (body) and the spiritual or emotional (soul) aspects. This expression is rooted in the concept that humans consist of both their physical and metaphysical selves. People use this phrase to describe a deep, wholehearted commitment or involvement in something, often suggesting that one is fully engaged or devoted with their entire being.

What is the origin of the idiom "body and soul" and when to use it?

body and soul

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The idiom "neck and crop" is a somewhat dated expression with origins in agricultural and equestrian contexts. It is derived from the practice of killing animals or harvesting crops entirely, without leaving anything behind. In this context, "neck" refers to the head and upper part of the animal, and "crop" refers to the harvest. Over time, this idiomatic expression has been used more broadly to indicate complete and thorough actions or consumption.

What is the origin of the idiom "neck and crop" and when to use it?

neck and crop

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The origin of the idiom "smack dab" is somewhat uncertain, but it is believed to be of American origin. It likely emerged in the United States, particularly in the American Midwest, in the 20th century. The phrase combines the words "smack" and "dab" to emphasize the precision and centrality of the location or placement of something. "Smack" in this context means "directly" or "squarely," and "dab" refers to a small, precise amount or touch. When used together, this expression is used to describe something that is positioned or located directly in the middle or at a precise point, often with an emphasis on the unexpected or noticeable placement.

What is the origin of the idiom "smack dab" and when to use it?

smack dab

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The idiom "on the nose" has origins in horse racing. In this context, "on the nose" referred to a bet placed on a horse to win, with the expectation that the chosen horse would cross the finish line first. The term gradually evolved to describe something that is precise, accurate, or exactly right, similar to predicting the winner of a race. People use the phrase "on the nose" to mean that something is exactly correct or accurate without any deviation or error.

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

on the nose

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The idiom "out and out" is of English origin and has been in use for centuries. It is formed by repeating the word "out" to emphasize the completeness or thoroughness of something. The repetition of "out" underscores the idea of something being done to its fullest extent. This idiomatic phrase is used to describe something that is complete, thorough, or extreme in a particular way, often to emphasize a specific quality or characteristic.

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

out and out

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The idiom "the hell out of something" originates from the use of "hell" as a profanity to convey strong emphasis or intensity. This idiom is typically used in informal spoken language and is not appropriate for formal contexts. It can be used humorously or even disapprovingly, depending on the tone and context of the conversation.

What is the origin of the idiom "the hell out of something" and when to use it?

the hell out of {sth}

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The idiom "through and through" originated from Middle English and has been in use since the 14th century. It combines the word "through" (meaning completely or thoroughly) with itself to emphasize completeness or thoroughness. Over time, it evolved into an idiomatic expression used to describe something or someone as entirely characterized by a particular quality, condition, or trait.

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

through and through

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The idiom "for the thousandth time" is an idiomatic expression that does not have a specific historical origin. It simply uses the number "thousandth" figuratively to emphasize the repetition or frequency of an action or statement. Similar expressions like "for the umpteenth time" and "for the millionth time" are also used for this purpose. This idiomatic phrase is used to express annoyance when they need to repeat something many times. It underscores the idea that the action or statement has occurred repeatedly and is often met with frustration.

What is the origin of the idiom "for the thousandth time" and when to use it?

for the thousandth time

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he idiom "the mother of all something" is an informal and idiomatic expression that likely originated in the late 20th century. Its exact origin is not clear, but it became popular during the Gulf War in the early 1990s. Saddam Hussein famously referred to the conflict as "the mother of all battles," which contributed to the phrase's widespread use. This idiomatic expression is used to emphasize that something is the largest, most significant, or most extreme of its kind.

What is the origin of the idiom "the mother of all something" and when to use it?

the mother of all {sth}

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The idiom "the shit out of somebody or something" is an informal and slang expression that uses "the shit" as an intensifier. It emphasizes doing something to an extreme or impressive degree, often with a sense of enthusiasm, skill, or intensity. This phrase is derived from colloquial language, where "shit" can be used to convey a strong emphasis, either positively or negatively. This expression is used to emphasize that someone is doing something exceptionally well or to a remarkable extent. It can convey admiration, enthusiasm, or amazement about the person's performance or the quality of something.

What is the origin of the idiom "the shit out of somebody or something" and when to use it?

the shit out of {sb/sth}

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Master English idioms regarding intensity or emphasis, like "body and soul" and "take the edge off".

English Idioms for "Intensity or Emphasis"