The idiom "a hell of a something" is an informal expression used to emphasize the extreme or exceptional quality of something, often with a sense of admiration or astonishment. It originates from the use of "hell" as an intensifier to convey a strong impression or description. This idiom is typically used in spoken language and informal writing to emphasize the remarkable or extraordinary nature of a person, thing, or situation.

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

(a|one) hell of a {sth}

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The idiom "go overboard" is believed to originate from nautical terminology, where "overboard" refers to going over the side of a ship and into the water. Going overboard in this context would be an undesirable and potentially dangerous situation. In common usage, it can refer to spending too much money, showing excessive enthusiasm, or taking actions to an extreme degree. This idiom is widely used in both spoken and written English.

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

to [go] overboard

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The idiom "over the top" is thought to originate from military slang, referring to soldiers who went over the parapet or trench in a reckless or overly aggressive manner during World War I. In contemporary usage, it can refer to anything that is excessively dramatic, extravagant, or exaggerated, whether in a positive or negative context. It is commonly used in both spoken and written English to describe something that is excessive, extravagant, or exaggerated to the point of being extreme or unreasonable.

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

over the top

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The idiom "thick and fast" likely originates from the idea of objects or occurrences being closely packed together, creating a dense or continuous sequence. It is a figurative expression used to emphasize the speed or frequency of events and is commonly used in both spoken and written English to describe a situation where things or events are occurring rapidly and in great numbers or intensity.

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

thick and fast

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The origin of the idiom "to the core" is not precisely known, but it has been in use for centuries in English. It is a versatile expression that can be applied to a wide range of situations and is commonly used in both spoken and written English and describe something or someone that is fundamentally or completely characterized by a particular quality, trait, or attribute. It suggests that the essence or innermost nature of the subject is deeply connected to that quality.

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

to the core

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The origin of the idiom "up a storm" is not precisely known, but it has been in use for several decades in informal English. It is commonly used in spoken language and informal writing to describe someone engaging in a particular activity energetically, enthusiastically, or at a rapid pace. It is often applied to actions that involve a lot of effort, talk, or movement.

What is the origin of the idiom "up a storm" and when to use it?

up a storm

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The origin of the idiom "to death" can be traced back to historical battles and conflicts where participants fought until one side or the other was defeated. It is often used to describe situations where there is no compromise, and the participants are fully committed to their cause or competition. This expression signifies a fierce or intense struggle or conflict where individuals or groups are willing to fight or compete with unwavering determination and commitment, even if it means risking their lives.

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

to (the|) death

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The idiom "to the bone" likely draws from the idea that something has penetrated all the way to the innermost part, or "bone," of a person or thing. It is a versatile expression and is commonly used in both spoken and written English to imply that a particular action or situation affects someone or something deeply or completely, often leaving no room for further involvement or influence.

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

to the [bone]

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The origin of the idiom "tooth and nail" is believed to date back to ancient times when people used their teeth and nails as weapons in physical combat. Today, it is a widely recognized idiom used in both spoken and written English to describe a fierce or vigorous effort to defend or achieve something. It implies a determined and unrelenting struggle, often involving strong resistance or opposition.

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

tooth and nail

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The origin of the idiom "a whale of something" can be traced to American English, particularly in the early to mid-20th century. It likely derives from the idea that a whale, being one of the largest creatures on Earth, symbolizes something of exceptional size or significance.It is often used in spoken language and informal writing to convey the idea of something being extraordinary or substantial.

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

a whale of {sth}

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The origin of the idiom "at the top of one's lungs" lies in the literal meaning of "lungs," referring to the organs that enable vocalization. It is a common idiom used in both spoken and written English to describe someone shouting or singing very loudly or with full force. It implies that a person is using their voice to its maximum capacity.

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

at the top of {one's} lungs

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The origin of the idiom "one's guts out" is rooted in the visceral and intense nature of the word "guts," referring to one's innermost parts, and it has been used in this figurative sense for many years. It is commonly used in spoken language and informal writing to describe an intense or extreme action, often involving a strong emotional or physical reaction.

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

{one's} guts out

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The origin of the idiom "like hell" can be traced to the early 20th century. It is believed to have originated as a slang expression in the United States. The word "hell" in this context is used as an intensifier to emphasize the extremity or intensity of an action or situation. It is often used to emphasize the intensity, speed, or fervor of something, usually in a negative or critical context.

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

like hell

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The the exact origin of the idiom "one's ass off" is difficult to pinpoint, but it has been used in casual language for many years, especially in American English to describe someone working extremely hard, putting in a significant amount of effort, or doing something to the maximum extent. The phrase uses a humorous or exaggerated tone, emphasizing the intensity of the effort.

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

{one's} (ass|butt) off

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The idiom "one's head out" likely originated from the idea that someone is speaking or expressing themselves so vigorously that it appears as though their head might detach from their body. It is used to emphasize the intensity or volume of someone's voice or expression, whether due to enthusiasm, excitement, anger, or other emotions. It often describes actions that are striking or memorable due to their passionate delivery.

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

{one's} [heart] out

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The origin of the idiom "one's head off" is rooted in the idea of someone speaking or singing so loudly that it feels as if their head might come off. This expression is commonly used in both spoken and written English to refer to someone speaking or singing very loudly or with great enthusiasm. It suggests that the person is using their voice to its maximum capacity.

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

{one's} [head] off

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The idiom "as sin" derives from the use of "sin" as a metaphor for something morally or ethically wrong or undesirable. This expression is used informally in spoken and written language to emphasize the extent or degree of a particular quality or attribute. It can be applied to both positive and negative qualities, depending on the context.By describing something as "as sin," it suggests that the quality or characteristic is exceptionally pronounced or evident, sometimes to the point of being excessive.

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

as sin

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Explore English idioms that relate to extremity, including "go overboard" and "tooth and nail".

English Idioms for "Extremity"