A pain in the ass is an idiomatic expression that appeared in mid-20th-century American English to describe a person or thing that causes ongoing annoyance, trouble, or inconvenience. The phrase uses the body part metaphorically: pain in a sensitive area equals constant irritation that's hard to ignore. It isn't sexual in meaning; it's about persistence and frustration. While clearly informal and crude, it's widely used in everyday speech and can range from mildly rude to strongly annoyed depending on tone and context.

What is the origin of the idiom "a pain in the ass" and when to use it?

a pain in the ass

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The exact origin of the idiom "a victim of one's own success" is unclear, but it is commonly used in English-speaking contexts to suggests that the success or accomplishments have unintended negative consequences that can create challenges or burdens.

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

a victim of {one's} own success

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"A pain in the neck" is an English idiomatic expression that dates back to the early 20th century, used figuratively from the literal discomfort of a stiff or sore neck. It came to describe a person or thing that is very annoying, troublesome, or irritating. The phrase is used in informal speech, everyday conversation, and writing to convey mild frustration or complaint. It is not vulgar and is generally considered a light, socially acceptable way to criticize someone or something.

What is the origin of the idiom "a pain in the neck" and when to use it?

a pain in the neck

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The origin of the idiom "be beyond a joke" is unclear, as it has been in use for a considerable period. It is likely that the phrase developed over time through the natural evolution of language and idiomatic usage. This phrase is used to convey that the situation has reached a point where it is no longer funny or tolerable and has become a source of frustration, annoyance, or distress.

What is the origin of the idiom "be beyond a joke" and when to use it?

to [be|go|get] beyond a joke

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The idiom "get in the way of someone or something" is commonly used to describe a situation where someone or something becomes an obstacle or hindrance to the progress, success, or plans of another person or thing. The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the concept of physical barriers or obstacles that impede movement or prevent someone from reaching their desired destination.

What is the origin of the idiom "get in the way of someone or something" and when to use it?

to [get] in the way of {sb/sth}

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The idiom "long haul" refers to a prolonged or extended period of time, typically associated with a difficult or challenging task. It originated from the transportation industry, specifically in reference to long-distance trucking or hauling goods over substantial distances.

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

long haul

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The idiom "stumbling block" originates from the literal meaning of a physical block or obstacle that causes someone to stumble or trip. The phrase has been used to represent any barrier or challenge that prevents smooth and easy advancement towards a goal or desired outcome.

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

stumbling block

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The idiom "take a lot out of someone" is used to describe a situation where an activity or event drains a person physically, emotionally, or mentally, requiring significant effort and leaving them feeling exhausted or depleted. The origin of this idiom can be traced to the concept of taking something out, or extracting energy or vitality from someone due to the demanding nature of a particular task or experience.

What is the origin of the idiom "take a lot out of someone" and when to use it?

to [take] a lot out of {sb}

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The idiom "the last straw" is used to describe a situation or event that becomes the final and decisive factor leading to a particular outcome, often a negative or breaking point. It originates from the proverbial expression "the straw that broke the camel's back," which refers to the idea that a camel can carry a heavy load, but adding one more straw will cause it to collapse.

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

the (last|final) straw

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The idiom "a monkey on one's back" is used to describe a persistent problem, burden, or addiction that someone finds difficult to get rid of or overcome. It is believed to have originated from the image of a person carrying a mischievous monkey on their back, which constantly distracts and causes trouble. The idiom is commonly used to convey the idea of a pressing issue or dependency that weighs heavily on an individual, affecting their well-being and hindering their progress or happiness.

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

a monkey on {one's} back

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The idiom "like kicking whales down the beach" is an expression used to describe a pointless or futile activity. It is used to convey the idea of engaging in an action that serves no purpose or achieves no meaningful outcome. The origin of this idiom is not clear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States, possibly in the coastal regions.

What is the origin of the idiom "like kicking whales down the beach" and when to use it?

like kicking (dead|) whales down the beach

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The idiom "get one's hands dirty" has its origins in labor and manual work. It implies that a person is willing to engage in a task that involves physical effort, hard work, or even morally challenging activities. It is often used to describe someone who is not afraid to do the hard work necessary to achieve a goal or to take responsibility for something that may be unpleasant or difficult.

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

to [get] {one's} hands dirty

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The phrase "thorn in one's side" originates from the Bible in the New Testament, specifically the letters of Paul. In 2 Corinthians 12:7, Paul mentions having a "thorn in the flesh" that was given to him as a means of keeping him humble. The exact nature of Paul's thorn is not specified in the biblical text, leaving room for interpretation. However, it is commonly understood as a metaphorical representation of a chronic difficulty or adversity he faced. Over time, the phrase has evolved and is now used more generally to describe any ongoing source of irritation, annoyance, or trouble that is difficult to resolve or remove.

What is the origin of the idiom "a thorn in one's side" and when to use it?

thorn in {one's} (side|flesh)

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The idiom "the chill wind of something" is used to imply a sense that something unpleasant or unwelcome is approaching. The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the literal experience of feeling a cold wind, which is often associated with discomfort and a sense of impending danger or difficulty.

What is the origin of the idiom "the chill wind of something" and when to use it?

the chill wind of {sth}

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The idiom "milestone around one's neck" is used to convey a burdensome situation or responsibility. It suggests that achieving a particular milestone or accomplishment has become a heavy burden or obstacle for an individual instead of being a source of pride or progress. The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the literal image of a heavy milestone, typically made of stone, hanging around someone's neck, impeding their movement and causing discomfort.

What is the origin of the idiom "milestone around one's neck" and when to use it?

milestone around {one's} neck

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The idiom "tar baby" originates from African-American folklore and gained wider recognition through the Uncle Remus stories written by Joel Chandler Harris in the late 19th century. In the stories, the tar baby is a doll made of tar and turpentine used by Br'er Fox to trap Br'er Rabbit. This expression has since evolved to represent a situation or problem that becomes more difficult to handle the more one gets involved with it.

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

tar baby

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The idiom "the straw that breaks the camel's back" is a metaphorical expression used to describe the final, seemingly insignificant event or burden that causes a person or system to collapse or reach a breaking point. The origin of this idiom can be traced back to an ancient proverb that refers to the physical weight limit of a camel or donkey carrying a load. Beyond a certain point, even the addition of a small straw can cause the animal's back to break.

What is the origin of the idiom "the straw that breaks the camel's back" and when to use it?

the straw that [break] the (camel's|donkey's) back

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The idiom "be drowned in something" is used to convey a sense of being overwhelmed or consumed by a particular thing or situation. The origin of this idiom lies in the literal act of drowning, where a person is submerged in water and unable to breathe or stay afloat.

What is the origin of the idiom "be drowned in something" and when to use it?

to [be] drown (in|with) {sth}

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Master English idioms that relate to causing difficulties, like "the chill wind of" and "a pain in the neck".

English Idioms for "Causing Difficulty"