The idiom "cook one's goose" is an expression used to describe a situation where someone's plans or prospects are ruined, typically due to their own actions or mistakes. The origin of this idiom is uncertain, but it dates back to at least the 1800s, with "goose" being a metaphorical representation of an individual's situation or fortune.

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

to [cook] {one's} goose

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The idiom "give someone enough rope to hang oneself" originates from the world of criminal justice and execution. In the past, a condemned person was given a length of rope to serve as the means of their execution, typically hanging. The idiom is used to convey the idea that when someone is provided with the freedom to make their own choices and decisions, especially when they are prone to making mistakes or poor judgment, they might eventually end up in a self-destructive situation. It is often used to describe situations where one person allows another to take actions that will lead to their own downfall or failure, often by demonstrating poor judgment or making bad decisions.

What is the origin of the idiom "give someone enough rope to hang oneself" and when to use it?

to [give] {sb} enough rope to hang {oneself}

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The idiom "playing hard to get" originates from the world of dating and relationships. Its precise origin is challenging to pinpoint, but it has been in use since at least the early 20th century. This expression can be used in everyday scenarios when someone is reluctant to provide or share something. It implies a level of resistance or hesitation in meeting another person's requests or desires, making them work or demonstrate the value of what they seek.

What is the origin of the idiom "playing hard to get" and when to use it?

to [play] hard to get

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The idiom "queer one's pitch" has its roots in 19th-century British slang, where "pitch" referred to the location or spot where a street vendor, performer, or beggar conducted their business. It is used to disrupt, interfere with, or sabotage someone's plans or activities.

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

to [queer] {one's} pitch

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The idiom "rain on someone's parade" originates from the notion of a sudden downpour spoiling an outdoor celebration or event. It is used figuratively to describe the act of spoiling someone's happiness, excitement, or plans by delivering unwelcome news, criticism, or negativity.

What is the origin of the idiom "rain on someone's parade" and when to use it?

to [rain] on {one's} parade

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to [throw] a (monkey|) wrench (into|in) the works

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The idiom "tie oneself in knots" is originated from the idea of picturing someone trying to make a very tricky knot in a rope but ending up all tangled and confused. It is used to refer to someone who is getting too worried and making things harder by overthinking or making a problem more complicated than it is.

What is the origin of the idiom "tie oneself in knots" and when to use it?

to [tie] {oneself} (up|) (in|into) knots

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The idiom "upset the apple cart" originates from the image of a person accidentally or intentionally tipping over a cart filled with apples, creating a mess and disrupting order. It is used to describe an action that causes chaos, disruption, or ruins existing plans, often due to carelessness or a sudden change in circumstances.

What is the origin of the idiom "upset the apple cart" and when to use it?

to [upset|overturn] the apple cart

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The idiom "muddy the waters" draws from the idea of stirring up sediment in a clear body of water, making it cloudy and unclear. It is used to create confusion or complicate a situation by introducing unclear, irrelevant, or distracting information, making it difficult to understand or reach a clear decision.

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

to [muddy] the (waters|issue)

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The idiom "put the kibosh on something" does not have a well-documented origin, but it is commonly used to convey the idea of stopping something abruptly, often with a firm and definitive decision.

What is the origin of the idiom "put the kibosh on something" and when to use it?

to [put] the kibosh on {sth}

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The idiom "knock the wind out of someone" is used to describes a forceful impact or event that leaves a person stunned, breathless, or disheartened.  The exact origin of this phrase is not precisely documented, but it likely comes from the concept of physical blows or impacts that can leave a person momentarily stunned or breathless.

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

to [knock] the (wind|breath|stuffing) out of {sb}

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The idiom "cast a shadow over something" is rooted in the idea that when an object or obstacle blocks the light, it creaThe negative review of the film cast a shadow on the opening weekend's box office results.tes a shadow or cloud, which can obscure visibility and cast a dark or negative influence. It is used to describe a situation where something, such as an event or action, has a detrimental or negative impact on a particular circumstance, often making it gloomy or causing concerns.

What is the origin of the idiom "cast a shadow over something" and when to use it?

to [cast] a (shadow|cloud) (over|on) {sth}

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The idiom "a fly in the ointment" comes from the biblical book of Ecclesiastes and refers to a small, annoying issue or problem that spoils or taints an otherwise favorable or pleasant situation. The phrase is used to highlight how even a minor flaw or inconvenience can detract from the overall quality or enjoyment of something.

What is the origin of the idiom "a fly in the ointment" and when to use it?

fly in the ointment

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The idiom "put a damper on something" is believed to originate from the use of a "damper" in fireplaces or stoves, which can be adjusted to control the intensity of the fire. It is used to refer to an action or event that dampens enthusiasm, excitement, or a positive atmosphere, making a situation less enjoyable or exciting.

What is the origin of the idiom "put a damper on something" and when to use it?

to [put] a damper on {sth}

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The idiom "take the gilt off the gingerbread" comes from the idea of removing the attractive, shiny, and decorative layer of gilt (a type of gold leaf) from gingerbread, making it less appealing. Figuratively, it is used to describe a situation where something has lost its initial charm or allure, making it less attractive or enjoyable.

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

to [take] the gilt off the gingerbread

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Dive into English idioms that relate to adding complexity, like "muddy the waters" and "fly in the ointment".

English Idioms for "Adding Complexity"