The idiom "bet one's life" is an idiomatic expression that is used to show a high degree of confidence or certainty in a particular outcome or belief. The origin of the phrase is not precisely known, but it likely derives from gambling or betting activities where individuals would wager their most valuable possessions, such as their life, boots, or the last dollar, emphasizing the significance of the bet.

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

to [bet] {one's} (life|boots|bottom dollar)

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The idiom "not count one's chickens" dates back several centuries and is rooted in the agricultural practice of raising chickens and the anticipation of future hatchlings. The phrase advises against premature optimism or overconfidence, emphasizing the need to wait for a specific event or outcome to occur before celebrating or making assumptions. It cautions that unforeseen circumstances could prevent anticipated results from materializing.

What is the origin of the idiom "not count one's chickens" and when to use it?

to {not} [count] {one's} chickens

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The idiom "beyond a shadow of a doubt" has its origins in the legal context, where it is essential to establish the guilt or innocence of a defendant beyond any reasonable uncertainty. It is used to show an extremely high level of certainty or proof, indicating that there is no room for doubt or question.

What is the origin of the idiom "beyond a shadow of a doubt" and when to use it?

beyond a shadow of a doubt

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The idiom "dollars to doughnuts" originates from the early 20th century, where dollars were considered a valuable bet against something of lesser value, like doughnuts. It is used to convey a high level of confidence or certainty regarding a particular outcome or prediction.

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

dollars to doughnuts

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The idiom "hands down" is used to indicate that something is done or decided without a doubt, ambiguity, or uncertainty. The origin of this expression comes from horse racing, where jockeys would lower their hands and loosen their grip on the reins when they were certain they would win the race.

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

hands down

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The idiom "go without saying" is believed to have originated in the English language in the early 20th century. It is used to express the idea that something is so evident or universally acknowledged that it doesn't require explicit mention or elaboration.

What is the origin of the idiom "go without saying" and when to use it?

to [go] without saying

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The phrase "mark my word" is an idiom that is used to encourage someone to pay attention to a promise, statement, or prediction. The origin of this phrase is not well-documented, but it has been in use for several centuries and is often used to emphasize the speaker's sincerity or confidence in what they are saying.

What is the origin of the idiom "mark my word" and when to use it?

mark my [word]

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The origin of the idiom "seal one's fate" is rooted in the idea of making an outcome certain or inevitable, often with significant consequences. The word "seal" is used in the sense of finalizing or conclusively determining a result. This phrase is used to suggest that a particular decision, action, or event is so influential that it guarantees a specific outcome, often with far-reaching implications.

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

to [seal] {one's} fate

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The phrase "tried and true" is an idiom that refers to something that has been tested, proven, and found to be reliable or effective through experience or a history of success. Its origin is not precisely documented, but it has been used for many years to describe things that have stood the test of time and have consistently delivered positive results.

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

tried and true

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The idiom "acid test" has its origins in the field of metallurgy, where acids were used to determine the purity and authenticity of precious metals like gold. If a metal passed the "acid test," it remained unaltered by the acid and was considered genuine. In a broader sense, the phrase has evolved to describe a rigorous and definitive examination or assessment that is used to determine the true value, quality, or effectiveness of something.

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

acid test

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The idiom "a backward glance" originates from the literal action of looking back or turning one's gaze in the opposite direction. It is commonly used to describe the act of reflecting on the past, reviewing previous experiences, or reconsidering one's history or decisions.

What is the origin of the idiom "a backward glance" and when to use it?

a backward glance

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The idiom "feel something in one's bones" is rooted in the idea that a person has an intuitive or instinctive understanding of a situation or a strong conviction about something, often without concrete evidence or logical reasoning. It is used to suggest that the knowledge or feeling is so deep and fundamental that it seems to come from within a person, as if it originates in their very bones.

What is the origin of the idiom "feel something in one's bones" and when to use it?

to [feel] {sth} in {one's} bones

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The idiom "foregone conclusion" dates back to the early 17th century and is used to describe an outcome or result that is so predictable and certain that it can be considered established before the relevant events or circumstances have even unfolded.

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

foregone conclusion

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The exact origin of the phrase "in no uncertain terms" is not well-documented, but it has been in use for well over a century. It likely evolved from the notion that clear and direct language leaves no room for doubt or misunderstanding, emphasizing the absence of uncertainty. It is used to emphasize that something is stated clearly, directly, and without any ambiguity or room for misinterpretation.

What is the origin of the idiom "in no uncertain terms" and when to use it?

in no uncertain terms

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The idiom "a one-way ticket" has its origins in the world of travel, particularly in the context of transportation and ticketing. It refers to a type of ticket that allows a passenger to travel from one location to another without the inclusion of a return ticket. In its figurative usage, it represents a decision or action that is considered irreversible or leads to an outcome with no turning back. This idiom is often employed to highlight the irreversibility or permanence of a particular choice or course of action.

What is the origin of the idiom "a one-way ticket" and when to use it?

a one-way ticket

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The idiom "be a matter of time" is used to convey the idea that a particular event or outcome is inevitable and will occur in the future, although the specific timing may be uncertain. Its origin is not precisely documented, but it has been used for many years to indicate the inevitability of a situation.

What is the origin of the idiom "be a matter of time" and when to use it?

to [be] (only|just|) a matter of time

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The phrase "someone can take it to the bank" is an idiomatic expression that is often used to emphasize the speaker's confidence in the accuracy or certainty of what they are saying. The origin of this phrase is rooted in the notion that banks are secure and dependable institutions, so if something can be "taken to the bank," it is as good as guaranteed or certain to be fulfilled.

What is the origin of the idiom "someone can take it to the bank" and when to use it?

{sb} can take {sth} to the bank

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Discover how English idioms like "go without saying" and "beyond a shadow of a doubt" relate to certainty in English.

English Idioms for "Certainty"