The idiom "damp squib" originates from the world of fireworks, specifically a squib, which is a small explosive device used to ignite larger fireworks. A "damp squib" refers to a situation or event that turns out to be underwhelming, disappointing, or anticlimactic, much like a firework that fails to ignite due to moisture. It's used to describe something that does not live up to expectations or falls flat.

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

damp squib

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The idiom "out of thin air" is used to suggest that something has been produced or materialized seemingly from nowhere. It is often used to describe ideas, solutions, or objects that have been generated unexpectedly or surprisingly.

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

out of thin air

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The idiom "take the cake" likely originated in the United States in the 19th century. It originally referred to winning a cake as a prize in contests or competitions, particularly in rural fairs. Over time, it evolved to describe someone or something that is exceptionally outstanding, remarkable, or deserving of recognition.

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

to [take] the cake

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The idiom "throw someone a curveball" originates from baseball, where a curveball is a pitch that suddenly changes direction as it approaches the batter, making it challenging to predict and hit. This expression is often used when someone is faced with a situation that catches them off guard or requires them to adapt quickly.

What is the origin of the idiom "throw someone a curveball" and when to use it?

to [throw] {sb} a (curveball|curve)

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The phrase "large as life" is an idiom used to emphasize the striking or remarkable presence of someone or something, as if they were larger than life itself. The expression originated in the 19th century and likely comes from the idea that when something or someone is extraordinary, they appear larger and more vivid, even beyond their actual physical size.

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

(as|) large as life

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The idiom "catch someone napping" likely originated from the idea of finding someone asleep when they should be awake and alert. This phrase is commonly used in situations where someone is unexpectedly taken by surprise.

What is the origin of the idiom "catch someone napping" and when to use it?

to [catch] {sb} napping

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The idiom "catch someone with their hand in the cookie jar" is originated from the act of sneaking cookies or sweets from a jar without permission. This expression is often used when someone is caught red-handed engaging in an activity they shouldn't be.

What is the origin of the idiom "catch someone with their hand in the cookie jar" and when to use it?

to [catch] {sb} with {one's} [hand] in the cookie jar

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The phrase "catch someone with their pants down" is an idiomatic expression that is used to describe catching someone in a vulnerable or compromising situation, often when they are unprepared or engaged in an embarrassing act. The origin of this phrase is unclear, but it likely stems from the literal act of someone being found with their pants down, such as when they are caught in the middle of changing clothes or engaged in an inappropriate activity.

What is the origin of the idiom "catch someone with their pants down" and when to use it?

to [catch] {sb} with {one's} pants down

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The phrase "drop a bombshell" is an idiom with its origins in the literal dropping of bombs during wartime. Figuratively, it is used to describe the act of revealing shocking or highly significant news or information that has a powerful and often unsettling impact on those who receive it.

What is the origin of the idiom "drop a bombshell" and when to use it?

to [drop|explode] a bombshell

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The idiom "a pig in a poke" originates from medieval Europe when market sellers would deceive buyers by placing a small, low-value animal like a cat in a bag (a "poke") instead of the more valuable pig they had promised. Figuratively, this expression is used to refer to the act of buying something without inspecting it first, often leading to disappointment or deception.

What is the origin of the idiom "a pig in a poke" and when to use it?

pig in a poke

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The idiom "pull a rabbit out of the hat" is derived from the world of magic and conjuring tricks. Magicians often perform the act of producing a rabbit from a top hat, a classic and surprising trick that astounds audiences. It is used to describe a situation where someone manages to achieve a remarkable or unexpected success, find a clever solution, or produce a surprising result when facing adversity or challenges.

What is the origin of the idiom "pull a rabbit out of the hat" and when to use it?

to [pull] a rabbit out of the hat

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The origin of the phrase "the bubble burst" can be traced back to the financial world, particularly to economic bubbles. One of the earliest recorded financial bubbles was the Dutch tulip mania in the 17th century, where the price of tulip bulbs soared to extremely high levels before crashing, causing significant financial losses. This historical event likely contributed to the appearance of the phrase. It is used to describe the moment when any situation or expectation is shattered, leading to disappointment or disillusionment.

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

the bubble [burst]

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The idiom "flash in the pan" originated from the world of firearms. In early flintlock firearms, there was a small pan that held the priming powder. When the trigger was pulled, the flint struck the steel, creating a spark to ignite the priming powder in the pan, which, in turn, would ignite the main charge in the barrel. Occasionally, the priming powder would ignite in the pan but fail to fire the main charge, resulting in a flash without a shot. This was considered a failure, and the term "flash in the pan" emerged as a way to describe something that initially shows great promise or success but ultimately fails to deliver, often because it lacks staying power or substance.

What is the origin of the idiom "flash in the pan" and when to use it?

flash in the pan

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The idiom "blow one's mind" originated in the counterculture movements of the 1960s and 1970s, often associated with the use of mind-altering substances. This expression is commonly used to express the idea that something is so extraordinary that it has a profound impact on one's thoughts or emotions.

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

to [blow] {one's} mind

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The idiom "beyond one's wildest dreams" is used to suggest that the reality or outcome surpasses the most optimistic and imaginative expectations. The origin of this expression is not precisely documented, but it's commonly used in English to emphasize the extent of surprise or delight in a particular situation.

What is the origin of the idiom "beyond one's wildest dreams" and when to use it?

beyond {one's} wildest (dreams|fantasies)

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The phrase "glued to the spot" is an idiom used to describe a situation where someone is so surprised, shocked, or scared that they cannot move from their current position. The origin of this phrase is related to the notion of being physically stuck, as if one's feet are rooted to the ground or glued in place due to the overwhelming emotions or astonishment they are experiencing.

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

(glued|rooted) to the spot

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The exact origin of the idiom "out of nowhere" is not clearly documented, but it likely originates from the concept of something appearing suddenly and unexpectedly, as if from an unknown or unseen place. It is used to describe an event, action, or appearance that happens suddenly and without warning, often surprising those involved.

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

out of nowhere

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The expression "not know what hit someone" is an idiom that means to be completely surprised, shocked, or overwhelmed by an unexpected event or situation. This phrase is often used to describe situations where something unexpected happens suddenly and leaves an individual disoriented or bewildered.

What is the origin of the idiom "not know what hit someone" and when to use it?

to {not} [know] what [hit] {sb}

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The phrase "turn up like a bad penny" is an idiomatic expression that originated in the 18th century. It refers to someone or something that keeps reappearing, often when they are unwelcome or unwanted. The "bad penny" in the phrase alludes to a counterfeit or defective coin, which nobody wants. So, when someone or something "turns up like a bad penny," it means they keep showing up even when they are not wanted or expected.

What is the origin of the idiom "turn up like a bad penny" and when to use it?

to [turn] up like a bad penny

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The phrase "hit someone like a ton of bricks" is an idiomatic expression that originated in the United States. It means to be suddenly and overwhelmingly struck by a strong emotion, realization, or a shocking event. It is used to describe a sudden and intense impact or realization, often in an emotional or mental context.

What is the origin of the idiom "hit someone like a ton of bricks" and when to use it?

to [hit] {sb} like a ton of bricks

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Explore English idioms that relate to the unexpected, including "turn up like a bad penny" and "out of thin air".

English Idioms for "Unexpected"