The idiom "hit the dirt" is rooted in military jargon and combat situations. It's commonly used as a command or an action in response to a threat, particularly in situations involving gunfire or explosions.

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

to [hit] the dirt

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red zone

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The idiom "armed to the teeth" likely originated from the image of someone being so heavily armed that they have weapons in their hands, on their belt, in holsters, and even in their mouth. It is used to describe a person or group that is excessively or overwhelmingly armed with weapons, often to emphasize their readiness for a confrontation or battle.

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

armed to the teeth

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The idiom "bust a cap" is believed to have originated from street slang in the United States, particularly within urban communities. It is used informally to mean firing a gunshot or using a firearm to resolve a conflict or intimidate others.

What is the origin of the idiom "bust a cap" and when to use it?

to [bust] a cap

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The idiom "eat lead" is rooted in military and wartime terminology and has been popularized in action films and video games. It is an informal and figurative way of telling someone to get shot or hit by gunfire, often in a confrontational or aggressive manner.

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

eat (hot|my|) lead

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The idiom "sitting duck" originated from hunting terminology, particularly in the context of shooting waterfowl. In this usage, it referred to ducks or other birds resting on water, making easy targets for hunters. Today, it is used metaphorically to describe a person or thing that is vulnerable, exposed, or an easy target for harm, criticism, or attack.

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

sitting duck

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The origin of the idiom "on the offensive" dates back to warfare strategies and tactics, particularly during battles and campaigns. It is used to signify a state in which a military force actively engages the enemy, advances, and takes the initiative in attacking the opposing forces rather than being in a defensive or passive posture.

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

on the offensive

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The idiom "late unpleasantness" is originated from the American Civil War (1861-1865), which was a particularly painful and divisive period in U.S. history. This term is often used in a lighthearted or colloquial manner to indirectly allude to the war's hardships and conflicts, reflecting the desire to downplay the gravity of the events and their lingering impact.

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

late unpleasantness

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The idiom "put someone to the sword" has its origins in medieval warfare and historical contexts. It has been used to describe the act of taking the life of an enemy, prisoner, or adversary in a deadly confrontation.

What is the origin of the idiom "put someone to the sword" and when to use it?

to [put] {sb} to the sword

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The origin of the idiom "die with boots on" can be traced back to the image of a cowboy or a soldier who dies while still wearing their boots, symbolizing their dedication and commitment to their respective trades. It is used to convey a sense of valor, as those who die with boots on are seen as courageous and determined individuals who refused to step away from their responsibilities or passions, even in the face of death.

What is the origin of the idiom "die with one's boots on" and when to use it?

to [die] with {one's} boots on

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The idiom "blow someone's brains out" is a vivid and violent expression that originated in the context of firearms and violence. The phrase emerged as part of the vernacular in the 20th century, reflecting the brutality and lethality of such an act, particularly in crime and detective fiction. It is used figuratively in a wide range of contexts to describe extreme harm or destruction, both physical and metaphorical.

What is the origin of the idiom "blow someone's brains out" and when to use it?

to [blow] {one's} brains out

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The idiom "let loose something" has its origins in the world of firearms and warfare, where it referred to the act of firing a weapon or releasing a barrage of projectiles. The expression signifies the action of releasing or discharging something forcefully and without restraint in a military or combat setting.

What is the origin of the idiom "let loose something" and when to use it?

to [let] loose {sth}

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The idiom "stand at bay" has its origins in hunting practices, It comes from the tradition of hunters who, when facing a dangerous animal, would use a pack of dogs to keep the animal at a safe distance, typically by forcing it to stand in a defensive posture with its back against a rock or tree, making it easier for the hunters to approach or dispatch the animal. Over time, this concept evolved into a figurative expression, where "standing at bay" signifies a defensive stance or holding one's ground in the face of a threat or danger.

What is the origin of the idiom "stand at bay" and when to use it?

to [stand] at bay

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The idiom "duke it out" originates from the concept of bare-knuckle boxing in the 19th century. The term "duke" is thought to be a reference to the Duke of Cumberland, a famous fighter in that era. Over time, this phrase has evolved into a more general expression for any heated or intense confrontation that leads to a physical fight.

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

to [duke] it out

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Explore English idioms regarding conflict and war with examples like "armed to the teeth" and "red zone".

English Idioms for "Conflict & War"