The idiom "drown one's sorrows"  is often used to describe the act of seeking solace or escape from emotional pain through alcohol consumption, and it's often used informally or humorously. The origin of this expression is not definitively known, but it is likely based on the idea that people may use alcohol as a means to temporarily forget or numb their troubles, much like drowning them in alcohol.

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

to [drown] {one's} sorrows

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The idiom "drunk as a skunk" is a humorous expression used to describe someone who is heavily intoxicated or inebriated due to the consumption of alcohol. The origin of the phrase is uncertain, but it likely stems from the playfulness of the rhyming words, emphasizing the extreme state of drunkenness. It's not meant to be taken literally; rather, it's a lighthearted way to convey someone's high level of alcohol intoxication.

What is the origin of the idiom "drunk as a skunk" and when to use it?

(as|) drunk as a (skunk|fiddler)

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The idiom "drunk as a lord" is a somewhat humorous and old-fashioned expression that is used to describe someone who is extremely drunk. The origin of this phrase likely dates back to a time when the British aristocracy, often referred to as "lords," were known for their heavy drinking habits and lavish banquets.

What is the origin of the idiom "drunk as a lord" and when to use it?

(as|) drunk as a lord

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The idiom "drunk as a wheelbarrow" is a playful and humorous way of describing someone who is heavily intoxicated due to alcohol consumption. The origin of this phrase is less clear than some other idioms, but it is likely derived from the idea that a wheelbarrow, when full and wobbling, may move in an unsteady or erratic manner, much like a person who is drunk might exhibit unsteadiness and lack of coordination.

What is the origin of the idiom "drunk as a wheelbarrow" and when to use it?

(as|) drunk as a wheelbarrow

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The idiom "drink like a fish" is used to describe someone who consumes alcohol excessively or frequently. The origin of this phrase is not precisely known, but it likely comes from to the idea that fish live in water and are constantly surrounded by it, so implying that someone "drinks like a fish" implies they have a seemingly unquenchable thirst for alcohol, similar to a fish in its natural habitat.

What is the origin of the idiom "drink like a fish" and when to use it?

to [drink] like a fish

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The idiom "go to one's head" is used to describe the effects of alcohol, where consumption causes intoxication or impairment. The origin of this phrase comes from the literal idea that when alcohol is consumed, it can affect the brain, leading to a sense of intoxication.

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

to [go] to {one's} [head]

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The idiom "here's to someone or something" is a traditional toast used to raise a drink in honor or tribute. The origin of this expression is rooted in the longstanding custom of raising a glass to offer a toast, typically during celebratory moments or gatherings. It is a way to express well wishes, goodwill, or to celebrate someone or something in a festive and positive manner.

What is the origin of the idiom "here's to someone or something" and when to use it?

here is to {sb/sth}

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The idiom "stone sober" is used to describe someone who is completely sober. The origin of this expression is not definitively known, but it is thought to come from the idea that stones are unyielding and solid, similar to how a person is perceived as being firm and clear-headed when they are sober.

What is the origin of the idiom "stone sober" and when to use it?

stone sober

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The idiom "get a load on" is used informally to refer to consuming alcohol, often in a significant quantity, with the intent of becoming really drunk. The origin of this phrase is not precisely known, but it is thought to have evolved from various slang terms related to alcohol and inebriation. It is often used humorously or casually to refer to the act of drinking alcohol, especially in social or party settings.

What is the origin of the idiom "get a load on" and when to use it?

to [get] a load on

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The idiom "give someone a buzz" does not have a specific and well-documented origin. Instead, it is a relatively informal and slang expression that likely evolved from the idea of consuming alcohol to the point where one feels a "buzz" or the effects of alcohol. The term "buzz" in this sense refers to the light-headed feeling some people experience when alcohol begins to take effect. It is used colloquially to indicate the intention of providing or consuming alcohol to achieve a level of intoxication.

What is the origin of the idiom "give someone a buzz" and when to use it?

to [give] {sb} a buzz

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The idiom "wet one's whistle" originates from the historical practice of using a whistle or flute-like instrument, often made of bone or wood, to summon a server or bartender at a tavern or inn. Over time, this act was associated with the need for a drink, leading to the idiom "wet one's whistle" as a way to request or consume a beverage.

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

to [wet] {one's} whistle

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The idiom "on the rocks" originates from the world of alcoholic beverages, particularly cocktails. It is sued to refer to a drink that is served over ice cubes or "rocks." The term "rocks" in this context simply means pieces of ice. "On the rocks" is a way to specify how a person wants their drink prepared, indicating that they prefer it served with ice.

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

on the rocks

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The idiom "high as a kite" is used to describe someone who is extremely drunk or under the influence of drugs, often resulting in erratic or overly excited behavior. The origin of this phrase is related to the idea of flying a kite, which is attached to a string and soars to great heights when there is sufficient wind. In the context of being "high," it suggests a feeling of euphoria or an altered state of consciousness that may resemble the sensation of floating or soaring like a kite.

What is the origin of the idiom "high as a kite" and when to use it?

(as|) high as a kite

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The idiom "have one too many" is used to describe the act of consuming more alcoholic beverages than one can handle or tolerate, resulting in excessive intoxication. The origin of this expression likely comes from the idea that when someone consumes an excessive amount of alcohol, they are said to have had "one too many" drinks, indicating that they have exceeded their limit. This idiom is often used to gently or humorously suggest that someone is drunk due to overindulgence in alcohol.

What is the origin of the idiom "have one too many" and when to use it?

to [have] one too many

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The idiom "on the bottle" is used to describe someone who is heavily dependent on alcohol or addicted to drinking. Its origin likely comes from the idea that when someone is heavily drinking, they often consume alcohol from a bottle, such as a wine or liquor bottle. Being "on the bottle" implies a chronic or excessive drinking habit that may lead to addiction or other health issues.

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

on the bottle

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The idiom "hair of the dog" is often used in the context of drinking and refers to the belief that the best cure for a hangover is to have another alcoholic drink, typically the same type of alcohol that was consumed the night before. The origin of this expression comes from an old folk remedy, which suggested that a person who had consumed too much alcohol could alleviate their hangover symptoms by ingesting a small amount of the same alcoholic beverage the next day, likened to "a hair of the dog that bit you." While this remedy is not a recommended treatment for hangovers, the idiom remains in use today, often with a humorous or sarcastic tone.

What is the origin of the idiom "hair of the dog" and when to use it?

hair of the dog

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The idiom "coffin nail" is a slang term that refers to a cigarette, especially in a disapproving manner. The origin of this expression likely comes from the association between smoking and the serious health risks it poses, often leading to various diseases, including those that can be fatal.

What is the origin of the idiom "coffin nail" and when to use it?

coffin nail

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The idiom "cancer stick" is a derogatory slang term for a cigarette, reflecting the serious health risks associated with smoking, particularly its strong link to various types of cancer. The origin of this expression is relatively modern and straightforward, as it combines the word "cancer" with "stick" to create a strikingly negative and vivid image of the health hazards posed by smoking. It serves as a stark reminder of the potential harm that tobacco can cause.

What is the origin of the idiom "cancer stick" and when to use it?

cancer stick

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The idiom "lung dart" is a slang term that humorously refers to a cigarette, highlighting the negative health effects of smoking, particularly on the lungs. The origin of this expression is relatively modern and it arises from the slang use of "dart" to describe a cigarette.

What is the origin of the idiom "lung dart" and when to use it?

lung dart

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The idiom "Dutch courage" is a phrase that is used to describe the false or heightened sense of bravery or confidence that be attributed to the consumption of alcohol. The origin of this expression is believed to be linked to the rivalrcan y between England and the Netherlands during the 17th century.

What is the origin of the idiom "Dutch courage" and when to use it?

Dutch courage

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The idiom "on the wagon" is a phrase used to describe someone who has abstained from drinking alcohol, typically after a period of excessive or problematic drinking. This phrase of this expression is believed to have originated in the United States in the late 19th century during the temperance movement when people advocated for abstinence from alcohol.

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

on the wagon

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The idiom "hit to the bottle" is an informal expression that refers to the act of consuming alcoholic beverages, often in response to stress, difficulties, or as a coping mechanism. The origin of this phrase is likely linked to the idea of turning to a bottle of alcohol, such as wine or liquor, as a way to alleviate emotional pain or find solace in difficult times. It suggests using alcohol as a means of escape or comfort during challenging situations.

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

to [hit] the bottle

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The idiom "one over the eight" is a British expression that suggests someone has had too much to drink and is slightly drunk or intoxicated. The origin of this phrase is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have emerged in the late 19th or early 20th century. This idiom is often used humorously and informally to describe a person who has overindulged in alcohol.

What is the origin of the idiom "one over the eight" and when to use it?

one over the eight

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The idiom "smoke like a chimney" originated from the literal observation that chimneys emit smoke when a fire is burning within them. Over time, this phrase has evolved to describe the person who consumes cigarettes or other tobacco products at a high frequency, similar to the continuous release of smoke from a chimney. Here are five example sentences using the idiom:

Give me the origin of the idiom “smoke like a chimney" ” in one paragraph and provide 5 example sentences for it

to [smoke] like a chimney

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Explore English idioms that relate to smoking and drinking with examples like "lung dart" and "drink like a fish".

English Idioms for "Drinking & Smoking"