The idiom "keep one's head down" likely originates from the literal act of lowering one's head to avoid being seen or targeted, especially in situations where visibility might lead to danger or unwanted attention. In its figurative use, the expression suggests a person avoiding trouble or staying out of the spotlight to maintain safety or avoid drawing attention to themselves, especially in challenging or risky circumstances.

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

to [keep] {one's} [head] down

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The idiom "keep one's nose clean" is thought to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. The phrase likely derives from the idea that a person who stays out of trouble or avoids wrongdoing tends to have a clean, unblemished reputation. This phrase is used to refer to an individual who avoids engaging in unlawful or morally questionable activities and behaves in a manner that avoids suspicion or wrongdoing.

What is the origin of the idiom "keep one's nose clean" and when to use it?

to [keep] {one's} nose clean

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The idiom "wash one's hands of something" has its origins in biblical references and early literary works. It is used to signify the act of disassociating oneself from a situation or responsibility, particularly when one wants to distance themselves from an unpleasant or morally challenging matter.

What is the origin of the idiom "wash one's hands of something" and when to use it?

to [wash] {one's} hands of {sth}

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The idiom "have no truck with someone or something" has its roots in the word "truck," which once referred to bartering or trade, particularly among merchants and traders in the 17th century. Over time, it evolved to represent dealings, business, or association. This expression is used when an individual wants no involvement, association, or dealings with a particular person or thing, often due to disapproval or a desire to distance oneself.

What is the origin of the idiom "have no truck with someone or something" and when to use it?

to [have|hold|want] (no|little) truck with {sb/sth}

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to [mind] {one's} own business

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The idiom "mind one's own beeswax" is a playful and somewhat humorous variation of the older expression "mind your own business." The word "beeswax" was likely used as a lighthearted and somewhat whimsical substitute for "business." The idiom emerged in American English during the 1930s and is often used to humorously or emphatically encourage someone to tend to their own affairs and not meddle in the affairs of others.

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

to [mind] {one's} own beeswax

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The idiom "none of one's business" is used to convey that a particular matter or issue is not the concern or affair of a given individual. Its origin is not rooted in a specific historical or cultural context; rather, it is a logical extension of the English language.

What is the origin of the idiom "none of one's business" and when to use it?

none of {one's} business

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The idiom "not touch someone or something with a ten-foot pole" has unclear origins, but it is believed to have been in use since the early 19th century in the United States. It likely reflects a sense of extreme avoidance or reluctance. This expression is used to imply that someone or something is so undesirable or risky that you would not even consider coming into close contact, even with an extended ten-foot pole.

What is the origin of the idiom "not touch someone or something with a ten-foot pole" and when to use it?

to {not} [touch] {sb/sth} with a ten-foot pole

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The idiom "on the sidelines" originates from the world of sports and games. It refers to the position of spectators or individuals who are not actively participating in the main activity. People on the sidelines observe from the periphery without directly being involved in the action, providing commentary or support. Over time, this sports-related expression has been used to describe individuals who are not actively participating in a situation or are not directly involved in an issue but are observing, commenting, or offering advice.

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

(on|from) the sidelines

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The idiom "worm one's way out of something" has its origins in the animal kingdom. It draws from the behavior of worms and weasels, known for their ability to escape tight spots or tricky situations by using their physical characteristics, such as a worm's ability to wriggle through small openings and a weasel's agility to evade predators. Over time, this imagery has been metaphorically applied to describe individuals who use clever or evasive tactics to avoid or escape from difficult, uncomfortable, or challenging circumstances.

What is the origin of the idiom "worm one's way out of something" and when to use it?

to [worm|weasel] {one's} way out of {sth}

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The idiom "give someone or something a wide berth" originates from nautical terminology. In the context of sailing, "berth" refers to a safe distance or space between a ship and an obstacle, such as another vessel, a rocky shoreline, or a dangerous area. Over time, the expression has been adapted into everyday language to describe the act of avoiding someone or something, often due to apprehension, to prevent any problems, conflicts, or unwanted interactions.

What is the origin of the idiom "give someone or something a wide berth" and when to use it?

to [give] {sb/sth} a wide berth

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The idiom "avoid someone or something like the plague" traces its origin to the historical context of the Black Death, a devastating pandemic in Europe during the 14th century. The plague was highly contagious and deadly, leading to widespread fear and the practice of avoiding infected individuals and areas at all costs. The idiom captures this historical fear of contagion and death and is used to signify a strong desire to stay far away from someone or something that is considered harmful, unpleasant, or detrimental.

What is the origin of the idiom "avoid someone or something like the plague" and when to use it?

to [avoid|evade] {sb/sth} like the plague

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The origin of the idiom "see the back of someone or something" is not definitively documented, but it likely stems from the idea that when someone leaves or departs, one can see their back as they walk away. In this context, seeing the back of someone or something signifies the end of their presence or influence. It is typically used in informal conversations and less formal writing to express relief or joy when parting ways with a person, situation, or thing that has been causing difficulties, annoyance, or discomfort.

What is the origin of the idiom "see the back of someone or something" and when to use it?

to [see] the (back|last) of {sb/sth}

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The idiom "have no business" originates from the idea of one's activities or involvement being considered inappropriate or unrelated to a particular situation or context. It is often used to suggest that someone lacks the authority, relevance, or justification to be engaged in a specific matter or action.

What is the origin of the idiom "have no business" and when to use it?

to [have] no business

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The idiom "fight shy of something" has uncertain origins but is thought to have evolved from the word "shy," which originally meant to startle or avoid. Over time, it has come to represent a sense of reluctance or hesitancy, often related to aversion or avoidance of something due to fear, suspicion, or apprehension. The idiom emphasizes a strong inclination to steer clear of a particular issue, subject, or situation.

What is the origin of the idiom "fight shy of something" and when to use it?

to [fight] shy of {sth}

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The idiom "out of the picture" comes from the world of visual representation, particularly in the context of photography or film. It signifies someone or something being removed or excluded from a situation or a scenario, similar to being edited out of a photograph or film frame. In a broader sense, the expression conveys a state of no longer being involved, relevant, or considered in a particular matter or decision.

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

out of the picture

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Master English idioms regarding uninvolvement, like "have no business" and "on the sidelines".

English Idioms for "Uninvolvement"