The idiom "swan song" originates from the ancient belief, dating back to Greco-Roman mythology, that swans sing a beautiful, haunting melody just before their death. This belief was perpetuated in various literary works, including the Roman poet Virgil's writings. Over time, this expression evolved to describe a final, notable performance or effort before retiring, leaving a position, or coming to the end of a career.

What is the origin of the idiom "swan song" and when to use it?

swan song

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The idiom "be all up" does not have a well-documented origin, but it is possible that it originated from the phrase "all is up" or "all is up with," which was used in the early 19th century. The term "up" in this context refers to the completion or conclusion of something. Over time, the phrase evolved into "be all up," meaning to be completely or nearly finished. It is often used to describe a situation or endeavor that has reached its final stages or is on the verge of completion.

What is the origin of the idiom "be all up" and when to use it?

to [be] all up

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The idiom "bring something to naught" has its origins in Old English and Middle English. The word "naught" means nothing or zero, and the phrase implies the act of reducing or rendering something to a state of worthlessness or failure. It is used to suggest the complete negation or annihilation of an effort or intention, resulting in a lack of accomplishment or success.

What is the origin of the idiom "bring something to naught" and when to use it?

to [bring] {sth} to naught

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The idiom "come to naught" has its origins in Old English and Middle English, where "naught" means nothing or zero. The expression "come to naught" essentially means to result in failure or to end without achieving the desired outcome. It suggests that efforts or plans have been rendered useless or ineffective, and the intended goals have not been realized.

What is the origin of the idiom "come to naught" and when to use it?

to [come] to naught

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The idiom "call it a day" has its origins in the world of work and labor. It can be traced back to the idea of ending a workday or a shift when it is deemed appropriate or sufficient. The expression suggests that a decision has been made to cease work for the day, often based on factors like completing the necessary tasks, reaching a reasonable point of progress, or acknowledging that further efforts may not yield significant results. Over time, the expression has been adopted into broader contexts beyond work and is used when deciding to stop or conclude any activity.

What is the origin of the idiom "call it a day" and when to use it?

to [call] it a day

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The idiom "draw a line under something" likely originates from the act of drawing a line to mark the end of an entry or section in an account book or ledger. In a broader sense, it means to conclude, finalize, or put an end to a particular issue or situation. It suggests that after addressing or acknowledging a problem, one should move forward and not dwell on it any longer.

What is the origin of the idiom "draw a line under something" and when to use it?

to [draw] a line under {sth}

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The idiom "someone has left the building" is related to the practice of making announcements in show business, particularly during Elvis Presley's concerts in the 1950s and 1960s. It was used by promoters to let the audience know that Elvis Presley had concluded his performance and would not be returning. Over time, this phrase has been extended to describe situations where someone has definitively departed from an activity or place and will not change their mind about it.

What is the origin of the idiom "someone has left the building" and when to use it?

{sb} has left the building

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The idiom "lay something to rest" has origins in the concept of burial and funeral practices, where loved ones are laid to rest, indicating that they are given a final resting place. The phrase has been extended to signify the act of conclusively ending or settling an issue or a matter, putting it to rest and leaving it in the past.

What is the origin of the idiom "lay something to rest" and when to use it?

to [lay|put] {sth} to rest

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The idiom "pull the plug" originates from the literal action of unplugging an electrical device or disconnecting it from its power source, effectively stopping its operation. It has been used figuratively to describe the act of discontinuing or terminating a project, initiative, or situation abruptly and decisively.

What is the origin of the idiom "pull the plug" and when to use it?

to [pull] the plug

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The idiom "put paid to something" has its origins in accounting and bookkeeping practices, specifically in the sense of marking a bill as paid, indicating that a financial obligation has been settled. Over time, the expression extended to signify putting an end to something, such as an idea, plan, or expectation, in a definitive and irrevocable manner, similar to the finality of settling a debt.

What is the origin of the idiom "put paid to something" and when to use it?

to [put] paid to {sth}

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The idiom "put the brakes on something" originates from the literal action of applying brakes to slow down or stop a vehicle. It has been figuratively extended to describe the act of slowing down, reducing the pace, or stopping the progress of a particular activity, plan, or situation. The idiom emphasizes taking deliberate steps to control or limit the momentum of something, often in response to concerns about its speed or potential consequences.

What is the origin of the idiom "put the brakes on something" and when to use it?

to [put] the brakes on

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The idiom "give something a rest" is a figurative expression that suggests putting a sudden stop to something that has been ongoing for some time. While the precise historical origin of the phrase is not documented, it likely emerged naturally in the context of everyday language. It has been in use for many years to request a break or cessation from an ongoing activity or topic.

What is the origin of the idiom "give something a rest" and when to use it?

to [give] {sth} a rest

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The origin of the idiom "kiss something goodbye" comes from the early 1900s. The literal action of waving and blowing a kiss to something as a farewell gesture has been a sign of permanent goodbye for centuries. This gestures derives from earlier traditions where kissing one's fingers and waving them was seen as transferring a kiss through the air to the departing person or thing. This expression emerged in the early 20th century and is now used to refer to the action of accepting something is gone for good in the same way one would blow a farewell kiss.

What is the origin of the idiom "kiss something goodbye" and when to use it?

to [kiss] {sth} goodbye

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The idiom "give someone or something up as a bad job" originates from British English and dates back to the 19th century. It signifies the act of abandoning a task, goal, or endeavor due to the belief that it is no longer achievable or worthwhile, often after experiencing multiple difficulties or setbacks. It is used to reflect the sense of resignation or acceptance that further efforts would be futile.

What is the origin of the idiom "give someone or something up as a bad job" and when to use it?

to [give] up {sth} as a bad job

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The idiom "kiss one's ass goodbye" is often used in a humorous or sarcastic context to state that one believes one is about to get into huge trouble or just die. It has no well-documented origin and is considered a modern and informal expression. The phrase humorously implies that someone is leaving a situation, sometimes with a dramatic or final gesture. It is not considered a polite or formal phrase and is often used for comedic or ironic effect.

What is the origin of the idiom "kiss one's ass goodbye" and when to use it?

to [kiss] {one's} [ass] goodbye

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The idiom "close the books" has its origins in accounting and financial practices. In accounting, "closing the books" refers to the process of finalizing financial records, typically at the end of an accounting period or fiscal year. It involves completing financial statements and ensuring that all transactions are accurately recorded. Over time, this expression has been figuratively extended to signify concluding or completing any activity or matter, often with the implication of bringing something to an end.

What is the origin of the idiom "close the books" and when to use it?

to [close] the [book] on {sth}

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The idiom "a thing of the past" is used to suggest that something no longer exists, is no longer relevant, or has become outdated or obsolete. The expression likely originates from the idea that as time progresses, new things replace or supersede the old, making them seem distant or no longer part of the present.

What is the origin of the idiom "a thing of the past" and when to use it?

a thing of the past

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The idiom "wipe somebody or something off the map" has a dramatic and forceful origin. It is rooted in the imagery of complete destruction or elimination. The phrase is used to imply a complete and devastating removal, as if a location or entity has been entirely erased from existence, much like wiping something off a surface.

What is the origin of the idiom "wipe somebody or something off the map" and when to use it?

to [wipe] {sb/sth} off the (map|face of the earth)

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The idiom "go out the window" likely originated from the idea of something being thrown or discarded out of a window. It signifies the abandonment or disregard of a particular idea, plan, rule, or principle. In a figurative sense, it is used to suggest that something has been relinquished, forgotten, or no longer applies in a given situation, often due to changing circumstances or priorities.

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

to [go] out the (of|) window

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The idiom "wither on the vine" has its origins in agriculture and horticulture, specifically in the context of fruit-bearing plants and vineyards. Figuratively, this expression is used to signify the failure or decline of a project, opportunity, or idea due to neglect, inaction, or a lack of development.

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

to [wither] on the vine

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Explore English idioms that relate to endings, including "wither on the vine" and "swan song".

English Idioms for "Ending"