The origin of the idiom "take kindly to someone or something" can be traced back to the late 18th century. It evolved from the older meaning of "kindly" as an adjective meaning "with kindness or goodwill." The phrase is used to imply having a favorable or positive disposition towards someone or something.

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

to [take] kindly to {sb/sth}

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The origin of the idiom "you bet" can be traced back to the early 19th century. It developed from the phrase "you may bet on it," which conveyed a strong assurance or affirmation. Over time, it evolved into the shortened form "you bet." The idiom signifies a confident agreement or affirmation of a statement or proposition.

What is the origin of the idiom "you bet" and when to use it?

you bet

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The origin of the idiom "common ground" can be traced back to the concept of finding shared understanding or agreement between individuals or groups. The term "common" refers to something that is shared or mutually understood, while "ground" represents a foundation or basis. The idiom is used to suggest that people can establish a point of agreement or shared perspective, even if they have different opinions or backgrounds. It emphasizes the importance of finding areas of similarity or commonality to foster understanding and cooperation.

What is the origin of the idiom "common ground" and when to use it?

common ground

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The origin of the idiom "fair enough" is not precisely documented, but it emerged as a colloquial expression in the 19th century. The phrase combines the words "fair," meaning reasonable or just, and "enough," indicating an adequate or acceptable extent. "Fair enough"Fair enough" is a response that is used to acknowledge the validity or reasonableness of a statement or argument.

What is the origin of the idiom "fair enough" and when to use it?

fair enough

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The the origin of the idiom "I hear you" lies in the literal act of hearing, but it has evolved to convey understanding, empathy, or acknowledgment of someone's statement or point of view. The phrase signifies that the speaker has listened attentively and comprehends the message being conveyed. It can also be used to indicate agreement or alignment with the expressed sentiment.

What is the origin of the idiom "I hear you" and when to use it?

I hear you

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The origin of the idiom "you can say that again" is not precisely documented, as it is a common and informal expression used to affirm strong agreement with something that has just been said. It has been in common use for many years as a way to affirm and emphasize agreement.

What is the origin of the idiom "you can say that again" and when to use it?

you can say that again

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The idiom "see eye to eye" originated from the visual metaphor of two people looking directly into each other's eyes, suggesting a shared perspective or agreement. This idiomatic expression is used to emphasize finding common ground or having a mutual understanding with someone.

What is the origin of the idiom "see eye to eye" and when to use it?

to [see] eye to eye

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The idiom "preach to the choir" originated from religious contexts, specifically within Christian churches. It is used to refer to the act of delivering a sermon or religious message to an audience that is already convinced or converted to the beliefs being preached. The phrase implies that the speaker is addressing individuals who already share their views or beliefs, making the message unnecessary or redundant.

What is the origin of the idiom "preach to the choir" and when to use it?

to [preach] to the (choir|converted)

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The idiom "on the same wavelength" originated from radio communication technology. In radio, different stations transmit signals at specific frequencies or wavelengths. When two or more stations are tuned to the same frequency, they can receive and understand each other's signals clearly. This concept was metaphorically adapted to human communication and is now used to suggest a shared understanding or agreement between individuals.

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

on the same wavelength

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The idiom "on the same page" originated from the world of publishing and literature. In books or manuscripts, each page contains written content that progresses in a sequential manner. In an extended sense, the idiom is used to imply that people are in agreement, sharing a common understanding or goal. It emphasizes the importance of alignment and coordination in communication or teamwork.

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

on the same page

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The idiom "meeting of minds" originated from the concept of two or more individuals coming together and sharing their thoughts, ideas, or opinions. It emphasizes the convergence or alignment of intellectual or mental understanding between people. The phrase signifies a harmonious exchange of ideas, often resulting in agreement or a shared perspective. In other words, it is basically used to highlight the significance of finding common ground or reaching a consensus in discussions or collaborative efforts.

What is the origin of the idiom "meeting of minds" and when to use it?

meeting of (the|) minds

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The idiom "thumbs up" has its origin in ancient Roman culture, where a thumbs up gesture was used as a sign of approval or agreement. Gladiatorial contests in ancient Rome often involved life-or-death situations, and the crowd would signal their preference for the fate of the defeated combatant. A thumbs up indicated that the crowd wished the gladiator to be spared, while a thumbs down meant a fatal blow. Over time, the thumbs up gesture evolved into a universally recognized sign of positive affirmation or approval.

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

thumbs up

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The idiom "of course my horse" is believed to have originated in early 20th century American English horse racing culture. When bettors would enthusiastically agree with each other about a particular horse winning a race, they would say "of course my horse". It is used to imply full confidence in and support for their chosen contender.

What is the origin of the idiom "of course my horse" and when to use it?

of course my horse

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The idiom "hit the nail on the head" originated from carpentry, referring to literally striking a nail perfectly in one attempt on the center of its head with a hammer. This idiom emerged in the early 16th century, capturing how difficult but satisfactory it was to precisely target the small head of a nail. The expression is now used to describe getting straight to the heart of a matter, or precisely identifying and understanding an issue.

What is the origin of the idiom "hit the nail on the head" and when to use it?

to [hit] the nail on the head

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The idiom "ring true" originated from bell making, referring to the sound a well-made bell produces when struck. A high quality bell would "ring true" with a pure, resonant tone. This originated in the 14th century when bells emerged as important communicative tools. Gradually the term took on a metaphorical meaning to describe something that sounds believable, aligns with known facts, or is genuinely truthful.

What is the origin of the idiom "ring true" and when to use it?

to [ring] true

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The idiom "back the right horse" originated in horse racing in the late 19th century. When betting on horses, it was important to support the contender most likely to win a race. Over time, the term took on a broader meaning to describe supporting or promoting the most favorable option in any situation.

What is the origin of the idiom "back the right horse" and when to use it?

to [back] the right horse

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The idiom "it would not do someone any harm" originated in the early 18th century to suggest that undertaking a particular course of action could potentially benefit someone, even if it did not actively improve their situation. It is used to acknowledge or inspire trying something new might be harmless or even helpful.

What is the origin of the idiom "it would not do someone any harm" and when to use it?

it would not do {sb} any harm

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The idiom "eat one's words" originated in the early 17th century. It refers to having to retract or renounce something one has said due to being proved wrong. The figurative phrase draws from the notion of literally consuming the phrases or vows spoken.

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

to [eat] {one's} words

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The idiom "that is about the size of it" originated in the late 18th century referring to accurately estimating or assessing a situation. It draws from the idea of judging something's true "size" or scope. Over time, this expression took on a figurative meaning of correctly identifying the key issue or heart of the matter in essence if not detail.

What is the origin of the idiom "that is about the size of it" and when to use it?

that is about the size of it

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The idiom "sign on the dotted line" originated from the practice of signing legal or official documents. In the past, contracts and agreements were often written on paper with a dotted line indicating where the signature should be placed. The phrase emphasizes the finality and commitment associated with signing an important document. It implies that once a person signs on the dotted line, they are legally bound to the terms and conditions outlined in the agreement.

What is the origin of the idiom "sign on the dotted line" and when to use it?

to [sign] on the dotted line

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to [sit] (well|right) with {sb/sth}

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Discover how English idioms like "common ground" and "take kindly to" relate to agreement or approval in English.

English Idioms for "Agreement or Approval"