The origin of the phrase "so help me" can be traced back to the use of oaths and affirmations in legal and formal contexts. The addition of "so help me" serves as an appeal to a higher power, traditionally understood to be God, reinforcing the sincerity and gravity of the promise or statement being made. Over time, it has become a conventional expression in various solemn affirmations and pledges, both within and outside legal settings.

What is the origin of the idiom "so help me" and when to use it?

so help me (God|)

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The idiom "talk the talk" likely originated from the idea that effective communication involves more than just words; it requires the ability to convincingly articulate and convey ideas. The phrase is used to emphasize the importance of not just discussing or describing something but being able to demonstrate a practical understanding or follow through with action.

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

to [talk] the talk

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nothing could be further from the truth

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The idiom "press something home" is thought to have originated in the 17th century, and it is a metaphor based on the physical act of using a hammer to drive a nail into a piece of wood. This expression is often used in the context of teaching or persuasion to describe the act of forcing an idea or message into someone's mind.

What is the origin of the idiom "press something home" and when to use it?

to [press|hammer] {sth} home

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The idiom "at the end of the day" is thought to have originated in the 17th century as a way to refer to the end of a workman's day. It was later adopted into figurative use to emphasize what is ultimately important or what matters most. It is often used to contrast the immediate or short-term with the long-term or ultimate consequences of something.

What is the origin of the idiom "at the end of the day" and when to use it?

at the end of the day

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The exact origin of the phrase "in the final analysis" is unknown, but it is believed to have originated in the 19th century in England. The phrase became popular in the early 20th century, and it is now commonly used in both British and American English.

What is the origin of the idiom "in the final analysis" and when to use it?

in the (final|last) analysis

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The idiom "bottom line" is thought to have originated from the field of accounting, where it refers to the final line on a profit and loss statement, which represents the net profit or loss of a company over a period of time. Over time, the term "bottom line" came to be used more figuratively to refer to the most important or crucial aspect of a situation or decision.

What is the origin of the idiom "bottom line" and when to use it?

bottom line

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The idiom "call a spade a spade" originated from ancient Greece, with its earliest recorded use found in the works of the Greek philosopher Plutarch. The phrase has been traced back to his writings in the first century AD, where it was originally written in Greek as "to call a fig a fig and a trough a trough." The expression made its way into English in the 16th century, evolving into the form we use today. The idiom emphasizes straightforward and direct language, urging people to speak plainly and truthfully without euphemisms or beating around the bush.

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

to [call] a spade a spade

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The idiom "beat around the bush" has its roots in medieval hunting practices, where beating bushes was a common technique to flush out birds and other game. Instead of directly approaching the bush and disturbing the prey, hunters would use sticks or branches to beat around the perimeter of the bush, causing the animals to flee. The phrase gradually made its way into everyday language, and by the 16th century, it had taken on a figurative meaning. Today, "beating around the bush" refers to avoiding direct or straightforward communication, often through the use of vague or evasive language.

What is the origin of the idiom "beat around the bush" and when to use it?

to [beat] around the bush

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The idiom "make a long story short" is believed to have originated in the 18th century. It is thought to have come from the practice of storytelling, in which a storyteller would use the phrase to signal to the audience that they were about to abbreviate a lengthy tale. This expression is used to indicate that one is about to provide a shorter, more concise version of a longer story or explanation.

What is the origin of the idiom "make a long story short" and when to use it?

to [make] a long story short

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The idiom "cut to the chase" has its origins in early Hollywood film-making during the silent film era. Film plots often included dramatic and action-filled chase scenes. However, some film-makers felt that these scenes were the most engaging part of the movie, while others were merely filler. To appeal to audiences, studios began placing the most thrilling parts, the "chase scenes," toward the end of the film. The phrase "cut to the chase" then emerged and used as a metaphor for skipping the unnecessary or less interesting parts and getting straight to the exciting and crucial elements.

What is the origin of the idiom "cut to the chase" and when to use it?

to [cut] to the chase

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The idiom "long story" is an informal expression that has evolved over time to indicate a complex or time-consuming narrative. Its origin lies in the tendency of individuals to preface or follow up a detailed account with the phrase "long story" to warn listeners that the explanation may take a considerable amount of time. This idiom is a colloquial way of signaling that there is more information than can be conveniently conveyed in a brief or succinct manner.

What is the origin of the idiom "long story" and when to use it?

long story

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The idiom "for all intents and purposes" traces its roots to the 17th century, specifically appearing in a legal document dated 1647. It is believed to have stemmed from the legal concept of intent, which refers to the intention to perform an action. The phrase gained widespread usage over time, evolving from its legal context to encompass a broader meaning of "essentially" or "in effect."

What is the origin of the idiom "for all intents and purposes" and when to use it?

for all intents and purposes

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The idiom "punch line" is thought to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. The first known use of the phrase in print was in 1916, in a newspaper article about vaudeville (a form of popular entertainment that was popular in the United States from the late 19th century to the early 20th century). This expression is now used to describe the funny part of a joke, story, or speech. It can also be used to describe the main point or conclusion of something.

What is the origin of the idiom "punch line" and when to use it?

punch line

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The idiom "all told" originated from the practice of counting all the relevant elements or factors involved in a situation or calculation. It is derived from the verb "to tell," which in this context means to count or reckon. The phrase is used to indicate that the total or final number or amount is being provided, encompassing everything that is relevant or included in the calculation.

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

all told

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Master English idioms that relate to making a point, like "beat around the bush" and "bottom line".

English Idioms for "Making a Point"