The origin of the idiom "a cut above" is rooted in tailoring and fashion terminology, specifically in reference to the quality of clothing. The phrase refers to a garment that is made with superior craftsmanship and exceeds the standard or average quality. Over time, the expression has been extended beyond fashion and is now used more broadly to describe anything or anyone that stands out as being of exceptional quality, skill, or distinction.

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

a cut above

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The idiom "head and shoulders above someone or something" originated from a literal comparison of height, where a person's head and shoulders are higher than another's. The phrase is used figuratively to denote a significant superiority or advantage in terms of quality, skill, performance, or any other measurable attribute. It is used to convey the idea of standing out prominently or being distinctly better than others in a given context.

What is the origin of the idiom "head and shoulders above someone or something" and when to use it?

head and shoulders above {sb/sth}

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The idiom "a fine line" originated from the literal concept of a line, which is a narrow and distinct mark or boundary. In a figurative sense, the phrase refers to a subtle or delicate distinction between two similar or closely related things. It is used to highlight the idea that there is a small margin or difference that separates two concepts, actions, or outcomes, often implying that the boundary can easily be crossed or misunderstood.

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

a (fine|thin) line

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The idiom "apples to apples" finds its origin in the game of comparing apples to apples, where participants match similar items or situations for fair evaluation. The phrase represents a comparison made between two or more similar things or situations based on their shared characteristics, attributes, or circumstances. It is used to emphasize the importance of considering relevant and comparable factors when making a judgment or drawing a conclusion, ensuring a fair and appropriate comparison.

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

apples to apples

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The idiom "cut from the same cloth" originates from the world of tailoring and textiles, where clothes cut from the same cloth are expected to share similar features or characteristics. Dating back centuries, the phrase is tied to the process of making clothes. When used to create multiple garments, a single piece of cloth ensured that the garments shared similar patterns, textures, and qualities. Over time, this literal usage evolved into a more metaphorical one, signifying individuals who share similar qualities, values, or characteristics.

What is the origin of the idiom "cut from the same cloth" and when to use it?

to [be] cut (from|out of) the same cloth

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The idiom "in the shadow of somebody" likely originates from the visual image of one person casting a shadow over another due to their physical position relative to a light source. This literal concept of being in someone's shadow has been extended metaphorically to describe situations where one person's prominence or success makes others seem less significant or visible.

What is the origin of the idiom "in the shadow of someone" and when to use it?

in the shadow of  {sb}

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The idiom "follow in one's footsteps" is used to describe the act of doing the same things that another person, often a family member or predecessor, has done before. The phrase originates from the literal act of following someone's footprints or steps, indicating the path they have taken. Over time, the phrase has evolved to represent the act of pursuing the same path, career, or lifestyle as someone else, particularly a family member or mentor

What is the origin of the idiom "follow in one's footsteps" and when to use it?

to [follow] in {one's} footsteps

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The idiom "follow suit" originates from card games, specifically from the game of bridge. In card games, a suit refers to one of the four categories (hearts, diamonds, clubs, spades) into which a deck of cards is divided. When a player is unable to play a card of the leading suit, they may choose to play a card from a different suit, but it is generally expected that the other players will "follow suit" by playing cards from the same suit as the leading card. Figuratively, this expression is commonly used to describe situations where individuals or entities mimic or imitate the actions, decisions, or behaviors of someone else.

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

to [follow] suit

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The idiom "take a leaf out of one's book" originated from the practice of using a book as a source of inspiration or guidance. The phrase suggests emulating or imitating the positive qualities, actions, or behaviors of another person. By borrowing a leaf, or a page, from someone's book, individuals seek to learn from their example and apply it to their own lives or situations. It is used to imply recognizing someone as a role model or a source of valuable knowledge and using their experiences as a guide for personal improvement or success.

What is the origin of the idiom "take a leaf out of one's book" and when to use it?

to [take|borrow] a leaf out of {one's} book

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The idiom "take a cue from someone or something" originates from cue sports, such as billiards or snooker, where a cue is used to strike the ball. In these games, players often observe and follow the actions of others by taking cues, or signals, from their opponents' shots to guide their own strategy and decision-making. Figuratively, the phrase means to draw inspiration, guidance, or instruction from someone or something as a basis for one's own actions or behavior. It signifies the act of paying attention to and learning from the example or advice of others in order to inform one's own choices or actions.

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

to [take] a cue from {sb/sth}

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The origin of the idiom "be half the man someone is" is uncertain, as it has been in use for a considerable period in the English language. The phrase is a figurative expression that compares an individual's worth, character, or abilities to that of another person. It is mainly used to suggest that the person being referred to is lacking in some way or falls short of the qualities, achievements, or virtues possessed by the other person. The idiom implies that the person being compared is not as admirable, accomplished, or influential as the one being referenced.

What is the origin of the idiom "be half the man someone is" and when to use it?

to [be|become] half the (man|woman|person) (that|) {sb} [is]

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The origin of the idiom "not a patch on someone or something" is rooted in the concept of patchwork or sewing. A patch is a small piece of material used to cover or repair a hole or flaw in a garment. This phrase is used to suggest a stark contrast in terms of skill, ability, excellence, or overall merit, highlighting that the subject being discussed does not measure up to the standard set by the other person or thing.

What is the origin of the idiom "not a patch on someone or something" and when to use it?

{not} a patch on {sb/sth}

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The origin of the idiom "in the same league" is derived from sports, particularly team-based competitions. In sports leagues, teams are grouped together based on similar skill levels or characteristics to ensure fair and competitive matchups. The phrase figuratively refers to entities or individuals who are comparable or similar in terms of ability, quality, or status, suggesting that they belong to the same category or level. It is now used to emphasize the notion of being on par or in a similar position, often used to highlight similarities or comparisons between people, objects, or concepts.

What is the origin of the idiom "in the same league" and when to use it?

in the same league

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The origin of the expression "out of one's league" in the social or romantic context is metaphorical, drawing on the idea of social hierarchy and classification. This concept likely evolved over time as individuals observed and categorized people based on factors such as attractiveness, status, or wealth. The term "league" suggests a tier or class in which a person is currently placed in. It is commonly used to describe a situation where someone is perceived as being of a higher social, romantic, or economic standing than another person.

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

out of {one's} league

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The origin of the idiom "run circles around someone or something" is rooted in the physical act of running in circles or rings. The phrase figuratively means to surpass or outperform someone or something with great ease, agility, or superiority. It implies that the subject being referred to possesses a higher level of skill, intelligence, or ability, enabling them to accomplish tasks or achieve results more efficiently or effectively than others. The idiom emphasizes the idea of dominance, agility, and surpassing others in a given context.

What is the origin of the idiom "run circles around someone or something" and when to use it?

to [run] (circles|rings) around {sb/sth}

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The origin of the idiom "pound for pound" can be traced back to combat sports, specifically boxing. In boxing, fighters are categorized into weight classes, and rankings are determined based on their performance within those classes. It implies that if the fighters were the same weight, the one being referred to would still possess exceptional skills or abilities. Figuratively, the idiom is primarily used to apply to various contexts, highlighting the hidden or underlying qualities of something that may appear significantly different on the surface.

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

pound for pound

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The idiom "light years away" originates from the field of astronomy and astrophysics, where a "light-year" is used as a unit of measurement for astronomical distances. It represents the distance that light travels in one year, approximately 5.88 trillion miles. However, in everyday language, the idiom has evolved figuratively to convey a significant difference or vast distance between two things, concepts, or points of comparison, unrelated to actual astronomical distances. It is now commonly used in conversations, discussions, or writing when people want to highlight the vastness of the contrast between two elements.

What is the origin of the idiom "light years away" and when to use it?

light years away

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Explore English idioms regarding comparisons, including "take a cue from" and "in the same league".

English Idioms for "Comparison"