The origin of the idiom "still as a stone" lies in the observation that stones or rocks typically remain motionless and unaffected by external factors. The phrase is used to describe someone or something that is completely still, calm, and unchanging, much like an unmoving stone. It conveys a sense of tranquility, stability, and lack of movement or disturbance.

What is the origin of the idiom "still as a stone" and when to use it?

(as|) still as a stone

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The origin of the idiom "heavy as lead" can be attributed to the physical characteristics of lead, a dense and weighty metal. This expression is used metaphorically to describe something that is exceptionally heavy, emphasizing its significant weight and burden. Lead, due to its dense properties, serves as a fitting comparison to convey an overwhelming or oppressive sense of weightiness.

What is the origin of the idiom "heavy as lead" and when to use it?

(as|) heavy as lead

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The origin of the idiom "light as a feather" is rooted in the physical properties of feathers, which are known for their lightness and delicate nature. This phrase is used metaphorically to describe something that is extremely light or weightless, emphasizing its lack of heaviness. Feathers, being lightweight and often associated with flight and freedom, serve as a fitting comparison to convey a sense of lightness and ease.

What is the origin of the idiom "light as a feather" and when to use it?

(as|) light as a feather

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The idiom "in the raw" originated from the concept of uncooked or unprocessed food, but it has expanded to represent something in its most natural or true state. The connection to its origin is derived from the idea that just as raw food is in its unaltered and natural state, something described as "in the raw" reflects its genuine, unrefined nature. It is now used to describe something in its purest form, untouched by external influences or modifications. It can be applied to various aspects of life, such as emotions, talents, or situations, to emphasize their genuine and authentic essence.

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

in the raw

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The origin of the idiom "a sight for sore eyes" is believed to date back to the 17th century and is used to refer to a person or thing that is especially attractive, pleasing, or beautiful to look at, despite being unusual, different, or contrasting with typical standards of appearance. It suggests that the person or thing stands out and brings a sense of relief or delight to the observer's eyes, even if they may be unconventional or unexpected in their visual appeal.

What is the origin of the idiom "a sight for sore eyes" and when to use it?

a sight for sore eyes

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The origin of the idiom "off the rails" in the context of extreme or exciting behavior is less clear than its literal meaning of a train derailing. This usage likely developed through metaphorical extension, as "off the rails" originally referred to a train departing from its tracks and then came to represent a departure from expected or controlled behavior. Over time, this evolved to include situations or actions perceived as wild, unconventional, or thrilling.

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

off the rails

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The origin of the idiom "Old Harry" as a representation of the Devil can be traced back to English folklore and mythology. In Christian tradition, "Old Harry" was used as a euphemistic name for the Devil. The term "Harry" itself has been associated with the Devil since the Middle Ages, and "Old Harry" emerged as a colloquial expression to refer to the Devil or an evil entity. The exact etymology of the term is uncertain, but it has been used in literature, folk tales, and regional folklore to depict the Devil as a mischievous or malevolent figure. Over time, the idiom "Old Harry" has come to represent the Devil or a personification of evil in various contexts, reflecting the enduring influence of folklore and religious beliefs.

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

Old Harry

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The idiom “snail mail” emerged in the 1940s to refer to traditional postal delivery in contrast to the much faster electronic mail, which became widespread in the 1990s. This expression draws a humorous comparison between the slow pace of a snail and the perceived sluggishness of the postal system. It is used to  refer to traditional postal delivery in contrast to the much faster electronic mail, which became widespread in the 1990s.

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

snail mail

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The idiom "a bunch of fives" is a British slang term dating back to the early 19th century. It refers to a clenched fist, particularly one used for punching. The phrase is used to refer to the five fingers of the hand, emphasizing the closed and forceful nature of the fist.

What is the origin of the idiom "a bunch of fives" and when to use it?

a bunch of fives

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The idiom "AWOL" stands for "absent without leave," originating from the military context to describe a person who is absent from their assigned duties or post without permission. The term's usage has since extended to civilian settings, broadly indicating something that is missing or unaccounted for.

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

AWOL

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The idiom "get a hold of something" originates from the idea of gaining control or possession of an object, often in the context of searching for or obtaining something one desires. The phrase is rooted in the concept of physically grasping or taking hold of an item, and over time, it evolved into a figurative expression for successfully acquiring or locating something.

What is the origin of the idiom "get a hold of something" and when to use it?

to [get] a hold of {sth}

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The idiom "lay one's hands on something" originates from the notion of physical possession or control, specifically through the act of reaching or obtaining with one's hands. This expression conveys the successful acquisition or discovery of something after a search or effort. It emphasizes the tangible act of grasping or laying hands on the desired item, reflecting the idea of gaining control over it.

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

to [lay|get] {one's} hands on {sth}

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The idiom "up for grabs" originated from sports, particularly in the context of a competition where an object or position is made available for anyone to acquire or win. The term "grabs" implies a competitive and often open opportunity for individuals to claim or obtain something. Over time, the expression has been adopted into everyday language to convey a situation or item that is readily available, accessible, or open for anyone to take advantage of.

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

up for grabs

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The idiom "go spare" in the context of being available for use only due to being unwanted likely has its roots in British English. The term "spare" here implies excess or surplus, and when something "goes spare," it means it becomes available because it is unneeded or superfluous. This can refer to items or resources that are in surplus and not allocated for a specific purpose, making them accessible for other uses.

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

to [go] spare

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The idiom "crystal clear" finds its origin in the clarity and transparency associated with high-quality crystals, particularly clear quartz. Crystals have long been admired for their purity and the way they allow light to pass through without distortion. This idiom is used to capture an object that does just that.

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

crystal clear

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The idiom "old school" originated from the informal use of the term "school" as a reference to a particular approach, style, or set of values. The phrase gained prominence in the mid-20th century and has since evolved to denote a preference for traditional or conventional methods, often with a sense of nostalgia. This expression is used to imply a commitment to established practices, principles, or styles that were prevalent in the past, contrasting with more modern or innovative approaches.

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

old school

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The idiom "knee-high to a grasshopper" originates from the literal description of someone or something being very small in size. It emphasizes the image of a grasshopper, a tiny insect, in relation to the height of a person, particularly a child. It is used to describe someone or something that is extremely small or of little importance.

What is the origin of the idiom "knee-high to a grasshopper" and when to use it?

knee-high to a grasshopper

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(as|) pretty as a picture

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The idiom "silent as the grave" originates from the perception of graves as places of profound stillness and quietness, accentuating the absence of sound or noise. The phrase conveys a sense of extreme silence and is often used to describe a situation or atmosphere where there is a complete lack of noise or conversation, emphasizing the eerie or solemn quality associated with a graveyard.

What is the origin of the idiom "silent as the grave" and when to use it?

(as|) silent as the grave

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The idiom "American as apple pie" originated in the United States and encapsulates the notion of apple pie as a quintessential and traditional American dessert. The phrase became popular in the 20th century, symbolizing a sense of patriotism, nostalgia, and cultural identity. It reflects the widespread association of apple pie with American values and traditions, often used to express something that embodies the essence of American culture.

What is the origin of the idiom "American as apple pie" and when to use it?

(as|) American as apple pie

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The idiom "off the rails" originates from the literal image of a train derailing or leaving the tracks, which results in chaos and deviation from its intended course. Over time, this literal meaning has been extended to figurative contexts to describe situations or events that have veered off course or become disordered.

The idiom "along the line of something" originated from the railroad industry, specifically in the late 19th century and in reference to the tracks or lines along which trains would travel. Over time, the phrase gained a figurative sense and became more widely used beyond the railroad industry and began to be used more broadly to describe actions or developments within a specific context or framework. Today, it is commonly used when discussing processes, strategies, or guidelines that guide progression or alignment.

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

along the line of {sth}

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Discover how English idioms like "off the rails" and "a sight for sore eyes" relate to describing qualities in English.

English Idioms for "Describing Qualities"