Unit 10 - 10D

The idiom "politically correct" emerged in the mid-20th century and gained popularity in the 1980s. It originally referred to language or actions that were perceived as sensitive to various social, cultural, and political concerns. Politically correct language and behavior aimed to avoid marginalizing or offending certain groups or individuals, particularly those who had historically been disadvantaged or discriminated against. Over time, the phrase "politically correct" has been both positively embraced for promoting diversity and criticized for being overly cautious or restrictive in speech and behavior.

The idiom "pluck something out of the air" has its origins in the world of magic and illusion. It is used to describe the act of coming up with something seemingly out of nowhere, often without a logical basis or prior thought. This expression is usually used in situations where someone offers an answer, explanation, or solution that appears to be spontaneous and lacks any apparent basis or evidence.

The idiom "set the record straight" is used to describe the act of correcting misinformation, inaccuracies, or misunderstandings and ensuring that the true and accurate facts are known. Its origin is likely rooted in the idea of rectifying an inaccurate or incomplete record or history.

The origin of the idiom "toe the line" can be traced back to various sports, particularly track and field events. In these sports, competitors are required to position their toes on or behind a designated line before starting a race or performing certain actions, such as long jumps or shot puts. It is often used in professional settings such as workplaces, where employees are expected to follow established protocols, procedures, or company policies.

The idiom "quick off the mark" originates from the world of sports, particularly in the context of track and field events. In a race, athletes start from a set position or mark, and the one who reacts and begins running immediately upon the starting signal is said to be "quick off the mark." It is now used to describe someone who is exceptionally quick to react or respond to a situation. It suggests that the person is alert, agile, and often one step ahead of others in taking action.