The origin of the idiom "steal a march on someone or something" can be traced back to military terminology. It has its roots in military tactics and strategy, where gaining an unexpected advantage or getting ahead of an opponent is essential in warfare. Over time, the phrase has been extended to describe various situations where individuals, groups, or entities gain an advantage or outmaneuver others through clever, unexpected, or strategic actions, beyond just military contexts.

What is the origin of the idiom "steal a march on someone or something" and when to use it?

to [steal] a march on {sb/sth}

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The origin of the idiom "throw one's hat in the ring" is rooted in historical and sporting contexts, particularly in the United States during the 19th century. In the 19th century, prizefights and boxing matches were common, and the practice of throwing a hat into a ring marked the beginning of a contest or fight. It was a way for someone to challenge an opponent and express their intention to engage in a physical confrontation. Over time, the phrase evolved to take on a more general meaning, and it came to represent the act of announcing one's intention to participate in any competitive situation, including elections, competitions, and various contests.

What is the origin of the idiom "throw one's hat in the ring" and when to use it?

to [throw] {one's} [hat] (in|into) the ring

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The origin of the idiom "ahead of the pack" is rooted in the imagery of a group of animals, particularly wolves or dogs, moving together as a pack. It was used to refer to a member of the group who is leading or positioned in front of the others, often indicating that they are the strongest or most dominant individual. Over time, this metaphorical expression was adapted for use in a wider range of contexts to describe individuals, organizations, or entities that are excelling or leading in their respective fields or competitions.

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

ahead of the pack

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The exact origin of the idiom "keep up with the Joneses" is not precisely documented, but it is believed to have its roots in American English, possibly dating back to the early 20th century. The phrase gained popularity in the United States in the 1920s and was further popularized by the comic strip "Keeping Up with the Joneses" by Arthur R. "Pop" Momand, which ran from 1913 to 1938. Over time, this phrase became widely recognized and adopted in English to describe the societal tendency of people trying to match or exceed the material possessions, social status, or lifestyle of those around them.

What is the origin of the idiom "keep up with the Joneses" and when to use it?

to [keep] up with the Joneses

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The idiom "beat someone to the draw" has its origin in the American Old West and the concept of a "quick draw." In the Wild West, gunfighters or cowboys would engage in duels or gunfights, and the person who could draw their firearm the fastest had a significant advantage. It was a matter of life and death in those situations. Over time, the concept of a "quick draw" became associated with being the first to act or respond swiftly to gain an advantage, not only in gunfights but in various competitive or time-sensitive contexts. This expression is now used to describe situations where someone acts or responds more quickly or efficiently than another person to achieve a particular goal or gain an advantage.

What is the origin of the idiom "beat someone to the draw" and when to use it?

to [beat] {sb} to the draw

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The origins of the idiom "ahead of the game" is not precisely documented, but it is rooted in the idea of being in a position of advantage or having a competitive edge. The use of this phrase likely evolved from the world of sports, where teams or athletes who were "ahead of the game" were leading in their competition. Over time, it came to be used in a broader context to describe those who were well-prepared, informed, or innovative in various fields.

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

ahead of the (game|curve)

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The origin of the idiom "on one's heels" is derived from the literal image of a person or competitor closely following another person or competitor. When one person is directly behind another, they are figuratively said to be "on their heels," emphasizing their proximity and the competitive nature of the situation. While the specific historical origin is not documented, it is a figurative expression that has evolved naturally to describe the dynamics of closely contested races and competitions, where competitors are often equally matched and close to achieving victory.

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

on {one's} [heels]

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The phrase "cut and thrust" originates from the world of sword fighting, particularly fencing, where "cut" refers to the motion of making a slashing or cutting movement with a sword, and "thrust" refers to the action of stabbing or pushing the sword forward in an attack. Over time, "cut and thrust" was adopted in a more figurative sense to describe vigorous and competitive exchanges, debates, or interactions where opposing viewpoints or actions are in play. It captures the idea of dynamic and spirited engagement, much like the rapid and decisive movements of a swordsman.

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

cut and thrust

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Dive into English idioms regarding jealousy and competition, like "steal a march on" and "ahead of the game".

English Idioms for "Jealousy & Competition"