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to miss a trick

second bite at the cherry

to leave the door open for something

to grease the skids

to prepare the ground for something

the streets of sw are paved with gold

gravy train

to miss a trick

phrase

/mˈɪs ɐ tɹˈɪk/

Idiom

Informal

to fail to take advantage of an opportunity

What is the origin of the idiom "miss a trick" and when to use it?

The idiom "miss a trick" is believed to have originated in the game of cards, where players must pay close attention to the cards that have been played in order to make strategic decisions. In modern usage, the term "miss a trick" can refer to any situation where a person fails to take advantage of an opportunity or make the most of a situation.

second bite at the cherry

phrase

/sˈɛkənd bˈaɪt æt tʊ ðə tʃˈɛɹi/

Idiom

another opportunity for one to do or achieve something one previously failed at

What is the origin of the idiom "second bite at the cherry" and when to use it?

The idiom "second bite at the cherry" is believed to have originated in the early 20th century in Britain. The phrase likely refers to the practice of picking and eating cherries from a tree, where the best and ripest cherries are often located on the higher branches and are difficult to reach. In this context, someone who has already picked a cherry and wants another chance to get a better one might take a "second bite at the cherry" by climbing the tree again to pick another cherry. It is used to describe a situation where someone is given a second opportunity to achieve something that they missed or failed the first time.

to leave the door open for something

phrase

/lˈiːv ðə dˈoːɹ ˈoʊpən fɔːɹ ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ/

Idiom

to make sure that there is still a possibility or chance for something to be done or achieved at a later time

What is the origin of the idiom "leave the door open for something" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "leave the door open for something" is uncertain, but it likely originated from the literal meaning of the phrase. Leaving a door open allows for the possibility of something or someone to enter or exit, and the idiom uses this literal meaning to suggest the idea of keeping a possibility open for something in a figurative sense. It is used to describe intentionally keeping a possibility or opportunity available for something in the future.

to grease the skids

phrase

/ɡɹˈiːs ðə skˈɪdz/

Idiom

to make a process easier and more successful by providing support or taking action to overcome obstacles or resistance

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

The idiom "grease the skids" has its origin in the world of machinery and manufacturing. In the early 20th century, when machines were powered by steam, workers would pour oil or grease on the metal skids or tracks to reduce friction and help the heavy equipment move more easily. Over time, the phrase came to be used figuratively to describe an action taken to help a process move more smoothly and easily.

to prepare the ground for something

phrase

/pɹɪpˈɛɹ ðə ɡɹˈaʊnd fɔːɹ ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ/

Idiom

to make the necessary preparations for an event or situation

What is the origin of the idiom "prepare the ground for something" and when to use it?

The idiom "prepare the ground for something" has its origin in agriculture. It refers to the process of preparing the soil before planting crops. Over time, the phrase came to be used figuratively to describe the process of getting ready for a future event or action by making the necessary preparations or creating favorable conditions.

the streets of sw are paved with gold

sentence

/ðə stɹˈiːts ʌv ˌɛsdˈʌbəljˌuː ɑːɹ pˈeɪvd wɪð ɡˈoʊld/

Idiom

used to mean that a specific place provides many opportunities to become wealthy and successful with little effort

What is the origin of the idiom "the streets of somewhere are paved with gold" and when to use it?

The idiom "the streets of somewhere are paved with gold" has its origin in the 19th century, when many immigrants were coming to the United States in search of a better life. They believed that it would provide them with instant wealth and prosperity. However, the reality was often very different, and many immigrants struggled to make a living in the new country. Over time, the phrase came to be used to describe a place or situation that is believed to offer great wealth or opportunity, but the reality may be very different.

gravy train

noun

/ɡɹˈeɪvi tɹˈeɪn/

Idiom

Informal

a situation in which making a lot of money becomes possible with minimal time or effort

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

The idiom "gravy train" has its origin in the early 20th century, when it was used to describe a train that transported wealthy passengers in luxury and comfort. The term "gravy" was used to describe the delicious sauce that is often served with meat, and it was applied metaphorically to describe the luxurious lifestyle enjoyed by the wealthy passengers on the train. Over time, the phrase came to be used figuratively to describe any situation where someone is able to make a lot of money with little effort.

Grammatical Information:

compound noun

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