A Closer Look: Lesson 7

The idiom "in the black" originated in the world of finance and accounting, where it is used to describe a business or organization that is profitable and has positive net income. The idiom is commonly used to describe a range of scenarios, such as when a company's profits exceed its expenses, when an individual's savings exceed their debts, or when a non-profit organization has enough funds to cover its expenses and operations.

The idiom "gray area" is derived from the color gray, which is often associated with ambiguity and uncertainty. It has been used in the English language for many years to describe situations or issues that are not clearly defined, making it challenging to establish precise boundaries or categorize them definitively.

The idiom "gray matter" originated from the color of the human brain, which is often described as grayish in appearance. It has been in use since the 19th century, and the term "gray matter" has long been associated with intelligence, intellect, and the cognitive abilities of the brain. It is often used in a positive or neutral context to describe someone's intelligence or ability to think critically.

The phrase "green around the gills" is an idiomatic expression that originated from sailors who would often get seasick during rough sea journeys. It dates back to the early 19th century, around the early 1800s, and describes the pale, greenish complexion that people can have when they feel nauseous or unwell. It is often used to describe someone who looks pale or sickly, particularly when they are experiencing nausea or feeling unwell. It implies a physical condition where someone appears visibly unwell or experiencing discomfort.

The phrase "green thumb" is an idiomatic expression that refers to a person's natural talent or skill for gardening or growing plants. It is often used to describe someone who has a knack for cultivating and caring for plants, and their plants thrive under their care. The term is derived from the literal association of green with healthy plant foliage and a thumb as a symbol of dexterity or skill.

The phrase "green with envy" has its roots in ancient Greek and Roman mythology. In these cultures, green was associated with sickness and the pale pallor of a person's face when they were ill. Over time, the association of green with sickness evolved into symbolizing envy or jealousy. It is used to describe someone who is extremely jealous or envious of another person's possessions, achievements, or qualities. It suggests that the person's envy is so intense that it figuratively turns their complexion green, emphasizing the depth of their jealousy.

The phrase "the green-eyed monster" comes from William Shakespeare's play Othello. In the play, Iago describes jealousy as the green-eyed monster, suggesting that it can consume and distort a person's thoughts and emotions. It is used to describe the emotion of jealousy, especially when it leads to irrational or possessive behavior.

This idiom originated in the 16th century and has its roots in the Old English word "pynk," which meant the highest pinnacle or peak. Over time, it evolved to connote a healthy, robust state. It is often used in a positive, upbeat manner to convey good health, vitality, and well-being.

The pinky, also known as the little finger or fifth finger, is the smallest and outermost finger on the hand. It is situated next to the ring finger. While it may be smaller in size, the pinky finger contributes to various hand functions, including grasping, gripping, and manipulating objects. It plays a role in fine motor skills, such as typing, playing musical instruments, and delicate tasks. The pinky finger also aids in maintaining balance and stability when the hand is engaged in activities. Understanding the anatomy and function of the pinky finger is important for hand coordination, dexterity, and overall hand functionality.

The phrase "tickled pink" is believed to have originated in the United States and gained popularity in the early 1900s. It has been in use since the early 20th century in casual conversations, storytelling, and informal writing, adding a lighthearted and playful tone to express the sheer delight or amusement one feels.

The phrase "in the red" originates from the practice of using red ink to indicate negative amounts or deficits in financial records and accounting ledgers. This idiom is used to describe a financial situation where expenses exceed income, resulting in a negative balance or deficit.

The idiom "red cent" has its origin in the United States during the 19th century. It refers to the small copper coin known as the "cent," which used to have a reddish hue due to its copper content. This phrase is used to emphasize the idea that there is no money or an extremely small amount of money involved.

The idiom "red tape" has its origins in 16th century England where legal documents were bound by red tape as a way of showing that they were official. This phrase is typically used to describe excessive bureaucracy or official procedures which can hinder or delay progress.

The origin of the idiom "red-letter day" can be traced back to medieval manuscripts. In religious texts, particularly in the Christian tradition, important feast days and holy days were traditionally written in red ink or highlighted with red letters to signify their significance. The practice of using red ink for these special days can be traced back to as early as the 8th century. It is commonly used to describe personal milestones such as birthdays, weddings, graduations, or anniversaries, which hold special importance and are celebrated with joy and enthusiasm.

The idiom "see red" is believed to have originated from the physiological response of the human body during intense emotional states, particularly anger. The phrase is commonly used in situations where individuals feel deeply angered, provoked, or threatened, leading to an intense visceral reaction. It can be used during arguments, conflicts, or confrontations when emotions run high and individuals may act impulsively or aggressively.

The idiom "white as a ghost" originated from the association of the color white with a lack of color or pigmentation, similar to the pale appearance of a ghost. It is commonly used to emphasize a person's paleness due to fear, shock, illness, or a sudden loss of color.

The idiom "white elephant" traces its origin back to ancient Southeast Asia, where white elephants were considered sacred and were often owned by monarchs or held as a symbol of high status and prestige. It is used to describe something that is expensive to maintain, burdensome, or impractical, often referring to a possession or project that has little value or benefit.