Lesson 3

The origin of the idiom "come clean" is rooted in the metaphorical idea of cleaning oneself from guilt or wrongdoing. It is believed to have originated in the early 20th century and is commonly associated with confession or admission of the truth. This idiomatic phrase is now used to emphasize the act of confessing or revealing the truth and seeking to clear one's conscience or take responsibility for one's actions.

The idiom "like death warmed over" originated as a vivid and exaggerated way to describe someone who appears extremely sick, pale, or unwell. It is a figurative expression that suggests a person's appearance is reminiscent of someone who has recently returned from the state of death. It is used to emphasize a person's extremely unwell or unhealthy appearance. It suggests that the person looks very pale, thin, or exhausted, as if they have been through a tough time.

The idiom "double whammy" is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century and is used to describe a situation where two negative events happen at the same time, compounding the negative impact. The term "whammy" is slang for a curse or jinx, and the "double whammy" is a situation where two curses or negative events occur simultaneously, making the situation even worse.

The origin of the phrase "get hitched" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. The word "hitch" originally meant to fasten or join something together, and it gradually evolved to be associated with marriage or a committed relationship. This phrase is commonly used to refer to the act of getting married, especially in casual conversations or informal settings.

The phrase "in full swing" originated in the early 1800s and was initially used to describe the swinging motion of a ship or pendulum. It later evolved to describe the energetic and dynamic movement of people or events. It is often used to describe situations where something is happening with great intensity, speed, or enthusiasm.

The idiom "in no time" began use in the early 20th century. At that time, factories were becoming more automated with machines and even though nothing can truly happen in exactly zero time, saying "in no time" was an exaggerated way to show how fast workflows were expected to be. Today, this expression is commonly used informally to describe tasks, activities or situations that are completed remarkably fast.

The idiom "lift one's spirits" is derived from the metaphorical idea of raising or elevating one's emotional state or mood. The word "spirit" in this context refers to a person's emotional or mental well-being. This phrase can be used in personal conversations, self-help discussions, therapeutic settings, and even in broader societal contexts. It can be applied to activities such as engaging in hobbies, spending time with loved ones, listening to uplifting music, watching inspiring movies, reading motivational literature, or enjoying nature.

The phrase "load off one's mind" is an idiomatic expression that likely originated from the mental imagery of carrying a heavy load or burden in one's mind. It is used to describe the feeling of relief when a worry, problem, or concern is resolved or lifted, alleviating mental stress or anxiety.

The origin of the phrase "tough cookie" is not entirely clear, but it likely stems from the idea of a cookie or biscuit being difficult to break or crumble. The phrase "tough cookie" is used to describe individuals who are resilient and strong-willed. It can be used in various contexts to refer to someone who handles difficult situations with determination. The phrase is commonly used to admire people who demonstrate inner strength and can overcome challenges.