off the face of the earth

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=b2ZmIHRoZSBmYWNlIG9mIHRoZSBlYXJ0aA&hash=a4f3709705ef5c0a50716e9cc93b661343d890e7&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to break

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gYnJlYWs&hash=307a6e663a2d1c68b89331bb60581052f056b391&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to check up on

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gY2hlY2sgdXAgb24&hash=7a6ad18f27b5ac8ac93e2b17f5dc0bf60381e59e&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

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.

What is the origin of the idiom "come clean" and when to use it?

to [come] clean

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gY29tZSBjbGVhbg&hash=529feb2f43a0f5bb5bc855d69b032802cc5a8044&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to come to

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gY29tZSB0bw&hash=f5c34ca3bac09a4c6a248ae5684c1b4b98d5f45e&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

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.

What is the origin of the idiom "like death warmed over" and when to use it?

like death warmed over

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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.

What is the origin of the idiom "double whammy" and when to use it?

double whammy

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to drag on

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gZHJhZyBvbg&hash=5ac4d8661f862cd99e81550e79fe57a675cfbaea&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

fling

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=Zmxpbmc&hash=75a52e4551612c5649fb391c822a7d7f76028c8f&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to get over

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gZ2V0IG92ZXI&hash=081c3e563f7b5b38f56e3c1ba6a4bb9097577309&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

The idiom "give it to someone straight" originated from the world of boxing, where a boxer delivers a direct, powerful punch without any deception or evasion. The phrase is now used to emphasize the importance of honesty and directness in communication, ensuring that the recipient receives information without any ambiguity or hidden meaning.

What is the origin of the idiom "give it to someone straight" and when to use it?

to [give] it to {sb} straight

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(hello|hi) there

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=aGVsbG8gdGhlcmU&hash=13f9c3d558988e02ed49d4f4f485b9f76e6f71b9&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

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.

What is the origin of the idiom "get hitched" and when to use it?

to [get] hitched

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gZ2V0IGhpdGNoZWQ&hash=138fed537af09aeb442187a2ae74f1a8012b0586&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

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.

What is the origin of the idiom "in full swing" and when to use it?

in full swing

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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.

What is the origin of the idiom "in no time" and when to use it?

(in|at) no time (at all|flat|)

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=aW4gbm8gdGltZSBhdCBhbGw&hash=1ddd90b22044e7a555c9be20025b9604ae8dbeda&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to knock up

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8ga25vY2sgdXA&hash=e3c8bb3e3bfb804af59626fce80a9d28d1e78298&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

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.

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

to [lift|raise] {one's} spirits

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gbGlmdCBvbmUncyBzcGlyaXRz&hash=c462a826ae7263d376a2512a9a81e73968dd5b5b&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

The idiom "pull the plug" originates from the literal action of unplugging an electrical device or disconnecting it from its power source, effectively stopping its operation. It has been used figuratively to describe the act of discontinuing or terminating a project, initiative, or situation abruptly and decisively.

What is the origin of the idiom "pull the plug" and when to use it?

to [pull] the plug

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gcHVsbCB0aGUgcGx1Zw&hash=d7dee8b85b42aea3975b3bb74177a1bb7d9ca627&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

soap

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=c29hcA&hash=167ad32aa04589bc7f7e834e09d2e3028cef0adb&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to stop by

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gc3RvcCBieQ&hash=e575fa606ee29802d8665828775052d7bec6e244&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to [take] it easy

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gdGFrZSBpdCBlYXN5&hash=fea712b0698e4e5a06b7a9904f188cb09442d74f&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

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.

What is the origin of the idiom "load off one's mind" and when to use it?

(load|weight) off {one's} [mind]

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=bG9hZCBvZmYgb25lJ3MgbWluZA&hash=6b664e8aca9951ba1836709cfbcaf594929367fa&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

ticker

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dGlja2Vy&hash=330dd590b0d2408ff9c3a066e135bc1883a8033b&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

The idiom "touch and go" has maritime origins, dating back to the early days of sailing. It referred to a situation where a ship's keel barely touched the sea bottom, allowing it to continue its voyage without running aground. The "touch" referred to this brief contact with the seabed, and "go" indicated that the ship could continue its journey. This idiomatic expression is used to describe a situation that is precarious, uncertain, or risky, often implying that the outcome is unpredictable and could swing in either direction.

What is the origin of the idiom "touch and go" and when to use it?

touch and go

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG91Y2ggYW5kIGdv&hash=f2ea0b7136027e379ae350dcbf681bc751a7e5c4&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

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.

What is the origin of the idiom "tough cookie" and when to use it?

tough cookie

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG91Z2ggY29va2ll&hash=4b0ba62a3ce665adb7dbf16a6152ac7164381d3f&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

upshot

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dXBzaG90&hash=1bfe9687dc0d72d27e17865bd2ff0228b7c2c2fb&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

yoo-hoo

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=eW9vLWhvbw&hash=6bfb420d541e51fc3805a6fc5f6564ea9f5995e4&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

Lesson 3

English words used in Street Talk 2 - Lesson 3