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 "face the music" originated from the world of theater, where actors were required to face the orchestra pit (known as the "music") when receiving either applause or booing from the audience. It is commonly employed when someone is responsible for their behavior, whether it's in personal relationships, professional settings, or legal matters.

The origin of the phrase "fly off the handle" can be traced back to the early 19th century. The phrase is believed to have derived from the image of a loose axe head flying off the wooden handle with great force when the handle is swung vigorously. This sudden and uncontrolled separation of the axe head from the handle serves as a metaphor for someone losing their temper explosively and unexpectedly. This idiom is commonly used to describe heated arguments, conflicts, or confrontations where emotions escalate rapidly and individuals lose their composure.

The origin of the phrase "a good head on one's shoulders" is derived from the literal meaning of having a head on one's shoulders, which implies possessing a functioning brain and the ability to think and make decisions. It is often used to praise someone's ability to make wise choices and navigate life's challenges with a level-headed approach.

The idiom "if worst comes to worst" is used to express a situation in which the most unfavorable or extreme outcome is being considered. The origin of this phrase is rooted in the idea that if things deteriorate to the point where the worst-case situation unfolds, one should be prepared to take action.

The phrase "when push comes to shove" is an idiom used to describe a situation when things become difficult or critical, often requiring decisive action or revealing one's true intentions. The origin of this phrase is not precisely documented, but it likely draws from the idea that when external pressure is applied (a push), individuals may be compelled to act or make a decision (shove).

The idiom "on second thought" originated in the English language, but its specific origin is difficult to trace. It is a common expression used to convey the idea of reconsidering or revising one's initial thoughts or opinions. The phrase likely emerged from the natural tendency of individuals to reflect and reevaluate their perspectives after having some time to think or gather additional information. It is commonly used when someone reevaluates their initial thoughts, judgments, or decisions after further reflection or consideration.