2107 curious word origins sayings and expressions

1. "Bite the bullet": This expression dates back to the 19th century and originates from the practice of giving soldiers a bullet to bite on during surgery to help them endure the pain without making noise.

2. "Cat's out of the bag": This phrase comes from the practice of fraudulently selling a cat instead of a pig at markets. The cat would be placed in a bag, and if the buyer opened the bag before leaving, the deception would be revealed.

3. "Break the ice": This expression comes from the idea of breaking the thin layer of ice that forms on a body of water in winter to allow boats to pass through. It is used metaphorically to describe initiating a conversation or social interaction.

4. "Caught red-handed": This phrase originated from the idea of catching a person with blood on their hands, indicating they were caught in the act of committing a crime.

5. "Raining cats and dogs": The origin of this expression is uncertain, but one theory suggests that it comes from the Old English word "catadupe," meaning a waterfall. Over time, this phrase evolved to describe heavy rainfall.

6. "Saved by the bell": This saying comes from the practice in the past of burying people with a string attached to a bell above ground. If someone was mistakenly buried alive, they could ring the bell to signal for help.

7. "Turn a blind eye": This expression is attributed to Admiral Horatio Nelson, who reportedly turned a blind eye to signals during the Battle of Copenhagen in 1801. It means to ignore or overlook something intentionally.

8. "Don't cry over spilled milk": This saying dates back to the 17th century and advises against wasting time and energy on something that has already happened and cannot be changed.

9. "Kick the bucket": This euphemism for dying likely originated from the idea of a person standing on a bucket while committing suicide by hanging. When the bucket was kicked away, the person would die.

10. "The whole nine yards": The origin of this phrase is uncertain, but it is believed to come from the length of ammunition belts in World War II aircraft, which were said to be "the whole nine yards."

Above is 2107 curious word origins sayings and expressions.

Eastern sayings

1. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.2. A bird does not sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.3. Fall seven times, stand up eight.4. When the winds of change blow, some people build walls and others build windmills.5. The best time to plant a

Adrian dunbar sayings in line of duty

Here are some famous sayings by Adrian Dunbar's character, Superintendent Ted Hastings, in the TV series Line of Duty:1. I'm interested in one thing, and one thing only – and that's bent coppers.2. Now we're sucking diesel.3. Mother of God!4. There's only one thing I'm interested in, and th

Cute instagram bio sayings

1. Living my best life, one selfie at a time.2. Slaying the gram with my squad.3. Just a girl with a camera and a dream.4. Happiness is a filter away.5. Making memories and capturing moments.6. Smiling through the chaos.7. Embracing my flaws and owning my story.8. Living in a world of

Albert einstein immigration sayings

Albert Einstein was a strong advocate for immigration and spoke out against discrimination and xenophobia. One of his famous sayings related to immigration is:Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius — and a lot of courage — to move in

Baby boys sayings

1. I'm the king of the crib!2. Mommy's little man.3. Daddy's mini-me.4. I may be small, but I'm mighty!5. Cute as a button, tough as nails.6. Snips and snails and puppy dog tails, that's what little boys are made of.7. I'm a little heartbreaker.8. Born to be wild.9. Messy hair, don'

Cute sayings for 6 month anniversary

1. Half a year down, forever to go!2. You're my favorite chapter in this love story.3. Here's to six months of laughter, love, and endless memories.4. Half a year of loving you feels like a lifetime of happiness.5. Every day with you is a blessing, happy 6 months!6. Cheers to us and the l

Love proverbs and sayings

1. Love conquers all. 2. Love is blind. 3. All's fair in love and war. 4. Love is a two-way street. 5. Love makes the world go round. 6. Love is patient, love is kind. 7. Love at first sight. 8. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. 9. Love knows no boundaries. 10. Love is the grea

Boss day sayings wishes

1. Thank you for being a great leader and always inspiring us to do our best. Happy Boss's Day!2. Your guidance and support have made a huge difference in our success. Wishing you a fantastic Boss's Day!3. You lead with wisdom, inspire with passion, and achieve with excellence. Happy Boss's Day

Quotes and sayings about feelings

1. Feelings are much like waves, we can't stop them from coming but we can choose which ones to surf. - Jonatan Mårtensson2. The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart. - Helen Keller3. Your feelings are valid. You have the

Christmas card sayings to customers

1. Wishing you a season filled with joy, peace, and prosperity. Merry Christmas!2. May your holidays be merry and bright, and your new year be filled with success. Happy Holidays!3. Thank you for your continued support and loyalty. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous new year.4.