25 common sayings and where they came from
1. "Bite the bullet" - This saying originated from the practice of having soldiers bite on a bullet during surgery to help them endure the pain.
2. "Break the ice" - This saying comes from the literal act of breaking ice to create a passage for ships.
3. "Burning the midnight oil" - This saying refers to working late into the night by using oil lamps for light.
4. "Cost an arm and a leg" - This saying is believed to have originated from the practice of artists charging more for portraits that included the subject's limbs.
5. "Don't cry over spilled milk" - This saying dates back to the 17th century and is a reminder not to worry about things that cannot be changed.
6. "Hit the nail on the head" - This saying comes from the act of accurately hitting a nail with a hammer.
7. "Let the cat out of the bag" - This saying originated from the practice of dishonest sellers substituting a cat for a pig in a bag, only to have the cat escape and reveal the deception.
8. "Piece of cake" - This saying refers to something that is easy to accomplish, as easy as eating a piece of cake.
9. "Raining cats and dogs" - This saying's origin is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated from the belief that cats and dogs were washed out of the thatched roofs during heavy rain.
10. "The ball is in your court" - This saying comes from the game of tennis, where the ball is in a player's court when it is their turn to serve.
11. "The whole nine yards" - The origin of this saying is unclear, but it is believed to refer to the length of a standard ammunition belt in World War II.
12. "Throw in the towel" - This saying comes from boxing, where a fighter's coach would throw in a towel to signal surrender.
13. "Under the weather" - This saying originated from sailors who would go below deck to escape bad weather.
14. "You can't judge a book by its cover" - This saying dates back to the 19th century and is a reminder not to judge someone or something based on appearance alone.
15. "A penny for your thoughts" - This saying originated in the 16th century as a way to ask someone what they were thinking about.
16. "Actions speak louder than words" - This saying dates back to ancient times and emphasizes the importance of actions over mere words.
17. "Beggars can't be choosers" - This saying dates back to the 16th century and emphasizes that those in need should not be picky about what they receive.
18. "Don't put all your eggs in one basket" - This saying dates back to the 17th century and advises against risking everything on a single venture.
19. "Every cloud has a silver lining" - This saying originated in the 19th century and means that every difficult situation has a positive aspect.
20. "Go the extra mile" - This saying comes from the Bible and encourages going above and beyond what is required.
21. "Kill two birds with one stone" - This saying originated from the practice of using stones to hunt birds for food.
22. "Make a long story short" - This saying dates back to the 16th century and is used to summarize a lengthy explanation.
23. "No pain, no gain" - This saying originated in the world of sports and fitness, emphasizing that hard work and effort are necessary to achieve success.
24. "The early bird catches the worm" - This saying dates back to the 17th century and emphasizes the benefits of being proactive and starting early.
25. "You reap what you sow" - This saying comes from the Bible and emphasizes the concept of karma, where one's actions have consequences.
Above is 25 common sayings and where they came from.