A page showing the sources of numerous sayings
Here are some common sayings and their sources:
1. "Break the ice" - This saying comes from the practice of breaking ice to allow ships to pass through frozen waters. It is now used to describe breaking the tension in a social situation.
2. "Bite the bullet" - This saying originated from the practice of having soldiers bite on a bullet during surgery to help them endure the pain.
3. "Burning the midnight oil" - This saying refers to working late into the night, often by the light of an oil lamp or candle.
4. "Cat's out of the bag" - This saying comes from the practice of dishonest merchants who would sell a cat in a bag instead of a piglet. Once the cat was discovered, the secret was out.
5. "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.
6. "Don't cry over spilled milk" - This saying encourages people to move on from past mistakes or misfortunes, as crying over spilled milk will not change the situation.
7. "Every cloud has a silver lining" - This saying emphasizes the idea that even in difficult situations, there is always a positive aspect to be found.
8. "Go the extra mile" - This saying comes from the Bible, specifically from the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus encourages his followers to go the extra mile when asked to go one mile.
9. "Hit the nail on the head" - This saying comes from the act of accurately hitting a nail on its head to secure it in place.
10. "Kill two birds with one stone" - This saying refers to accomplishing two tasks with a single action, much like killing two birds with one stone.
These are just a few examples of common sayings and their origins. Sayings often have interesting histories and can provide insight into the culture and practices of the time in which they originated.
Above is A page showing the sources of numerous sayings.