Origins of common sayings

Many common sayings have interesting origins that date back to historical events, literature, folklore, or cultural practices. Here are a few examples:

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 before anesthesia was widely used.

2. "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.

3. "Cat's out of the bag" - This saying comes from the medieval market scam of selling a cat in a bag instead of a piglet. Once the cat was revealed, the secret was out.

4. "Cost an arm and a leg" - This saying is believed to have originated from the 18th-century portrait artists who charged more for painting limbs in the portrait, making it more expensive.

5. "Raining cats and dogs" - This saying is thought to have originated from the 17th century when heavy rain would wash dead animals into the streets, giving the appearance of cats and dogs falling from the sky.

These are just a few examples of the origins of common sayings. Each saying has its own unique history and background that has contributed to its widespread use in everyday language.

Above is Origins of common sayings.