Idioms, Their Meanings and Origins

Absence makes the heart grow fonder

Meaning: You love a person more when they are away.
Origin: This line was first read in Davison's 'Poetical Rhapsody' in 1602.
Et tu, Brutus?
Meaning: Apparently the last words of Julius Caesar.
Origin: There is no documented evidence that these were the last words of Caesar. William
Shakespeare used these words in his famous play 'Julius Caesar'. Caesar said these words as he saw
his best friend Brutus approach to kill him.
Brand spanking new
Meaning: A new or unused object.
Origin: This idiom originates from doctors spanking a newborn baby to make it cry to start breathing.
Break a leg
Meaning: To wish good luck.
Origin: This idiom has its origins in a superstition about believing in Sprites. Sprites are the spirits of
ghosts, who were known to create a havoc. Thus asking someone to 'break a leg' meant fighting the
spirits.
Cat bird seat
Meaning: To be a vantage point.
Origin: Mocking birds are known as cat birds who usually sit on the tree top to get a broad view.
Chew the fat
Meaning: To talk about unimportant things.
Origin: The Eskimos were known to chew the pieces of whale blubber, which were like the chewing
gum. They could pass time by chew the fat while doing something else.
Clear as bell
Meaning: To be understood clearly.
Origin: The bells, like the ones used in churches have a loud and clear sound which can be heard over
a great distance. Thus the idiom originates from the clear and single note sound of the church bell.
Cold Turkey
Meaning: To quit something abruptly and experience severe withdrawal symptoms.
Origin: When one quits something abruptly, the skin resembles the pale blue color of a dead turkey.
Idioms with Examples
Blessing in disguise
Meaning: Something good which isn't recognized in the first instant.
Example: Getting out of the place was a blessing in disguise for me.
A doubting Thomas
Meaning: A skeptic person who needs a tangible evidence to believe.
Example: My boss is a doubting Thomas, there is no point trying to convince him.
A dime a dozen
Meaning: Something that is available in plenty and commonly.
Example: Such bags are available dime a dozen on Fashion Street.
A leopard can't change his spots
Meaning: You can't change who you are.
Example: It's true a leopard can't change his spots, but he sure can change his strategy.
A piece of cake

Meaning: An easy thing to do.

Example: Getting a scholarship was a piece of cake for Frieda.
Against the clock
Meaning: A hectic dash or running against time.
Example: Finishing the paper was a race against the clock.
Cry wolf
Meaning: To intentionally give a false alarm.
Example: "Stop crying wolf, or else no one will come to your help in case of need."
Devil's advocate
Meaning: Someone who takes a position in an argument without knowing the truth. Or someone who
counters the argument without believing in it.
Example: He is just playing devil's advocate. Don't fall for the trap.
A few words can make your language seem enhanced and convey exactly what you have to. Well,
idioms, express more than words. So, use these expressions to communicate more effectively.

By Mukta Gaikwad
Last Updated: 9/16/2011

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/idioms-and-their-meanings.html
Idioms and Their Meanings
If you're wondering what are idioms, you can read on to get a better idea about what they are and
how to use them in sentences. The following idiom examples are given with their meanings and uses.
Examples for Kids
It's an easy job to teach kids how and when to use idioms in English, as they love to learn new things.
But you should make sure they use it in the right context or it will simply be an English blunder, hence
take a look.

"The fat's in the fire" - The damage is already done.

"A flash in the pan" - Something that looks like it will be a big success, but does not work out.

"Hat trick" - Scoring consecutively three times in a game.

"In a pickle" - In an awkward or embarrassing situation.

"The nick of time" - Just before time is up.

"Pull the wool over someone's eyes" - Trick or deceive.

"Bite off more than you can chew" - Take on more than one can handle.

"Fill someone's shoes" - Take someone else's place.

"The buck stops here." - Taking responsibility for something, instead of blaming someone else.

"Strike someone funny" - To seem funny to someone.

Idioms in Literature
Literature and prose are also very well-known for the uses of idioms. Many authors find it simpler to

explain particular situations through idioms and phrases. Some such examples are explained in the
following paragraph, read on!

"Her bark is worse than her bite" - Someone's words are worse than their action.

"Bet on the wrong horse" - Misread the future.

"Bull in a china shop" - A person with no tact who upsets others or upsets plans.

"Cat gets one's tongue" - Can't speak because of shyness.

"Every dog has his day" - Everyone will have his chance or turn; everyone will get what he
deserves.

"Get on one's high horse" - Behave with arrogance.

"Hit the bull's eye" - Reach the main point.

"Lead a dog's life" - Work hard and be treated unkindly.

"Live high on the hog" - Have the best of everything.

"Monkey business" - Unethical or bad activity, mischief.

Idioms in Poetry
There are a few examples of idioms in poetry as well and can be used within rhymes or have rhyming
words in themselves. Take a brief look at such idiom examples mentioned below.

"A friend in need is a friend indeed" - Self-explanatory

"A herd of elephants" - Noisy, unsubtle, obvious. Something which is impossible to overlook.

"A picture paints a thousand words" - Used to show the value of the obvious.

"A world of their own" - Insular, not connected to the reality of others.

"A rolling stone gathers no moss" - Something in motion doesn't stagnate or collect problems.

"A stitch in time saves nine" - Doing something beforehand, saves having to do much more
work later.

"All bark and no bite" - A person who talks far more aggressively than they act.

"Curiosity killed the cat" - This idiom means that inquiring into things can be dangerous.

"Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise" - Traditional moral saying
meaning good practices benefit your life.

"Finding your feet" - To gain confidence in what you're doing.

With those idiom examples, I am sure you know how and when to use them in English. The next time
you come across these idioms or find the need to use them, keep in mind their meanings and make
sure you use them in right contexts.

By Aparna Jadhav
Published: 4/3/2010

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/idiom-examples-of-idioms.html