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Idiom of the day

Rub someone up the wrong way

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Meaning: To irritate, annoy, or upset someone, often unintentionally, by doing or saying something they dislike.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “Her sarcastic comments rubbed him up the wrong way during the meeting.”
  2. “He tends to rub people up the wrong way with his blunt remarks.”
  3. “I didn’t mean to rub you up the wrong way—I was just trying to help.”

Origin:
This idiom comes from the imagery of stroking a cat’s fur in the opposite direction of its natural grain, which can make the animal uncomfortable and irritated. First used in the 19th century, it has since been applied metaphorically to describe interactions that cause annoyance or friction in people.

Rub someone up the wrong way
Idiom of the day

Left and right

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Meaning: Happening frequently, abundantly, or in all directions; doing something extensively or indiscriminately.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “After the storm, people were helping each other left and right to rebuild the community.”
  2. “He’s been spending money left and right without thinking about the consequences.”
  3. “During the promotion, customers were buying products left and right.”

Origin:
This phrase comes from the idea of something being spread or distributed in all directions, particularly the two primary directions of left and right. It emphasizes the volume or frequency of an action or event. Its exact origin is unclear, but it became common in English in the 19th century.

left, right, and centre
Idiom of the day

Below the belt

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Meaning: To act unfairly or cruelly, often by attacking someone in a way that’s considered unethical or inappropriate.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “That comment about her personal life was really below the belt.”
  2. “I know you’re upset, but going below the belt won’t help your case.”
  3. “Criticizing his work in front of everyone was hitting below the belt.”

Origin: This idiom comes from boxing, where hitting “below the belt” (the waist) is against the rules and is considered an unfair move. Over time, it became a metaphor for unfair tactics or hurtful remarks in any situation, not just physical confrontations.

Below the belt
Idiom of the day

Go off the rails

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Meaning: To act in an uncontrolled, chaotic, or unmanageable manner; to lose control over one’s behavior or actions.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “After his business failed, he started drinking heavily and went off the rails.”
  2. “The project was going well until the last few weeks, when everything seemed to go off the rails.”
  3. “Her behavior in class has gone off the rails recently.”

Origin: This idiom is rooted in the railway industry. When a train “goes off the rails,” it literally leaves the tracks, which causes a loss of direction and control. Over time, the phrase evolved to describe people or situations that lose structure or stability, becoming chaotic or erratic.

Go off the rails
Idiom of the day

Keep something under one’s hat

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Meaning: To keep something a secret or to not reveal information.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “I have a new job offer, but I’m keeping it under my hat until everything is finalized.”
  2. “He found out some surprising news but promised to keep it under his hat.”
  3. “She’s planning a big surprise party, so keep it under your hat!”

Origin: This idiom is thought to have originated in England in the 19th century. Hats were often used to conceal objects, and the phrase came to metaphorically mean keeping information hidden or not revealing it. The hat acts as a symbol for discretion and secrecy.

Keep something under one's hat
Idiom of the day

Pick up the pieces

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Meaning: To restore or rebuild something after a failure, setback, or emotional distress; to regain stability after a difficult situation.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “After the company went bankrupt, he stayed to help pick up the pieces and rebuild.”
  2. “She took time to pick up the pieces after her difficult breakup.”
  3. “Once the storm passed, the community came together to pick up the pieces.”

Origin: The idiom likely originates from the literal act of collecting pieces after something has broken. Over time, it evolved to describe the process of emotionally or practically recovering from any significant disruption or hardship.

Pick up the pieces
Idiom of the day

Set someone straight

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Meaning: To correct someone’s misunderstanding or misconception; to provide accurate information.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “He thought the meeting was next week, so I set him straight.”
  2. “There were a lot of rumors going around, but she set everyone straight with the facts.”
  3. “Let me set you straight about how the process actually works.”

Origin: The phrase “set someone straight” likely originates from the idea of aligning or correcting something that has gone off course. It became common in English as a way to describe offering clarity or correction to someone who is mistaken.

Set someone straight
Idiom of the day

Put up with

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Meaning: To tolerate or endure something unpleasant or someone difficult without complaining.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “She has to put up with a lot of noise from her neighbors.”
  2. “I don’t know how you put up with his constant lateness.”
  3. “We had to put up with the delays during our trip.”

Origin: The phrase “put up with” has been in use since at least the 15th century, with “put up” meaning to tolerate or accept something. It implies enduring something uncomfortable or undesirable, often with patience or restraint.

Put up with
Idiom of the day

Get by

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Meaning: To manage or survive with the resources one has, often in a challenging situation.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “With the increase in rent, it’s hard to get by on just one income.”
  2. “Even though her job doesn’t pay much, she finds ways to get by.”
  3. “We may not have much, but we always manage to get by.”

Origin: The idiom “get by” dates back to the early 20th century and is thought to come from the idea of “getting by” obstacles or challenges. It conveys the sense of navigating through life with just enough resources or support.

Get by
Idiom of the day

Out of someone’s hair

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Meaning: This idiom means to stop bothering or annoying someone, or to leave someone alone so they can focus on their own tasks.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “I’ll take the kids to the park so they’re out of your hair for a while.”
  2. “He just wants his coworkers to stay out of his hair while he finishes the project.”
  3. “I’ve got a date here, I’ll just grab some food and take it with us upstairs and we’ll be right out of your hair”.

Origin: The phrase “out of someone’s hair” likely originated in the early 20th century. It imagines an annoying or interfering person as something tangled in hair, making it hard to focus or move freely. Removing that “tangle” lets a person work or relax in peace.

Out of someone's hair