Category Archives: Idiom of the day

Idiom of the day

Get into shape

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Meaning: This idiom is used to describe the act of improving one’s physical fitness or overall health by engaging in exercise, adopting a healthier lifestyle, or achieving a desired level of physical condition. It implies making efforts to become stronger, healthier, or more physically fit.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “I’ve decided to get into shape by joining a gym and starting a regular exercise routine.”
  2. “She’s been working hard to get into shape for her wedding by eating healthier and exercising regularly.”
  3. “He realized he needed to get into shape after struggling to climb a flight of stairs; he started jogging and lifting weights.”

Origin: The origin of the phrase “get into shape” is straightforward, with “shape” referring to one’s physical condition or fitness level. The expression likely originated from the fitness and exercise community and has been in common usage since the mid-20th century. It emphasizes the idea of actively working towards improving one’s physical health and fitness, often through exercise, diet, and lifestyle changes.

Get into shape
Idiom of the day

An apple a day keeps the doctor away

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Meaning: This idiom is used to convey the idea that maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including consuming nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables, can prevent illness and promote good health. It implies that regularly eating apples can contribute to overall well-being and reduce the likelihood of needing medical attention.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “She believes in the saying ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away,’ so she eats an apple every morning.”
  2. “My grandmother always swore by the principle of ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away,’ and she lived a long, healthy life.”
  3. “Instead of relying on medication, he tries to follow the advice of ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’ by eating healthily and staying active.”

Origin: The origin of the phrase “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” can be traced back to 19th-century Wales. The saying was first recorded in the form of a proverb in the publication “Notes and Queries” in 1866. It reflects the belief in the health benefits of consuming fruits, particularly apples, as part of a balanced diet. While the exact scientific validity of the saying is debated, it remains a popular adage promoting the importance of healthy eating habits for maintaining good health.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away
Idiom of the day

In the pink

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Meaning: This idiom is used to describe someone who is in good health, excellent condition, or high spirits. It implies a state of physical or mental well-being, vitality, or robustness.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “After recovering from the flu, she’s finally back in the pink and ready to return to work.”
  2. “Despite his age, he’s still in the pink of health and enjoys an active lifestyle.”
  3. “Winning the championship put the whole team in the pink; they’re full of confidence and enthusiasm.”

Origin: The origin of the idiom “in the pink” is uncertain, but it likely stems from the association of the color pink with health and vitality. In the late 16th century, “in the pink” was used to describe a healthy plant or flower in full bloom, which eventually evolved into a metaphor for human health. Over time, the phrase became a common idiom used to describe someone who is in good health or high spirits.

In the pink
Idiom of the day

Keep your head above water

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Meaning: This idiom is used to describe the act of managing to survive or cope with a difficult or challenging situation, especially when facing financial, emotional, or other hardships. It implies staying afloat or maintaining one’s stability and resilience despite adversity or difficulties.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “Despite the financial struggles, they managed to keep their heads above water by cutting expenses and finding additional sources of income.”
  2. “She’s been working two jobs to keep her head above water and support her family.”
  3. “The company is struggling, but they’re doing their best to keep their heads above water and avoid bankruptcy.”

Origin: The origin of the idiom “keep your head above water” is literal, referring to the act of staying afloat while swimming to prevent drowning. Over time, the phrase evolved into a metaphorical expression used to describe the ability to survive or cope with challenging circumstances. It emphasizes the importance of resilience, determination, and perseverance in overcoming difficulties and maintaining stability.

Idiom of the day

Make your mouth water

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Meaning: This idiom is used to describe something, such as food or a description of food, that is so appealing or appetizing that it causes one to salivate or feel a strong desire to eat. It implies that the thought or sight of the food is so enticing that it stimulates one’s appetite.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “The aroma of freshly baked bread makes my mouth water every time I pass by the bakery.”
  2. “The chef’s description of the dish made everyone’s mouth water with anticipation.”
  3. “Just thinking about her grandmother’s homemade apple pie makes her mouth water.”

Origin: The origin of the idiom “make your mouth water” is based on the physiological response of salivation that occurs when one anticipates eating something delicious or appetizing. The phrase has been in use since at least the 16th century and is commonly used to describe the sensory experience of being tempted or enticed by the sight or description of food. It emphasizes the sensory appeal and desirability of the food in question.

Make your mouth water
Idiom of the day

Hold your horses

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Meaning: This idiom is used to advise someone to be patient, wait, or stop rushing into action. It implies the need to pause, calm down, or refrain from acting impulsively until the appropriate time or circumstances arise.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “Hold your horses! Let’s think through this plan before making any decisions.”
  2. “Before you make a hasty decision, hold your horses and consider all the options.”
  3. “Hold your horses, the meeting hasn’t started yet; we need to wait for everyone to arrive.”

Origin: The origin of the idiom “hold your horses” can be traced back to horse racing in the United States in the early 19th century. Jockeys were instructed to “hold their horses” before the race started, ensuring that they didn’t begin prematurely and stayed in line until the signal to start the race was given. Over time, the phrase evolved into a figurative expression used to urge patience or restraint in various situations beyond horse racing.

Hold your horses
Idiom of the day

Keep your cards close to your chest

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Meaning: This idiom is used to describe the act of being secretive or cautious about revealing one’s thoughts, plans, or intentions, especially in situations where revealing too much information could be disadvantageous or risky. It implies a strategy of maintaining confidentiality or withholding information in order to maintain an advantage or avoid potential pitfalls.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “He’s always keeping his cards close to his chest, making it difficult to know what he’s really thinking.”
  2. “In negotiations, it’s important to keep your cards close to your chest until you know the other party’s position.”
  3. “She’s not one to share her plans openly; she prefers to keep her cards close to her chest until she’s ready to reveal them.”

Origin: The origin of the idiom “keeping your cards close to your chest” is derived from the game of poker, where players hold their cards close to their chest (or body) to prevent others from seeing their hand and gaining an advantage. By keeping their cards concealed, players maintain a strategic advantage and increase the likelihood of success in the game. Over time, the phrase evolved into a metaphorical expression used to describe the act of maintaining secrecy or discretion in various situations beyond the context of card games.

Keep your cards close to your chest
Idiom of the day

Wash your hands of something

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Meaning: This idiom is used to describe the act of distancing oneself from a responsibility, obligation, or involvement in a particular situation, often by disassociating oneself from any further responsibility or blame. It implies a desire to no longer be associated with or affected by the consequences of a particular action or decision.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “After the project failed, he decided to wash his hands of it and move on to other endeavors.”
  2. “She washed her hands of the toxic relationship, realizing she deserved better.”
  3. “The company decided to wash their hands of the scandal by firing the employees involved.”

Origin: The origin of the idiom “wash your hands of something” can be traced back to biblical references, particularly in the New Testament, where Pontius Pilate washes his hands to symbolically absolve himself of responsibility for the crucifixion of Jesus. Over time, the phrase evolved into a common idiom used to describe the act of disassociating oneself from responsibility or blame for a particular action or situation. It emphasizes the desire to separate oneself from any further involvement or consequence.

Idiom of the day

See the light at the end of the tunnel

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Meaning: This idiom is used to express optimism or hope in difficult or challenging situations, particularly when there is the prospect of improvement or relief in the near future. It implies perceiving a positive outcome or resolution after enduring hardships or adversity.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “After months of struggling financially, they finally see the light at the end of the tunnel with a new job offer.”
  2. “Despite the setbacks, she remains optimistic and believes she’ll see the light at the end of the tunnel eventually.”
  3. “The project has been difficult, but with the deadline approaching, we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

Origin: The origin of the idiom “see the light at the end of the tunnel” is literal, referring to the experience of seeing actual light at the end of a long tunnel, which signifies the end of a journey or ordeal. The phrase gained figurative usage in the mid-20th century to describe the feeling of hope or optimism when facing challenges or difficulties. It emphasizes the belief that, despite current hardships, there is a brighter future ahead.

See the light at the end of the tunnel
Idiom of the day

A blessing in disguise

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Meaning: This idiom is used to describe a situation or event that initially appears to be negative or unfortunate but ultimately results in unexpected benefits, advantages, or opportunities. It implies that what initially seemed like a setback or misfortune turns out to be advantageous or fortuitous in the long run.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “Losing my job was devastating at the time, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise because it pushed me to pursue my passion.”
  2. “Getting rejected from my top-choice college seemed like a disaster, but it was a blessing in disguise because it led me to discover a better-suited program.”
  3. “Being sidelined with an injury during the season was disappointing, but it allowed me to focus on other aspects of my life and ultimately improved my overall well-being; it was a blessing in disguise.”

Origin: The origin of the idiom “blessings in disguise” can be traced back to the 18th century and is attributed to the Irish writer and playwright Oliver Goldsmith. The phrase was used in his 1773 work “The Citizen of the World,” where he wrote, “The stroke of misfortune which laid him upon a sick-bed was the means of introducing him to those friends who contributed to the improvement of his future life. A blessing in disguise.” Over time, the expression gained widespread usage to describe situations where seemingly negative events or circumstances lead to positive outcomes. It emphasizes the idea of finding silver linings or unexpected benefits in adversity.