Category Archives: Idiom of the day

Idiom of the day

Break a leg

Leave a comment

Meaning: This idiom is used as a way to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance or an important event. It is commonly used in the entertainment industry.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “You’ve got your audition today? Break a leg!”
  2. “Good luck with your presentation tomorrow; break a leg!”
  3. “Break a leg out there on the stage tonight; I know you’ll do great!”

Origin: The origin of the idiom “break a leg” is not definitively known, but it likely stems from the superstition that directly wishing someone good luck before a performance could bring bad luck. By saying the opposite of what is intended, it is believed that luck will be reversed, thus ensuring a successful outcome. Additionally, some sources suggest that actors in the theater would “break a leg” by taking a bow after a successful performance, further reinforcing the idea that the phrase carries positive connotations despite its literal meaning. Today, “break a leg” is a widely accepted way to offer encouragement and well-wishes in various performance-based contexts.

Idiom of the day

Cost an arm and a leg

Leave a comment

Meaning: This idiom is used to describe something that is very expensive or costly, often implying that the price is exorbitant or excessive.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “I’d love to buy that new car, but it costs an arm and a leg.”
  2. “The repairs on my house after the storm ended up costing an arm and a leg.”
  3. “Eating out at fancy restaurants every night would cost an arm and a leg; that’s why I prefer cooking at home.”

Origin: The origin of the idiom “cost an arm and a leg” is uncertain, but it likely originated in the United States during the mid-20th century. The phrase may have arisen from the idea that losing an arm or a leg would be an extreme sacrifice, similarly implying that paying a high price for something would also involve considerable sacrifice or expense. Over time, the idiom has become a common way to express the idea of something being very expensive or costly.

Idiom of the day

Burn the candle at both ends

Leave a comment

Meaning: This idiom is used to describe someone who is working or living at a strenuous pace, often to the point of exhaustion, by exerting effort from early morning until late at night.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “She’s been burning the candle at both ends trying to balance her job and family responsibilities.”
  2. “John’s been burning the candle at both ends studying for his exams while also working part-time.”
  3. “It’s not healthy to burn the candle at both ends; you need to take breaks and prioritize self-care.”

Origin: The origin of the idiom “burn the candle at both ends” dates back to the 18th century and is attributed to the English poet and playwright Edmond Rostand. In his play “Cyrano de Bergerac” (1897), Rostand used the metaphor of a candle to describe a life of excess and self-destructive behavior. Burning a candle at both ends would cause it to consume itself rapidly, similar to how someone living a hectic lifestyle might deplete their energy and resources. Over time, the phrase became a popular idiom to describe excessive work or activity that leads to exhaustion or burnout.

Burn the candle at both ends
Idiom of the day

Caught a bug

Leave a comment

Meaning: This idiom is used to describe someone who has contracted an illness, typically a mild one such as a cold or flu.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “I won’t be able to come to the office today; I think I’ve caught a bug.”
  2. “After spending time with his sick friend, Mark caught a bug and has been feeling unwell for the past few days.”
  3. “She caught a bug while traveling, but thankfully it wasn’t anything serious.”

Origin: The origin of the idiom “caught a bug” is unclear, but it likely stems from the idea of being infected by a microscopic organism, such as a virus or bacteria, which is often colloquially referred to as a “bug.” The use of “caught” suggests the sudden onset of illness, as if one has unexpectedly encountered the bug and become infected. This idiom is commonly used in informal conversation to describe instances of minor illness or infection.

Idiom of the day

Under the weather

Leave a comment

Meaning: This idiom is used to describe someone who is feeling unwell or in poor health, typically due to illness or fatigue.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “I won’t be able to make it to the party tonight; I’m feeling a bit under the weather.”
  2. “She called in sick to work because she was under the weather and couldn’t shake off her cold.”
  3. “After working long hours all week, Tom felt under the weather and decided to rest at home instead of going out with friends.”

Origin: The origin of the idiom “under the weather” is uncertain, but it likely originated from seafaring terminology. In sailing, “under the weather” referred to the side of the ship that was exposed to wind and rough seas, often causing discomfort or seasickness among sailors. Over time, the phrase evolved to describe a feeling of illness or discomfort, regardless of whether it was related to actual weather conditions. Today, “under the weather” is a widely used idiom to express feeling unwell or out of sorts.

Idiom of the day

Fit as a fiddle

Leave a comment

Meaning: This idiom describes someone who is in excellent physical health, usually implying that they are robust, energetic, and strong.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “Despite his age, John exercises regularly and eats well, so he’s fit as a fiddle.”
  2. “After recovering from her illness, Sarah is now fit as a fiddle and ready to get back to work.”
  3. “The athlete’s rigorous training regimen keeps him fit as a fiddle throughout the season.”

Origin: The origin of the idiom “fit as a fiddle” can be traced back to the late 16th century. During that time, the word “fit” meant suitable or appropriate, while “fiddle” referred to a violin. Since a well-maintained violin was a finely crafted instrument capable of producing beautiful music, the phrase likely emerged as a metaphor to describe someone in good health or condition, likening them to a well-tuned and functioning instrument. Over time, the idiom has become a common expression to convey someone’s excellent physical health or vitality.

Idiom of the day

Burn the midnight oil

Leave a comment

Meaning: This idiom refers to working late into the night, usually to complete a task or project before a deadline. It implies putting in extra effort and sacrificing sleep to get work done.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “With the deadline approaching, I’ve been burning the midnight oil to finish the report on time.”
  2. “She’s been burning the midnight oil studying for her exams.”
  3. “The team has been burning the midnight oil to prepare for the upcoming presentation.”

Origin: The origin of the idiom “burning the midnight oil” can be traced back to a time before electric lighting when people relied on oil lamps or candles to illuminate their workspaces. In order to work late into the night, individuals would need to keep these lamps or candles burning, hence the expression “burning the midnight oil.” Over time, the phrase has evolved to represent any situation where someone is working diligently late into the night, regardless of the method of illumination.

Burning the midnight oil

Idiom of the day

The ball is in your court

Leave a comment

Meaning: This idiom signifies that someone has the responsibility or the opportunity to make a decision or take action in a situation. It implies that it’s now up to the person being addressed to respond or to act, as the next move or decision rests with them.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “I’ve presented you with all the necessary information, and now the ball is in your court to decide whether to proceed with the project.”
  2. “We’ve made our offer, and now the ball is in your court to either accept or negotiate.”
  3. “I’ve apologized for my mistake, and now the ball is in your court to forgive me or not.”

Origin: The origin of the idiom “the ball is in your court” can be traced back to the game of tennis. In tennis, when the ball is in your opponent’s court, it means they have the opportunity to hit it back or to make a play. Similarly, in a conversation or negotiation, when someone says “the ball is in your court,” they are likening the situation to a game of tennis, indicating that it’s now the other person’s turn to respond or to take action. This expression has become a widely used metaphor in various contexts beyond sports.

Idiom of the day

Hit the hay

Leave a comment

Meaning: To go to bed or to go to sleep.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “I’m exhausted after a long day of work; I think I’ll hit the hay early tonight.”
  2. “It’s past midnight; time to hit the hay and get some rest before tomorrow’s big presentation.”
  3. “The party was fun, but now it’s time for everyone to hit the hay and recharge for tomorrow.”

Origin: The origins of the idiom “hit the hay” can be traced back to rural America in the late 19th century. During this time, mattresses were often stuffed with hay or straw, providing a simple and comfortable bedding option. When it was time to sleep, people would literally “hit” or pat down the hay to make it more comfortable before lying down for the night. Over time, the expression evolved to mean going to bed or getting some sleep, regardless of the type of bedding being used.

Hit the hay
Idiom of the day

Bite the bullet

Leave a comment

Meaning: To endure a painful or difficult situation with courage and fortitude, often accepting something unpleasant because it is unavoidable.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “I know the surgery will be tough, but I’ll just have to bite the bullet and get through it.”
  2. “Despite the layoffs, employees are determined to bite the bullet and continue working hard.”
  3. “We’ll have to bite the bullet and tell him the truth, even though it might hurt his feelings.”

Origin: The phrase “bite the bullet” originated in the mid-19th century, during a time when battlefield medicine was primitive and anesthesia was not readily available. Soldiers undergoing surgery would literally be given a bullet to bite down on to help endure the pain. The phrase evolved to symbolize facing hardship or adversity with courage and resilience, even when there are no easy solutions.