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Idiom of the day

Cut corners

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Meaning: To do something in the easiest, quickest, or cheapest way, often compromising quality or avoiding necessary steps.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “The construction company cut corners, which led to structural issues in the building.”
  2. “If you cut corners on your homework, you’re more likely to make mistakes.”
  3. “She warned the team not to cut corners, as it could lead to safety problems later.”

Origin:
The phrase likely originates from racing or navigation, where literally cutting across a corner could save time but might involve risks or rule-breaking. Over time, it evolved into a metaphor for taking shortcuts in various contexts, often with negative connotations of sacrificing quality or thoroughness.

Cut corners
Idiom of the day

Clear the air

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Meaning: To resolve misunderstandings, tensions, or negative feelings between people, often by addressing the issue openly.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “After the argument, they had a long talk to clear the air and restore their friendship.”
  2. “The meeting was held to clear the air about the recent miscommunication in the team.”
  3. “She decided to clear the air with her coworker after weeks of awkwardness.”

Origin:
This idiom draws from the metaphor of literal air being cleared of pollution or storm clouds, symbolizing the removal of negativity or confusion in a situation. It became popular in the 19th century and is widely used in both personal and professional contexts.

Clear the air
Idiom of the day

Pour oil on troubled waters

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Meaning: To calm a tense or difficult situation; to ease conflict or soothe disagreements.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “After their heated argument, she stepped in to pour oil on troubled waters and bring them back to a calm discussion.”
  2. “The manager poured oil on troubled waters by addressing everyone’s concerns and finding a compromise.”
  3. “His calming words poured oil on troubled waters during the family dispute.”

Origin:
This idiom derives from the ancient practice of pouring oil on water to reduce waves and calm the surface. Sailors observed that oil spreads out on water and decreases its turbulence. Over time, this literal act became a metaphor for bringing peace and resolving conflicts. It has been in use since at least the 16th century.

Pour oil on troubled waters
Idiom of the day

Do a number on someone

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Meaning: To harm, deceive, or negatively affect someone, either physically, emotionally, or mentally. It can also mean to harshly criticize or ridicule someone.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “The breakup really did a number on her—she’s been feeling down for weeks.”
  2. “He twisted his ankle during the game, and it did a number on his ability to play.”
  3. “The critics did a number on the new movie, calling it a complete disaster.”

Origin:
The origin of this phrase is uncertain, but it became popular in American slang in the mid-20th century. It may relate to the idea of “numbering” someone, as in marking them for harm or ridicule, or performing a metaphorical act that leaves a lasting effect.

Do a number on someone
Idiom of the day

Get under someone’s skin

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Meaning: To deeply irritate, annoy, or provoke someone, or alternatively, to strongly affect someone emotionally, often in a way they can’t ignore.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “Her constant interruptions really get under my skin during meetings.”
  2. “That catchy tune has gotten under my skin—I can’t stop humming it!”
  3. “Despite his tough exterior, her kindness got under his skin, and he started to open up.”

Origin:
The phrase likely originated as a metaphor for something causing discomfort, much like an insect or object physically under the skin. Over time, it came to symbolize emotional or mental irritation. The idiom gained broader use in literature and conversation by the mid-20th century.

Get under someone's skin
Idiom of the day

Hot under the collar

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Meaning: To feel angry, annoyed, or agitated, often in a way that’s visible or difficult to hide.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “She got hot under the collar when her coworker took credit for her idea.”
  2. “You don’t need to get hot under the collar about the delay; we’ll resolve it soon.”
  3. “He tends to get hot under the collar whenever someone criticizes his work.”

Origin:
The phrase refers to the physical sensation of heat or discomfort around the neck that often accompanies anger or frustration. Historically, people wore high-collared shirts, and the idea of someone getting “hot” under such a collar visually conveys their irritation or anger. It has been used in English since the late 19th century.

Hot under the collar
Idiom of the day

A Tough nut to crack

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Meaning: A difficult problem to solve, a challenging situation to handle, or a person who is hard to understand or convince.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “Convincing him to join the team will be a tough nut to crack—he’s very stubborn.”
  2. “This math problem is a tough nut to crack; I’ve been working on it for hours.”
  3. “She’s a tough nut to crack, but once you get to know her, she’s really friendly.”

Origin:
The phrase comes from the literal difficulty of cracking certain types of nuts with a hard shell, like walnuts or pecans. It has been used metaphorically since the 1800s to describe situations or people that require effort and persistence to overcome or understand.

A Tough nut to crack
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