Idiom of the day

Bet your bottom dollar

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Meaning: This idiom means to be very sure or confident about something. It implies that you are so certain of the outcome that you would be willing to risk your last dollar on it.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “You can bet your bottom dollar that they’ll be on time; they’re never late.”
  2. “If he says he’s going to help, you can bet your bottom dollar he’ll be there.”
  3. “She’ll get the promotion, you can bet your bottom dollar on that.”

Origin: The origin of the idiom “bet your bottom dollar” comes from gambling and betting terminology. The “bottom dollar” refers to the last dollar you have. Betting your last dollar on something signifies a high level of confidence in the outcome, as it implies you’re willing to risk everything on it. This idiom has been used in American English since at least the mid-19th century to express strong assurance or certainty about a particular event or result.

Bet your bottom dollar
Idiom of the day

Hit the jackpot

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Meaning: This idiom means to achieve great success, often unexpectedly, or to win a large amount of money, typically through gambling.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “When she landed that high-paying job, she felt like she hit the jackpot.”
  2. “They hit the jackpot with their new product; sales have exceeded all expectations.”
  3. “Winning the lottery is the ultimate way to hit the jackpot.”

Origin: The origin of the idiom “hit the jackpot” comes from gambling, particularly from slot machines and poker. In slot machines, the “jackpot” is the largest prize that can be won, often triggered by hitting a specific combination of symbols. In poker, a “jackpot” originally referred to a hand with a pair of jacks or better, which was a requirement for opening a pot in certain versions of the game. Over time, the term “hit the jackpot” has been used more broadly to describe any significant or unexpected success or windfall.

Hit the jackpot
Idiom of the day

Just what the doctor ordered

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Meaning: This idiom means something that is exactly what is needed or wanted, often implying that it will provide relief or satisfaction.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “After a long week of work, a relaxing weekend at the beach is just what the doctor ordered.”
  2. “This cup of hot tea is just what the doctor ordered on a cold, rainy day.”
  3. “The team-building retreat was just what the doctor ordered to boost morale and improve collaboration.”

Origin: The origin of the idiom “just what the doctor ordered” comes from the idea of a doctor’s prescription. When a doctor prescribes something, it is intended to help a patient feel better or recover. Over time, this concept has been used metaphorically to describe anything that is perfectly suited to improve a situation or meet a need, much like a doctor’s prescription is intended to be the ideal remedy for a patient’s ailment.

Just what the doctor ordered
Idiom of the day

Kick off the day

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Meaning: This idiom means to start the day, often with a specific activity or event. It implies beginning the day with energy or enthusiasm.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “Let’s kick off the day with a team meeting to align on our goals.”
  2. “She likes to kick off the day with a morning jog to boost her energy.”
  3. “They kicked off the day with a hearty breakfast before heading out for their hike.”

Origin: The origin of the idiom “kick off the day” comes from the expression “kick off,” which is used in sports, particularly football (soccer in the U.S.), to describe the start of a game. Over time, this term has been adopted into general usage to signify the beginning of any event or activity. When applied to the start of the day, it suggests starting with a specific activity or with vigor and enthusiasm.

Kick off the day
Idiom of the day

Good things come to those who wait

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Meaning: This idiom means that patience and perseverance will eventually be rewarded. It suggests that by waiting calmly and being persistent, one will ultimately achieve their desires or goals.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “She waited for years to find the perfect job, and it finally happened. Good things come to those who wait.”
  2. “After months of searching, they found their dream house. Good things come to those who wait.”
  3. “He practiced diligently for months before mastering the piano piece. Good things come to those who wait.”

Origin: The origin of the idiom “good things come to those who wait” is not precisely documented, but it is a proverbial expression that has been used for many years to emphasize the value of patience. Similar sentiments have been expressed in various cultures and languages throughout history, reflecting the universal recognition that patience and perseverance often lead to positive outcomes. The phrase reinforces the idea that rushing or being impatient is less likely to yield the best results, while those who wait and persist are more likely to achieve their goals.

Good things come to those who wait
Idiom of the day

Back to the grindstone

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Meaning: This idiom means to return to work or a task, especially one that is tedious, monotonous, or requires hard work. It implies resuming efforts after a break or period of relaxation.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “After a long weekend, it’s time to get back to the grindstone.”
  2. “Vacation’s over, so it’s back to the grindstone with early mornings and long hours.”
  3. “She enjoyed her holidays but knew she had to get back to the grindstone to meet her deadlines.”

Origin: The origin of the idiom “back to the grindstone” dates back to the use of grindstones in sharpening tools. A grindstone is a revolving stone disk used for grinding, sharpening, or polishing metal objects. The phrase evokes the image of laborious, repetitive work, where a person has to stay focused and dedicated to a task. This metaphor has evolved to describe returning to any form of work, particularly tasks that require diligence and effort, after a period of rest or distraction.

Back to the grindstone
Idiom of the day

Fly off the handle

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Meaning: This idiom means to suddenly lose one’s temper or become very angry, often without much provocation or warning. It implies an outburst of uncontrolled emotion.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “He tends to fly off the handle at the slightest criticism, making it difficult to give him feedback.”
  2. “When she saw the mess in the kitchen, she flew off the handle and started yelling at everyone.”
  3. “You need to stay calm during negotiations; flying off the handle won’t help resolve anything.”

Origin: The origin of the idiom “fly off the handle” dates back to the 19th century in the United States. It is believed to come from the imagery of a loose axe head flying off its handle when swung, which could be sudden and dangerous. This sudden and uncontrollable event serves as a metaphor for someone abruptly losing their temper. The phrase captures the idea of an unexpected and volatile emotional outburst, much like the sudden detachment of an axe head.

Fly off the handle
Idiom of the day

Hit the ground running

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Meaning: This idiom means to begin a project or task with a lot of energy and enthusiasm, starting immediately and effectively.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “As soon as the new manager started, she hit the ground running by implementing several new initiatives.”
  2. “The team hit the ground running after the brainstorming session, quickly turning ideas into action.”
  3. “With his extensive experience, he was able to hit the ground running in his new role.”

Origin: The origin of the idiom “hit the ground running” is believed to come from the military, particularly paratroopers, who needed to start moving quickly upon landing to avoid danger. It has also been associated with railroad hobos who would jump off moving trains and start running immediately to avoid getting caught. The phrase emphasizes the idea of starting something new with immediate and vigorous action.

Hit the ground running
Idiom of the day

Sweep something under the rug

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Meaning: This idiom means to hide or ignore a problem or issue instead of dealing with it. It implies attempting to keep something unpleasant or embarrassing out of sight and out of mind.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “The company tried to sweep the financial irregularities under the rug, but the auditors uncovered the truth.”
  2. “Instead of addressing the conflict directly, they chose to sweep it under the rug and pretend everything was fine.”
  3. “You can’t just sweep your mistakes under the rug; you need to confront them and make things right.”

Origin: The origin of the idiom “sweep something under the rug” comes from the literal act of sweeping dirt or debris under a rug to quickly hide it instead of properly cleaning it up. This act of concealing messes out of sight without addressing the underlying issue has been used metaphorically to describe avoiding or ignoring problems rather than facing them. The phrase effectively conveys the idea of superficial tidiness while leaving unresolved issues hidden and potentially problematic in the future.

Sweep something under the rug