Idiom of the day

Look over

Leave a comment

Meaning: This idiom means to quickly examine or review something, often for the purpose of checking or making sure it’s correct.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “Could you look over my report before I submit it?”
  2. “She looked over the contract carefully to avoid any mistakes.”
  3. “I’ll look over the presentation one more time before the meeting.”

Origin: The phrase “look over” comes from the idea of glancing or inspecting something from above or from a position of oversight. It has been used in English for centuries to refer to reviewing or checking something, often in a casual or brief manner.

Look over
Idiom of the day

Go on

Leave a comment

Meaning: This idiom can have multiple meanings depending on the context:

  1. To continue or proceed with something.
  2. To happen or occur.
  3. To encourage someone to continue speaking or explaining something.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “Despite the rain, the concert will go on as planned.” (To continue)
  2. “What’s going on in the meeting room?” (To happen)
  3. “Go on, tell me more about your trip!” (To continue speaking)

Origin: The phrase “go on” has been used since the 16th century and is derived from basic verbs “go” and “on.” It evolved to mean continuation, whether of an action, event, or conversation, and is still widely used in various contexts today.

Go on
Idiom of the day

Put out

Leave a comment

Meaning: This idiom has several meanings depending on the context:

  1. To extinguish something, such as a fire or a light.
  2. To inconvenience or annoy someone.
  3. To produce or release something, such as information or a product.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “The firefighters quickly put out the blaze.” (To extinguish)
  2. “I hope I didn’t put you out by asking for help at the last minute.” (To inconvenience)
  3. “The company is going to put out a new product next month.” (To release or produce)

Origin: The phrase “put out” in the sense of extinguishing likely comes from the literal act of putting an object out of service or ending its active state. The idiomatic usage to describe inconvenience or the release of something evolved from this basic concept of removing or providing something. It has been in use since at least the 17th century.

Put out
Idiom of the day

For the time being

Leave a comment

Meaning: This idiom means for the present moment or temporarily, until something changes or until a permanent solution is found.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “We’ll stay at this hotel for the time being until we find a permanent place.”
  2. “For the time being, let’s focus on the current project and leave the rest for later.”
  3. “She’s living with her parents for the time being while her house is being renovated.”

Origin: The phrase “for the time being” has been used since the 16th century. It reflects the idea of doing something in the current or immediate period, with the implication that the situation is temporary or subject to change.

For the time being
Idiom of the day

Change one’s mind

Leave a comment

Meaning: This idiom means to alter or reverse a previous decision, opinion, or plan.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “I was going to stay home, but I changed my mind and went to the party.”
  2. “She changed her mind about the job offer and decided to accept it.”
  3. “He planned to go on vacation but changed his mind at the last minute.”

Origin: The phrase “change one’s mind” dates back to the 17th century, where “mind” refers to one’s thoughts or decisions. To “change” the mind implies a shift in thinking or intention. It remains a common and straightforward idiom, used in a variety of everyday contexts.

Change one's mind
Idiom of the day

Out of order

Leave a comment

Meaning: This idiom typically refers to something that is not functioning correctly or is broken. It can also be used to describe behavior that is inappropriate or unacceptable in a particular situation.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “The elevator is out of order, so we’ll have to take the stairs.” (Not working)
  2. “His comments were completely out of order during the meeting.” (Inappropriate behavior)
  3. “Sorry, the coffee machine is out of order today.” (Broken or malfunctioning)

Origin: The phrase “out of order” originates from technical and legal contexts, where “order” refers to proper function or behavior. When something is “out of order,” it indicates that it has deviated from the expected or correct state, either mechanically (e.g., a broken machine) or socially (e.g., improper behavior). The phrase has been in use since the 18th century.

Out of order
Idiom of the day

Take place

Leave a comment

Meaning: This idiom means that something happens or occurs, especially in reference to an event or occurrence at a specific time or location.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “The concert will take place next Saturday at the stadium.”
  2. “The meeting took place in the conference room yesterday.”
  3. “The wedding is set to take place in a beautiful garden.”

Origin: “Take place” has been used since the 16th century, with “place” referring to a location or position. Over time, the idiom evolved to mean not only where but also when something happens. It’s now a common way to refer to the occurrence of events, particularly formal ones, indicating both time and location.

Take place
Idiom of the day

Catch cold

Leave a comment

Meaning: This idiom means to become ill with a common cold, typically from exposure to cold weather or germs.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “Make sure to wear a jacket, or you’ll catch cold.”
  2. “He caught cold after staying out in the rain without an umbrella.”
  3. “She didn’t want to catch cold, so she stayed inside during the storm.”

Origin: The phrase “catch cold” has been used since the 16th century. It stems from the historical belief that exposure to cold weather could lead to illness, particularly the common cold. Although modern science attributes colds to viruses, the idiom remains widely used to describe the onset of a mild illness.

Catch cold
Idiom of the day

Put away

Leave a comment

Meaning: This idiom has multiple meanings depending on the context:

  1. To store or place something in its usual spot after use.
  2. To save money for future use.
  3. To eat or consume a large amount of food.
  4. To imprison or confine someone (informal use).

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “Please put away the dishes after you wash them.” (Store)
  2. “She’s putting away money for her retirement.” (Save money)
  3. “He put away three plates of pasta at dinner!” (Eat a lot)
  4. “The criminal was put away for 10 years.” (Imprison)

Origin: “Put away” originates from the general verb “put,” meaning to move or place something, combined with “away,” indicating a return or removal to a designated place. This idiom has been in use for centuries and gained various figurative meanings over time, including saving and imprisonment.

Put away
Idiom of the day

At last

Leave a comment

The phrase “at last” is an idiomatic expression used to indicate that something has finally happened after a period of waiting or delay.

Meaning: “At last” signifies the culmination of a process or the end of a period of anticipation, often implying a sense of relief or satisfaction.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  • “After months of preparation, the event took place at last.”
  • “She received the long-awaited letter at last.”
  • “At last, the rain stopped, and the sun came out.”

Origin: The expression “at last” has been part of the English language since around 1200 (Dictionary.com). It combines “at,” meaning “in” or “on,” with “last,” meaning “final” or “end,” to convey the idea of something occurring in the final moment or after a series of events.

At last