I taught English for a few years before getting my PhD in Literature. I was pretty awful with younger kids (one 3 year old punched me), but once they got pretty fluent, we could move on to the funner, but weird English stuff. Like all writers, I love a creative metaphor or analogy, but sometimes English just makes no sense – or it’s based on a centuries-old custom or culture, so the answer may not be at all obvious. So I put this quick guide together as a cheatsheet…
English is a language rich in idiomatic expressions, often drawing from various historical events, myths, or everyday practices that have evolved over centuries. These phrases not only add color to the language but also allow us to express complex ideas succinctly. Let’s delve into some popular English idioms and uncover their meanings and origins.
1. Green with Envy
Meaning: To be extremely jealous or envious of someone.
Origin: The color green has long been associated with feelings of jealousy and envy. The connection can be traced back to ancient civilizations. In English literature, the phrase can be found in works like Shakespeare’s Othello, where jealousy is described as a “green-eyed monster.” The color may be linked to sickness (people sometimes turn pale green when nauseated), implying that envy is a sort of illness.
2. Let It Lie
Meaning: To stop discussing or thinking about a particular topic, especially if it’s causing conflict or discomfort.
Origin: The exact origins of this phrase are unclear, but its meaning is closely related to the act of leaving something alone and undisturbed. In this context, “lie” is used in the sense of “to remain at rest.”
3. In the Same Boat
Meaning: To be in the same difficult situation as someone else.
Origin: It is believed this phrase originated from ancient times, possibly during ship voyages. If a boat faced a problem, all its passengers were in the same predicament, regardless of their status or position.
4. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
Meaning: It’s better to leave a situation as it is if trying to alter it might cause problems.
Origin: This saying dates back to the 14th century and is one of the oldest idioms in the English language. It’s believed to have originated from the observation that dogs, when disturbed in their sleep, can become aggressive. The phrase was popularized by Geoffrey Chaucer in his work, Troilus and Criseyde.
5. Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining
Meaning: There is a positive or hopeful side to every situation, no matter how bleak it appears.
Origin: This idiom finds its roots in the way clouds can look silver or bright at the edges when the sun shines from behind them. The phrase suggests that even in tough situations, something positive can be found. The expression is often attributed to John Milton’s Comus (1634) with the lines: “A sable cloud turns forth its silver lining on the night.”
6. Head in the Clouds
Meaning: Being out of touch with the everyday realities; daydreaming.
Origin: The idiom paints a picture of someone’s head being up in the sky, suggesting they are not paying attention to what’s happening around them. It evokes imagery of a person lost in their thoughts or dreams, much like how clouds drift aimlessly in the sky.
These idiomatic expressions, often rich in history and vivid imagery, provide a glimpse into the cultural tapestry of the English language. They not only enliven our conversations but also connect us to generations past, reminding us of the shared human experiences that birthed these phrases. Whether it’s the gnawing pangs of “green envy” or the shared challenges of being “in the same boat,” idioms continue to capture the essence of human emotions and situations in the most poetic ways.
7. Bite the Bullet
Meaning: To face a challenging or unpleasant situation with courage and determination.
Origin: This phrase has a historical military background. During the early days of surgical procedures on the battlefield, soldiers were made to bite on a bullet to cope with the pain in the absence of anesthesia. The act required immense courage, giving rise to the phrase.
8. Break a Leg
Meaning: A way of wishing someone “good luck” without actually saying those words, especially before a performance.
Origin: The exact origins of this idiom are debated. One theory suggests that wishing someone actual “good luck” might jinx them, so an alternative, seemingly negative, phrase is used instead. In the theater world, breaking a leg could mean bending it, referring to the act of taking a bow after a successful performance.
9. Don’t Cry Over Spilt Milk
Meaning: It’s useless to worry about things that have already happened and can’t be changed.
Origin: This idiom’s message is clear: once milk is spilt, there’s no way to retrieve it. By the 17th century, this saying was well established in English culture as a reminder not to dwell on unfortunate past events.
10. The Ball is in Your Court
Meaning: It’s up to you to take the next step or make a decision.
Origin: Drawing from the realm of sports, particularly tennis, this idiom implies that just as the ball is hit to your side of the court in a game, the responsibility or onus is now on you.
11. A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
Meaning: Visual imagery can convey complex ideas more effectively than a lengthy explanation.
Origin: This phrase is relatively modern, with its first known usage in the early 20th century. It encapsulates the idea that a single image can communicate intricate ideas instantly, much like a vast number of words.
12. Throw in the Towel
Meaning: To admit defeat or give up.
Origin: Stemming from the world of boxing, when a boxer’s coach or second decided the match was lost, they would literally throw a towel into the ring to signal their fighter’s withdrawal and to stop the match.
Idioms add flavor and depth to a language, enabling speakers to express complex thoughts and emotions with a simple turn of phrase. Drawing from various aspects of culture, history, and everyday life, these idiomatic expressions not only enrich our vocabulary but also provide insights into societal values and historical contexts. They serve as a bridge connecting our present experiences to the collective wisdom and observations of the past. Whether we’re “biting the bullet” in challenging situations or choosing not to “cry over spilt milk,” idioms remain an integral part of expressive communication.
Creativity is my passion. I love helping artists and writers to develop their unique voice and gifts! I write and organize guest posts, and research useful content and articles for Creativindie, with an eye on SEO and boosting traffic. I focus mostly on arts, crafts and graphic design.
