12 Everyday Idioms Explained

1.

This phrase originated in the 1900s. People who would buy horses would determine a horse’s age by looking at its teeth.

2.

In the 1700s, people would sell pigs in bags. Sometimes, people would replace a couple pigs with some cats in order to scam buyers. When a cat was let out of the bag, you’ve been caught.

3.

This phrase has origins in ancient India. In an attempt to gain favour with the gods, people would often throw butter at their statues.

4.

This phrase stems from the days in which portrait painting was incredibly popular. It simply cost more to include limbs in the painting.

5.

Although we think of this phrase as a lighthearted joke now, it originated from the days in which thieves would literally trip people before robbing them.

6.

This goes back to the time in the wild west where the passenger would often have a shotgun in the likely event of a stage coach robbery.

7.

This comes from hunting and refers to instances in which dogs would literally bark up the wrong tree.

8.

This possibly dates back to a time in which mattresses were supported by ropes. To sleep tight meant to ensure that the ropes were secured.

9.

Said to originate with Admiral Horatio Nelson, who allegedly looked through his telescope using his blind eye to avoid signals from his superior telling him to withdraw from battle.

10.

This comes from the idea that someone would be carrying so many weapons that they would have to carry some in their mouth.

11.

This comes from horseracing. Jockey’s would often put goats in their horses staples to help relax them. Sometimes, competitors would steal these goats.

12.

This refers to an organ, which is made infinitely louder when the stops are pulled out.