Dirt Poor - Dates back to the 1930’s Depression era where there was extreme poverty and many people lived in dirty conditions. Some people say it dates back to England in the 1500’s where finished floors were rare, but this origin has not been proven.
Add comment December 12th, 2007
Chow Down - Meaning to sit down and eat, this idiom originated some time in the past by the U.S. military. The exact time on the origin is unclear.
Add comment December 12th, 2007
Break A Leg - Break a leg is cited as superstition against good luck, which is what I originally thought it meant, too. Recently, however, I was informed that “leg” refers to the side curtains and it suggests that the applause ought to be so great that the legs fall break from the stage. I can’t say how truthful this necessarily is. The side curtains are, however, called legs, so it’s entirely possible.
Add comment November 7th, 2007
Baker’s Dozen - A regular dozen is twelve, but a baker’s dozen is 13. Years ago in England there were strict penalties for those who gave short weight. During this era Bakers were usually not educated and terrible counters. So to avoid any penalties, the bakers would give 13 instead of 12 or a dozen, just in case they miscalculated.
Add comment October 30th, 2007
A House Divided Against Itself Cannot Stand - This term’s origin comes from the bible. (Matthew 12:25). ‘And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand’.
Add comment October 30th, 2007
Cup Of Joe - According to the June 2004 issue of Sea magazine (volume 96, no. 6, page 22): When Josephus Daniels became secretary of the Navy in 1913, he prohibited alcohol aboard all U.S. Navy vessels - making coffee the strongest drink that could be served on board. For that reason, sailors started referring to a mug of strong coffee as “a cup of Joe”.
Add comment October 29th, 2007
Back Seat Driver - This idiom comes from the habit many people have of giving too much advice (unwanted advice) to the driver of an automobile from the backseat. this idiom means ’someone who watches and criticizes’.
Add comment October 29th, 2007
Ocean(s) of (something) - a very large amount of something.
Add comment September 17th, 2007
Occur to (someone) - to come into someone’s mind (an idea or thought).
Add comment September 17th, 2007
