I love reading pieces of literature doused heavily with idiomatic expressions. Something about the allure of the wordplay captivates me, hooks me to the article, and inspires me to emulate the same in my writing style. It fascinates me that something so cryptic can tell so much. Don't you ever wonder how or where these idioms and proverbs originated? Where were they first used, or how long have they existed?

I totally do! In this blog, I will explain the origins of 8 common English Idioms.

What is an Idiom?

As defined by the Cambridge Dictionary, an idiom is

For example: To "bite off more than you can chew" is an idiom that means you have tried to do something too difficult for you.

also,

For example: in the modern idiom- Both operas are very much in the modern idiom.

8 Common English Idioms and their Origins:

Idioms and proverbs of the English language often convey meanings quite different from their own words. These expressions are a pivotal part of our everyday conversations, enriching our daily exchange of narratives, and giving our words a personality their own.

1. A Blessing in Disguise

   Meaning: The occurrence of something beneficial from an apparent misfortune.

   
   

   Example: "Losing my job turned out to be a blessing in disguise because it pushed me to start my own successful business."

   
   

   Origin: The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the mid-1700s, however, it is quite difficult to pinpoint the first usage of the phrase. The earliest mention of the idiom can be found in a hymn by James Hervey published in 1746 titled Reflections on a Flower-Garden. The hymn discussed that seemingly negative occurrences could be for the best (A Blessing in Disguise | Phrase Definition, Origin & Examples, 2018). The essence of this idiom resonates with many who have experienced unexpected positive outcomes from challenging situations.

   
   

   The story "An Angel in Disguise" by American author Timothy Shay Arthur in 1851 captures the true essence of the idiom "A Blessing in Disguise."

   
   

2. Dime a Dozen

   Meaning: Used to describe something very common and easily obtained

   
   

   Example: " Good graphic designers used to be hard to find, but now they’re a dime a dozen in the freelancing world."

   
   

   Origin: "dime a dozen" conjures images of the past when a dime could buy a dozen eggs (Dime a Dozen | Phrase Definition, Origin & Examples, 2018). Scholars suggest this idiom emerged before 1930; although the exact origin remains uncertain, it is thought to have originated in the 1800s when eggs were plentiful. This idiom is often employed to indicate that something is not particularly special or extraordinary.

   
   

3. Beat Around the Bush

   Meaning: To beat around the bush means to avoid coming to the point or speaking in vague terms instead of addressing the matter directly. It is usually used when one is stalling or wasting time.

   
   

   Example: "Stop beating around the bush and tell me what you really think about my idea!"

   
   

   Origin: Surprisingly, this idiom originates from medieval hunting practices. Back in the 16th century, hunters would physically beat around a bush to scare birds out of it for an easy capture. The term suggests a method of approaching a subject indirectly, similar to how hunters would circle the bushes rather than confronting the game head-on.

   
   

   The phrase's earliest written instance dates back to the early 16th century, reflecting a shift in meaning from its literal sense to a more figurative one related to conversation and communication (Joshua Robison, 2011).

   Today, it is commonly used to describe situations in which people evade the main point—whether due to nervousness, politeness, or a desire to procrastinate.

   
   

4. Raining Cats and Dogs

   Meaning: Used to describe particularly heavy rain.

   
   

   Example: " We had to cancel the picnic because it was raining cats and dogs all afternoon."

   
   

   Origin: There can be no definite explanation given about the origin of this idiom, however, there are some plausible theories. One such theory links this phrase to Norse mythology wherein cats and dogs represent wind and rain respectively, thus linking them to the ferocity of storms.

   Another theory suggests that this idiom may be linked to the poor drainage systems of 17th-century Britain. During heavy storms, dead animals like cats and dogs could be washed out of drains and gutters, giving the impression they had fallen from the sky.

   
   

   The earliest recorded use of a similar phrase appears in a poem by British poet Henry Vaughan in 1651, which referred to "dogs and cats rained in shower" (What Is the Origin of the Phrase “It’s Raining Cats and Dogs?,” 2019). This blend of mythology and historical context contributes to the phrase's longevity in the English language.

   
   

5. Steal Someone's Thunder

   Meaning: To steal someone's thunder means to take credit for someone else's ideas or win praise for oneself by pre-empting someone else's attempt to impress. (Definitions from Oxford Languages)

   
   

   Example: " Sarah was upset when her colleague announced the project she had been working on for months, completely stealing her thunder."

   
   

   Origin: The origin of this phrase is often attributed to playwright John Dennis, who, in the early 18th century, created a device to produce an artificial sound effect for thunder for his play “Appius and Virginia.” After his play was a failure, Dennis discovered that his thunder-producing technique had been used in a subsequent production of “Macbeth” without his permission. In a fit of frustration, he exclaimed, “How these rascals use me! They will not let my play run but steal my thunder!” (To Steal Someone’s Thunder | Phrase Definition, Origin & Examples, 2024).

   
   

   This incident encapsulates feelings of betrayal and indignation over unacknowledged contributions, a sentiment that resonates deeply in various competitive fields. Over time, the phrase has transcended the theater world to become a popular expression for any situation where someone's innovative ideas or hard work are co-opted without due recognition.

   
   

6. Skeletons in the Closet

   Meaning: The idiom "skeletons in the closet" refers to a secret source of shame or hidden wrongdoings that an individual or family conceals from the public eye.

   
   

   Example: "The politician’s career was ruined when the media discovered some skeletons in his closet from his past."

   
   

   Origin: The origins of this idiom can be traced back to the illicit affair of body trafficking in the early 19th century. The medical schools in times before the introduction of the Anatomy Act in 1832 in the UK had a scarcity of cadavers for the study of anatomy, leading to large-scale black market trade of newly ungraved bodies. Fearing discovery, those involved in body-snatching might have concealed the skeletons in their homes, leading to the figurative connotation of hidden disgrace.

   
   

   The phrase first entered printed literature in the early 1800s and has evolved to symbolize any secret that could tarnish one’s reputation if exposed (Gary Martin, 2023). The vivid imagery of a hidden skeleton emphasizes the metaphorical weight of secrets in human relationships.

   
   

7. Break the Ice

   Meaning: This idiom describes the act of overcoming initial timidity in social settings and establishing dialogue.

   
   

   Example: "To break the ice at the meeting, the host started with a funny story."

   
   

   Origin: Its origins can be traced back to the practicalities of navigating frozen waterways. Before the advent of modern transportation, ships often became trapped in ice during winter. To clear the way, smaller vessels known as "icebreakers" were employed to create a navigable path by breaking through the ice. This metaphor for easing the way for others morphed into a figurative expression that emphasizes the importance of fostering connections in tense or unfamiliar social situations.

   
   

   The earliest known usage of "break the ice" in this context appears in a 16th-century text, while its more modern application to social dynamics gained traction in the 17th century.

   
   

8. Bite the Bullet

   Meaning:  This idiom describes the act of facing an unpleasant or difficult situation that one has been putting off for a long time, with courage and determination.

   
   

   Example: "I didn’t want to get the painful vaccine shot, but I had to bite the bullet and go through with it."

   
   

   Origin: In the olden days of the British Empire when there was no anesthesia available for surgeries on the battlefield, soldiers were given bullets to bite down on as a means to cope with the pain and trauma of the procedure by drawing their attention to something tangible- the bullet.

   
   

   The phrase itself was first documented in Rudyard Kipling's 1891 novel “The Light That Failed,” where it was used metaphorically to encourage someone to endure their suffering (Why Do We Say “Bite the Bullet”? - HistoryExtra, 2014).

   Over time, the phrase has evolved into common parlance, utilized whenever someone must muster the strength to deal with an unpleasant reality. This idiom serves as a reminder that facing hardship takes courage, thus enriching our understanding of perseverance in human experience.

   
   
   
   

Conclusion

Understanding the origins of idioms not only enhances our grasp of the English language but also provides insight into the cultural and historical contexts from which they emerged. These expressions, ranging from "a blessing in disguise" to "bite the bullet," reflect a long-standing tradition of conveying complex ideas succinctly and vividly. Embracing these idioms causes our language to flourish, making communication richer and more enjoyable.

Think. Ponder. Contemplate. What more Idioms come to your mind?

Happy New Year! Stay tuned for more Needless Narratives coming out in 2025.