I
In 1580s, special boats were used to carve through ice making it easier for large trade boats to get through. Today we use it to refer to removing tension at the start of a gathering or when people meet for the first time.
Break the ice
Soldier's were typically given bullets to bite down on during surgery without anesthesia. Today, we might use this phrase to describe enduring a painful or unpleasant situation.
Bite the bullet
One theory for this idiom's origin is the ancient Greek voting system. White beans indicated a positive vote and black indicated a negative one. If some knocked over the box before voting was over, the outcome may be revealed prematurely.
Don't spill the beans!
In British game hunting, participants would beat bushes with a stick while hunting to attract birds. This was a waste of time as it delayed the main objective of the hunt, to actually catch the birds.
Beat around the bush
A piece of medieval legislation aimed to stop bakers from selling underweight loaves. To stay on the right side of the law, bakers started to give an extra piece of break with every loaf and a thirteenth loaf with every dozen.
A baker's dozen
Old English æppel refers to the fruit and the pupil thus this phrase indicated a much loved person.
The apple of my eye
Dating back to Scotland in 1432, this term refers to an old English law that sought punishment of any person who butchered an animal that wasn't his own. The suspect had to be caught with the animal's blood on their hands.
Caught red handed
This idiom originated from the 18th century when mattresses were supported by ropes that needed to be tightened to prevent sagging.
Sleep tight
In 18th century New England, chickens born in a certain season yielded better earnings. The dishonest practice of pricing older chickens at the same price as a young chicken coined this phrase.
No spring chicken
This idiom originated from sports, particularly American football or baseball, where the play is over when the ball hits the ground.
"You really...."
To drop the ball
This phrase comes from Hollywood silent films. "The chase" was often the most exciting part of the film, and some directors were criticized for delaying it.
Cut to the chase
This phrase comes from the literal process of trimming thread ends or fabric to perfect a piece of sewing.
We use the idiom to refer to completing the parts of something that have not been completed.
Tie up loose ends
First recorded in the 16th century, this phrase stems from shifty farmers at markets who committed fraud by substituting a cat for a piglet in a bag.
Let the cat out of the bag
In Medieval England, people would serve a shoulder of pork meat to an unwanted guest, indicating it was time to leave. If the dish was warm, at least they could enjoy it first!
Give the cold shoulder
This idiom refers to the cumulonimbus cloud, the tallest and most majestic type. It became popular slang for extreme happieness.
On cloud nine
Steam is released from steam engines to prevent a buildup of pressure that could lead to an explosion.
Someone might do this to calm their anger and prevent an outburst.
Blow off steam
In early 20th-century carnival games, cigars were given prizes. This phrase was announced when a participant came close to winning but fell short.
Close but no cigar
This phrase refers to the astronomical even of two full moons occurring in a single month.
Once in a blue moon
The story behind this phrase originates from 18th century playwright, John Dennis, who claimed to have invented a device that created the sound of thunder for his theatre production. His method was copied or "stolen" by rivals.
Steal one's thunder
The origin of this idiom comes from Ancient India. People would offer butter to Hindu gods in temple in order to gain favor.
Butter someone up
This phrase was originally used in England when someone used a French word when speaking to a person who did not understand French. Due to the history of conflict between France and England, the phrase came to be a dig against the French.
Pardon my French!
This term originated from the bible, Psalm 69;20. Today we might use it to describe what someone might have after a break up.
Broken heart
This phrase originated when a hunting dog would signal to their master by barking, but the prey in question may have moved to another tree.
Barking up the wrong tree
Sailors who felt seasick were sent below deck where they would be sheltered from the elements.
Under the weather
The cost of having a portrait painted in the 18th century wasn't based on how many people were in the picture, but how many limbs were to be painted. The cheapest option was to have your head and shoulders painted. This phrase is the result of top range portraits including legs.
To cost an arm and a leg
This phrase originated from the practice of hoisting flags to identify ships at sea. Today we use it to describe someones real character or true intentions.
Show one's true colors
This filler for an obvious explanation was popularized by Seinfeld in the 1990s, but its roots traced back to older Yiddish expressions that mimic monotonous chatter.
Yada yada yada
This idiom comes from Aesop's fable, "The Doctor and the Patient" where a doctor is forced to take his own ineffective remedy.
A taste of your own medicine
In the American Old West, stagecoaches often employed armed guards who sat next to the driver.
Today, someone might call this out in the driveway in order to "call" the prime seat in the car.
Shotgun!
This idiom dates back to the 20th century, first used during a dispute between miners and owners in Arizona. Workers faced with the dilemma of accepting low wages or unemployment.
Caught between a rock and a hard place