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Most people know what certain catch phrases mean, but what is the origin of them? Here are some interesting ones that have sound reasoning. I didn’t include the ones that are guess work as to where they originated. There was a disclaimer at the end of the article stating that the author’s (Ijeoma Oluo) opinion was based on research and publicly available information.
Close, but no cigar
Have you ever participated in a carnival game? In the 1920s, cigars were often handed out as prizes in adult carnival games. The phrase “close but no cigar” emerged, referring to someone who fell just short of winning. It highlights the disappointment of being nearly successful but not achieving the goal.
Butter someone up
This charming phrase comes from an ancient Indian custom of throwing butter balls at statues of gods to seek favor. Over time, it evolved to mean flattery or praise to gain someone’s favor or goodwill.
Caught red-handed
In old English law, the only way to prove someone had illegally butchered an animal was to catch them with the animal’s blood still on their hands. Hence, being “caught red-handed” means being caught in wrongdoing.
Break the ice
In the past, ships would get stuck in ice during the winter. Smaller boats called icebreakers were sent to clear a path. This saying evolved to mean anything that helps initiate conversation in social settings, making interactions smoother.
Giving someone the cold shoulder
During medieval times, hosts would give guests a cold piece of meat from the shoulder of mutton, pork, or beef if guests overstayed their welcome. It was a polite way to indicate that it was time to leave. Now, giving someone the cold shoulder means ignoring them.
Saved by the bell
In Victorian England, people were sometimes buried with a string attached to a bell above ground in case they were mistakenly pronounced dead. If they were buried alive, they could ring the bell to alert someone. This is also where we get the term “dead ringer.” Now, being saved by the bell means narrowly avoiding an unpleasant situation.
Spill the beans
In ancient Greece, participants used beans to vote, with white beans indicating approval and black beans disapproval. Spilling the beans accidentally revealed the confidential vote count. Now, spilling the beans means revealing a secret.
Steal my thunder
This phrase originated from the playwright John Dennis, who invented a thunder machine for his play in 1709. When his play flopped, another theatre production used his invention without permission. He exclaimed, “They will not let my play run, but they steal my thunder!” Today, when someone steals your thunder, they take credit for something you’ve done.
Wear your heart on your sleeve
In medieval jousts, knights would dedicate their performance to a lady by tying her token around their arm. This visible declaration of affection has evolved to describe someone who openly shows their emotions.
