Ever hear some of those quirky, off-the-cuff sayings and wonder, “Where did that come from?” Many of these old sayings have roots in everyday life from centuries ago, often with surprising or even strange origins.
I’d like to share the history behind some of the most interesting phrases we still use. It’s quite the list – so grab a warm beverage, get comfortable and enjoy!
"Piss Poor" and "Don’t Have a Pot to Piss In"
In the past, urine had an unexpected value—it was used to tan animal skins. Families would collect urine in pots and sell it to tanneries for some extra money. If you were really poor, you were called “piss poor.” But if you didn’t even own a pot to collect the urine in, well, you were considered the lowest of the low—so broke you “don’t have a pot to piss in.”
Weddings and Flower Bouquets
Back in the 1500s, people typically did not bathe often. Mostly, they just washed their hands and face and combed their hair (and beards). They relied on their underclothes to soak up dirt and smell and changed these as often as they could afford to have them washed.
They also used perfumes and sweet waters to cover up bad smells. The middle class went to bathhouses however, given you had to pay to use the bathhouses, the poorest people couldn't afford it.
To mask any lingering body odor, brides carried bouquets of flowers, which is what started the tradition that brides continue with today.
"Don’t Throw the Baby Out with the Bathwater!"
Bathing wasn’t an everyday luxury. In fact, families used the same tub of water for everyone, starting with the man of the house, followed by the other members, and finally the baby. By the time the baby was bathed, the water was so dirty, you had to be careful not to accidentally throw the baby out with the bathwater!
Hence, the saying "Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater" came to remind us not to lose something valuable when cleaning up a mess.
"It’s Raining Cats and Dogs"
In medieval times, homes had thatched roofs made of thick straw, and animals like cats, dogs, and mice would sometimes crawl into the roof for warmth. When it rained, the roof became slippery, and the animals would occasionally fall out. This gave rise to the saying "It’s raining cats and dogs" to describe heavy rainstorms.
"Life is a Bowl of Cherries"
While some of these old sayings remind us of hardships, "Life is a bowl of cherries" takes a more optimistic tone. This phrase, popular in the 1930s, encourages us to focus on life’s sweetness and simple pleasures, even during tough times. It’s a reminder that, despite the challenges, there’s joy to be found in everyday life—like savoring a bowl of cherries.
"Peas Porridge Hot, Peas Porridge Cold"
Food was a simple affair for most people back in the day. Stews were cooked over the fire in a big pot, and leftovers stayed in the pot for days on end. It wasn’t uncommon to eat the same stew for a week or more, giving rise to the nursery rhyme: "Peas porridge hot, peas porridge cold, peas porridge in the pot, nine days old." Meals weren’t fancy, but they filled the belly!
"Don’t Be a Dead Ringer" or "Saved by the Bell"
In old England, people sometimes faced a grim mistake: being buried alive. To prevent this, a string was tied to the wrist of the deceased, leading to a bell above ground. If the person woke up, they could ring the bell, and someone working the “graveyard shift” could save them, hence the phrase "saved by the bell." If someone was mistakenly buried but later found alive, they were called a "dead ringer."
"Upper Crust"
Even bread told a story about social status. The lower class ate the burnt bottom of the loaf, the family had the middle, and the guests got the top—the "upper crust." This saying reminds us how something as simple as a loaf of bread could symbolize one’s place in society.
Lead Poisoning and "Tomatoes Are Poisonous!"
In the 1500s, wealthy families used pewter plates, but there was a hidden danger. Pewter contained lead, which would leach into acidic foods like tomatoes, causing lead poisoning. For centuries, tomatoes were thought to be poisonous, though it was really the lead in the plates causing the harm.
"Rule of Thumb"
Ever wonder where the saying “rule of thumb” comes from? In the 1600s, it was a way to describe general measurement. Carpenters, for example, often used their thumbs as a rough guide for measuring things, and over time, this became a saying for any general principle or guideline.
"Bite the Bullet"
Before modern anesthesia, doctors had to get creative during surgeries. Patients were often given a bullet to bite on to help endure the pain. The phrase "bite the bullet" is now used to describe enduring a tough or painful situation with courage and determination.
"Break the Ice"
Before ships could navigate through frozen waters, smaller vessels had to "break the ice" to clear the way. This phrase now refers to starting a conversation or activity to ease tension or awkwardness in a social setting, helping people feel more comfortable.
"Let the Cat Out of the Bag"
In medieval markets, shady traders would sometimes swap a piglet for a less valuable cat in a bag, tricking buyers. If the cat was let out of the bag, the scam was revealed. Today, "let the cat out of the bag" means to reveal a secret or uncover hidden information.
"The Whole Nine Yards"
This saying means giving it everything you've got, but its origins are debated. One popular theory is that it comes from World War II when fighter pilots were given nine yards of ammunition. If they used it all up during combat, they gave “the whole nine yards.” Another theory ties it to the length of fabric needed for a full suit or kilt. Either way, it’s all about giving your all!
"Bury the Hatchet"
This phrase means to make peace, and it dates back to the Native American tribes of North America. When tribes came together to end conflicts or make peace agreements, they would literally bury a hatchet or tomahawk to symbolize the end of hostilities. Today, it simply means resolving a disagreement and moving on.
"Close, But No Cigar"
In the early 1900s, cigars were often given out as prizes at fairground games. If someone came close to winning but didn’t quite make it, the phrase “close, but no cigar” was born. Now, it’s used whenever someone comes close to success but falls just short.
"Caught Red-Handed"
This saying refers to someone being caught in the act of committing a crime, especially theft. It originated in Scotland in the 15th century, where someone caught with blood on their hands after a murder or poaching was literally caught “red-handed.” Now, it refers to being caught in any wrongdoing.
"Cost an Arm and a Leg"
This phrase is used to describe something extremely expensive. One theory ties it to 18th-century portrait painters, who charged more to paint full-body portraits than those that only included the head and shoulders. So, if you wanted a portrait with both arms and legs included, it would "cost an arm and a leg."
"Butter Someone Up"
This expression means to flatter someone, often to get them to do something. It comes from an ancient Indian custom where people would throw balls of butter at statues of the gods as an act of worship and flattery. The practice was meant to curry favor with the deities—just like flattering someone today!
"The Writing on the Wall"
This phrase comes from the Bible’s Book of Daniel, where King Belshazzar sees a mysterious hand writing on the wall during a feast. The writing foretold the downfall of his kingdom. Today, it’s used to describe a clear sign that something bad is about to happen.
"Kick the Bucket"
This rather morbid phrase for dying has a few possible origins. One theory is that it comes from the way pigs were hung upside down for slaughter, with a beam or bucket placed beneath them. When the pig struggled, it would “kick the bucket.” Another theory is that it refers to a person standing on a bucket to hang themselves, which they would kick away. Either way, it’s now a common euphemism for death.
"Let Your Hair Down"
In high society during the 17th and 18th centuries, women were expected to keep their hair pinned up in public. When they got home and could relax, they let their hair down. The phrase has since come to mean relaxing and being yourself after a long day.
"Mad as a Hatter"
This phrase refers to someone acting crazy, and it comes from a strange but true source. In the 18th and 19th centuries, hat makers often suffered from mercury poisoning because mercury was used in the process of making felt hats. The exposure caused symptoms like tremors and confusion, which made them seem “mad.” Hence, the term "mad as a hatter."
"Pulling Someone’s Leg"
This phrase means to joke or trick someone in a lighthearted way. One possible origin comes from street thieves in the 18th century who would trip their victims by pulling on their legs, making it easier to rob them. Thankfully, today, it’s just a harmless way to tease someone!
"Once in a Blue Moon"
This saying is used to describe something that happens very rarely. It comes from the phenomenon of a "blue moon," which is when a second full moon appears in a single calendar month. This occurs roughly once every two or three years, making it quite rare—just like the events described by the phrase.
"Cry Over Spilled Milk"
This expression means to be upset over something that can’t be undone. It likely dates back to the days when milk was an essential resource. Spilling milk would have been a loss, but crying over it wouldn’t change the outcome.
"Under the Weather"
When you say you're "under the weather," it means you're feeling ill. This phrase originated from sailors who, when feeling unwell, would go below deck, away from the rough weather, to recover. Being "under the weather" meant literally getting out of bad conditions to feel better.
"Hit the Nail on the Head"
This saying means to be exactly right or to perfectly solve a problem. Its origin is straightforward: if you hit a nail on the head, you’re hammering it perfectly into place. The phrase now applies to getting something precisely correct.
"Run of the Mill"
This phrase refers to something average or unremarkable. It comes from the early 1900s when products were made in mills, and the "run of the mill" described goods that were produced in bulk, with no special qualities.
"Spill the Beans"
When someone “spills the beans,” they reveal a secret. This phrase might have originated in ancient Greece, where beans were used to vote in secret elections. If someone spilled the container of beans, the votes—and thus the secrets—were revealed prematurely.
"The Ball Is in Your Court"
This means it’s someone’s turn to take action. The phrase comes from tennis, where the ball being in someone’s court means it’s their responsibility to make the next move. Now, it refers to any situation where someone needs to respond or take action.
"Piece of Cake"
This phrase refers to something being easy or effortless. It likely comes from the 19th or early 20th century when cakes were commonly given as prizes in competitions, such as cakewalks, which were considered easy to win. Now, it’s used to describe any task that feels simple.
"Take It with a Grain of Salt"
This phrase means to view something with skepticism or caution. Its origins go back to ancient Rome, where a pinch of salt was thought to protect against poison. Over time, it came to mean being wary or not fully trusting something.
"Skeletons in the Closet"
This phrase refers to someone having hidden, potentially embarrassing secrets. It’s believed to originate from the 19th century, where people who had committed crimes or had something scandalous in their pasts metaphorically "hid the skeletons" in their closets, away from public view.
"Put Your Best Foot Forward"
This means to make the best possible impression. It likely originates from the idea that when you start walking or dancing, putting your best foot (or leading with your strongest side) would help you appear more confident and capable.
"Let Sleeping Dogs Lie"
This means to avoid interfering in a situation that’s already calm or settled. Its origin comes from the idea that disturbing a resting dog might provoke it to react aggressively. In a broader sense, it advises not to stir up trouble where none exists.
"Straight from the Horse’s Mouth"
This phrase means getting information from a reliable or direct source. It comes from the world of horse racing, where potential buyers could judge a horse's age by looking at its teeth. Getting information "straight from the horse’s mouth" was considered the most accurate assessment.
"By the Skin of Your Teeth"
This saying refers to barely escaping a difficult situation or just managing to succeed. It originates from the Bible (Book of Job 19:20), where Job says, "I am escaped with the skin of my teeth," indicating a narrow escape.
"Throw in the Towel"
This means to give up or admit defeat. It comes from the sport of boxing, where throwing a towel into the ring indicated that a fighter could no longer continue and was conceding the match.
"Burn the Candle at Both Ends"
This phrase means to overwork oneself by staying up late and getting up early, using up one’s energy too quickly. The origin is literal, as candles burned from both ends would be consumed rapidly.
"A Blessing in Disguise"
This means something that seems bad or unlucky at first but turns out to be beneficial. It’s an old expression, first recorded in the 18th century, that reflects how situations can change unexpectedly for the better.
"Kick the Can Down the Road"
This means to delay dealing with an issue or problem, hoping that it will go away or be solved later. The phrase likely comes from a children’s game where kicking a can would postpone an immediate consequence.
"Burn Bridges"
This means to destroy relationships or cut ties that you cannot go back to. The phrase comes from military strategy, where soldiers would burn bridges behind them to prevent retreat, forcing them to move forward and commit to their course
"Barking Up the Wrong Tree"
This saying refers to mistakenly pursuing the wrong course of action. It originated from hunting, where dogs would sometimes bark at the base of a tree, thinking their prey was there, when it had already moved to another tree.
"Cold Feet"
This means to experience sudden doubt or fear, especially before an important event like a wedding. The phrase might come from soldiers who, due to cold and fatigue, were unable to continue fighting in battle.
This is what they call "trench foot" would look like:
These phrases might seem odd at first, but they’re all connected to real practices and events from the past. Next time you hear someone use one of these sayings, you’ll have a fun story to share about where it came from!
Whether it’s raining cats and dogs, you’re saved by the bell, or life just feels like a bowl of cherries, the history behind our language is always full of surprises.
These sayings remind us how life, both then and now, is shaped by everyday moments and challenges—ones we still reflect on, even centuries later.
And there you have it! History is anything but boring.
Other Basic Idioms we often use:
A dime a dozen - very common
Call it a day - stop working
Up in the air - uncertain
Out of the blue - unexpectedly
On cloud nine - very happy
In hot water - in trouble
Go the extra mile - do more
Down to the wire - last minute
By the book - follow the rules
Burn the midnight oil - work late
Walk on eggshells - be careful
Turn a blind eye - ignore
The ball is in your court - your move
Sit on the fence - stay neutral
On the ball - alert and efficient
Save face - protect your reputation
Cut corners - do something cheaply
Off the beaten track - unconventional
Keep your fingers crossed - hope for luck