Why do we say "no dice" when refusing someone's request? What do clouds and their "silver linings" have to do with our hopes and troubles? Why are some people born with a “silver spoon” in their mouths? What does it truly mean to be a “jack of all trades”?

Like many people, you’ve probably used idioms or phrases like these without giving them a second thought. But if you were to take a moment to step back and learn about them, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to discover the mesmerizing and sometimes outright bizarre origins to these fun sayings! 

In Why Do We Say That, we have curated 101 regularly used idioms, proverbs, turns of phrases, and colloquial terms that have the most fascinating backstories. For each phrase, we have explained how it was coined, how its use evolved through the ages, and how it gained its contemporary use. 

Inside you will discover:

• Why people go “green with envy” instead of a different color
• How “knocking on wood” gives you good luck
• Why some people talk a lot of “mumbo jumbo”
• How “Bob” can be everyone’s uncle
• Why someone would want to be a “devil’s advocate”
• And much, much more!

Click the "Buy Now" button at the top of the page to unravel the mysteries behind popular English.