So what are the origins of common everyday phrases? cover art

So what are the origins of common everyday phrases?

So what are the origins of common everyday phrases?

Listen for free

View show details

About this listen

In this episode of "I Didn't Know That", host Chris explores the fascinating origins of commonly used phrases. Phrases discussed include "Raining Cats and Dogs", inspired by 17th-century England flooding or Norse mythology, and "Bite the Bullet", a product of pre-anesthesia warfare. We also discover "Cost an Arm and a Leg" could be tied to 18th-century portrait painting, while "Break the Ice" comes from maritime navigation. The episode delves into "Bury the Hatchet" from Native American customs, "Saved by the Bell", possibly echoing the fear of premature burials or boxing rounds, "Caught Red-Handed", a 15th-century Scottish idiom, and "Let the Cat Out of the Bag", a phrase tied to medieval farmers selling piglets. The episode concludes, encouraging listeners to stay curious and explore language history.

What listeners say about So what are the origins of common everyday phrases?

Average Customer Ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.