Have you ever wondered where some of the common expressions we use in everyday conversation come from? From “barking up the wrong tree” to “take pot luck,” these phrases have become an integral part of our language. But how much do we really know about their origins?
If someone were to ask you about the history behind these expressions, would you be able to pass with flying colours or would you just take pot luck? In other words, would you confidently know the origins of these phrases or would you simply guess and hope for the best?
Well, let’s put your knowledge to the test and explore the fascinating origins of some of these common expressions.
1. Barking up the wrong tree
We often use this expression to describe someone who is pursuing the wrong course of action or looking in the wrong place for something. But where did it come from?
One theory suggests that back in the 19th century, hunting dogs would chase their prey up a tree, barking to alert their masters. The hunters would then check the tree to see if the prey was hiding there. However, if the dogs were barking at the wrong tree, the hunters would be wasting their time and energy.
Another theory traces the phrase back to the practice of bear hunting, where hunters would send their dogs to chase the bear up a tree. If the dogs barked at the wrong tree, it could lead to a dangerous and potentially fatal situation for the hunters.
So, the next time you use the expression “barking up the wrong tree,” remember its hunting origins and how it has evolved to become a common phrase in our language.
2. Take pot luck
This expression is often used when we have to take a chance on something or accept whatever is available. But where does the word “pot” come into play?
In the 16th century, a pot was a common cooking vessel, and it was often used to serve food at communal gatherings. The luck part refers to the fact that you never knew what kind of food you would get from the pot. You could either get something delicious or not so tasty, hence taking pot luck.
Another theory suggests that the phrase originated from the game of poker, where players would contribute to a pot and then take their chances on the cards they were dealt.
Today, we use this expression in various contexts, from trying new foods to taking a risk in life. And now, we know where it all began.
3. Let the cat out of the bag
We often use this expression when someone reveals a secret or something that was meant to be kept hidden. But what does it have to do with a cat and a bag?
In medieval markets, buyers would often purchase small animals such as piglets or rabbits. Unscrupulous sellers would sometimes try to trick buyers by putting a cat in the bag instead of the promised animal. Once the buyer discovered the deceit, they would let the cat out of the bag, revealing the truth.
Over time, the phrase evolved to refer to any secret being revealed, and the cat became a symbol of the truth coming out.
4. Butter someone up
This expression is often used to describe someone who is trying to gain favor by being overly flattering. But why butter?
In ancient India, it was customary to throw balls of butter at the statues of gods during religious ceremonies as a form of devotion. This practice eventually spread to other cultures, and the phrase “butter someone up” came to represent the act of trying to please or flatter someone.
5. Straight from the horse’s mouth
This expression is used to convey that information is coming from a reliable source. But what does it have to do with horses?
In the 19th century, horse racing was a popular sport, and people would often try to get insider information on which horse was most likely to win. Trainers or jockeys were considered the most reliable sources of information, and so, if someone wanted accurate information, they would go straight to the horse’s mouth, or in this case, the trainer or jockey.
6. To turn a blind eye
This expression is used when someone consciously chooses to ignore something. But where does the term “blind eye” come from?
Legend has it that during the Battle of Copenhagen in 1801, Admiral Horatio Nelson was ordered to withdraw his fleet. However, he disobeyed and raised a telescope to his blind eye, claiming he could not see the
