12 Phrases You Say Every Day That Have Strange Origins
Many common phrases we use daily have surprising and unusual stories behind how they started.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
Every day, we say phrases without thinking about where they come from. Some of these expressions have unexpected, even bizarre origins that go back centuries. Understanding their history adds new meaning to the words we use without hesitation.
1. “Bite the Bullet”
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This phrase dates back to times when soldiers had to endure painful surgeries without anesthesia. They were given a bullet to bite down on to help manage the pain. Saying “bite the bullet” now means facing a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage.
2. “Break the Ice”
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In the past, ships had trouble navigating frozen waters, so smaller boats called icebreakers were sent ahead to clear paths. “Break the ice” came to mean overcoming initial awkwardness or barriers in social settings. Today, it refers to starting a conversation or activity to make things easier.
3. “Saved by the Bell”
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This expression comes from a safety measure in the 17th century when people feared being buried alive. To prevent this, some coffins had bells attached so that if someone woke up underground, they could ring the bell for help. The phrase now means being rescued just in time.
4. “Let the Cat Out of the Bag”
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In medieval markets, farmers sometimes sold piglets in bags, but dishonest sellers would sneak cats inside instead. If someone revealed the trick, they “let the cat out of the bag,” meaning they exposed a secret. Today, it means accidentally revealing hidden information.
5. “Barking Up the Wrong Tree”
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This phrase originated from hunting dogs that would sometimes mistakenly chase prey up the wrong tree. Hunters realized the dog was “barking up the wrong tree” when the prey was elsewhere. Now, it means pursuing a mistaken or misguided course of action.
6. “Mad as a Hatter”
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Hat makers in the 18th and 19th centuries used mercury in the hat-making process, which caused mercury poisoning. This led to symptoms like tremors and erratic behavior, making some hatters appear “mad.” The phrase now describes someone who seems crazy or eccentric.
7. “Raining Cats and Dogs”
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One theory is that during heavy storms in old England, animals like cats and dogs could be washed through the streets from poor drainage systems. The phrase came to describe extremely heavy rain. It’s a colorful way to say it’s pouring outside.
8. “Kick the Bucket”
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This phrase may come from a method of slaughtering pigs, where a bucket was placed under them as they kicked their legs. “Kick the bucket” became a slang term for dying. It’s now a common, informal way to refer to death.
9. “Pulling Someone’s Leg”
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In the past, thieves would trip or pull the legs of their victims to slow them down during a robbery. Over time, the phrase evolved to mean teasing or joking with someone. Today, it means to playfully trick or fool someone.
10. “Cost an Arm and a Leg”
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This phrase likely refers to the high price paid for portraits in the 18th century. The more limbs visible in a painting, the more expensive it was. Saying something “costs an arm and a leg” means it is very costly.
11. “Under the Weather”
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Sailors used this phrase to describe feeling sick when they were hit by bad weather at sea. They would stay below deck, literally under the weather, to recover. Today, it means feeling unwell or out of sorts.
12. “Cut to the Chase”
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This phrase comes from early silent films, where scenes often ended with an exciting chase. Filmmakers would “cut to the chase” to skip slow parts and get to the action. Now, it means getting straight to the point without unnecessary delay.