20 Common Sayings with Truly Bizarre Origins
Many common sayings have strange or even bizarre origins that we rarely consider. These expressions, which have been passed down through generations, have historical significance and occasionally amusing backstories.
- Tricia Quitales
- 6 min read
Sayings are woven into the fabric of language, providing wisdom, humor, and tradition; however, many have surprising origins. From the bizarre world of ancient rituals to strange historical events, these expressions have evolved over time, frequently losing their original meanings. This article delves into 20 common sayings with truly bizarre origins, providing insight into their intriguing histories. Each phrase is associated with a specific event or cultural quirk that influenced its current form.
1. Bite the Bullet
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This phrase originally referred to soldiers biting down on a bullet during surgery to bear the pain without anesthesia. During the war, doctors had no pain relief options. It eventually became a saying that meant enduring something difficult or painful.
2. Caught Red-Handed
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This saying originated in the 15th century and referred to someone caught with blood on their hands after committing murder. The phrase originated in Scotland and was used to describe criminals caught in the act. Today, it simply refers to being caught in the act of doing something wrong.
3. Raining Cats and Dogs
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This strange saying is thought to have originated in 17th-century England, where heavy storms occasionally swept dead animals through the streets. The phrase is frequently interpreted to represent the chaos and confusion accompanying such severe weather. It is now commonly used to describe extremely heavy rainfall.
4. The Whole Nine Yards
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There are several theories about this saying, but one of the most widely accepted is that it refers to the length of a machine gun’s ammunition belt during World War II. The entire belt of ammunition was about nine yards long. When someone gave “the whole nine yards,” it meant going all in or putting forth their best effort.
5. Sleep Tight
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This phrase actually stems from the old method of making beds with ropes that were tightened to make the mattress firm. People would tighten the ropes each night to ensure a better sleep. Over time, “sleep tight” became a way of wishing someone a good night’s rest.
6. Steal Someone’s Thunder
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In the early 18th century, playwright John Dennis created a machine to simulate the sound of thunder for his play. After the play failed, others used his invention without credit. “Stealing someone’s thunder” now refers to taking credit for another person’s idea or innovation.
7. Mad as a Hatter
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This phrase originated in the 18th-century hat-making industry, where workers were exposed to mercury, causing neurological damage. The exposure resulted in erratic behavior, making them appear “mad.” Today, it refers to someone behaving strangely or irrationally.
8. Barking Up the Wrong Tree
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This saying is derived from hunting dogs, which may bark at the base of a tree while the prey is higher up or somewhere else. It was used to describe someone making an error or following a false lead. Now, it simply refers to directing attention or effort in the wrong direction.
9. Close, But No Cigar
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This expression originated from carnival games in the early 20th century, when cigars were frequently awarded as prizes. If you almost won but didn’t quite make it, you were told, “Close, but no cigar.” Today, it refers to being close to success but falling short.
10. A Stitch in Time Saves Nine
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This saying originated from the idea that resolving a minor issue immediately prevents it from worsening. The “nine” represents the increased effort required to repair something after it deteriorates. It encourages dealing with issues as soon as possible to avoid larger problems later on.
11. Let the Cat Out of the Bag
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This phrase originated in medieval markets, where farmers sold pigs in bags but occasionally substituted cats. If someone revealed the truth, the scam would be exposed. Now, it refers to revealing a secret or spoiling a surprise.
12. Under the Weather
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Sailors in the nineteenth century would go below deck to recover when sick because the weather above deck could aggravate their symptoms. “Under the weather” refers to feeling physically unwell due to illness or the weather. It’s a polite way of expressing that someone is not feeling well.
13. The Ball Is in Your Court
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This expression comes from the game of tennis, where the ball is hit into one player’s court, and it is their responsibility to return it. It represents having control over the next steps in a situation. When someone says, “The ball is in your court,” it means it’s time for you to take action.
14. Kick the Bucket
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There are several theories about this phrase, but one of the most popular is that it refers to an old method of slaughtering animals. A bucket would be placed beneath the animal, and the bucket would fall whenever it kicked. “Kick the bucket” eventually became a euphemism for death.
15. Curiosity Killed the Cat
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This phrase comes from the old saying, “Care killed the cat,” in which “care” referred to worry. Over time, “curiosity” replaced “care,” implying that excessive curiosity could lead to danger. It is now used to warn people not to pry too deeply into the affairs of others.
16. Throw in the Towel
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In boxing, when a fighter’s corner throws in the towel, it means the fighter has given up. This act of surrender became a metaphor for quitting or accepting defeat. It is now commonly used in everyday language to indicate giving up or abandoning a struggle.
17. No Room to Swing a Cat
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This saying is most likely derived from the cramped conditions of 17th-century ships, where sailors were given limited space. “Swinging a cat” refers to a naval punishment involving a whip known as a “cat-o’-nine-tails.” Today, it refers to a space so small that you cannot move freely.
18. Saved by the Bell
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This expression is derived from boxing, where a bell rings to signal the end of each round. If a fighter is about to be knocked out when the bell rings, they are considered “saved” from defeat. Today, it refers to being rescued from a bad situation at the last moment.
19. Burning the Midnight Oil
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In the past, people used oil lamps to work late at night. When someone worked after sunset, they were said to be “burning the midnight oil.” Now, working late into the night entails meeting a deadline or completing a task.
20. Piece of Cake
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This phrase is most likely derived from the tradition of awarding cakes as prizes at competitions in the 19th century. Winning a cake was considered easy, so the phrase came to mean something very simple or easy to do. It is now used to describe an effortless task.