Hi there! I’m John Green, and today we’re diving into the fascinating world of idioms. An idiom is a phrase that means something different from what the words actually say. For example, when someone is “flying off the handle,” it doesn’t mean they’re literally flying or holding a handle. Let’s explore where some of these interesting expressions come from!
This idiom is used when a TV show starts going downhill. It comes from a 1977 episode of the show Happy Days, where a character named Fonzi jumps over a shark while waterskiing. It was a moment that marked a turning point for the show.
People have been using this phrase since at least 1666. Back then, it was believed that mentioning the devil would bring bad luck, so it was like saying, “Oh, speak of the devil, and he appears!”
In the 1800s, “cup of tea” started being used in a positive way. By the 1920s, it was a way to say someone was your type, like “She’s my cup of tea.”
This expression comes from the Wild West. The person sitting next to the driver of a stagecoach would carry a shotgun to protect against robbers.
This phrase describes something that happens rarely. It refers to when two full moons occur in the same month, which doesn’t happen often. The term was first used in the Farmers’ Almanac in 1819.
Giving someone the “cold shoulder” means ignoring them. This phrase is often linked to Sir Walter Scott’s 1816 novel The Antiquary.
This idiom refers to a hidden secret. It was first used by William Henry Stowe in 1816 to describe something that could cause future misery.
This comes from horse racing in the 19th century. A jockey who was far ahead could relax and win without holding the reins tightly.
This phrase comes from hunting. It describes a situation where dogs bark at a tree where their prey is no longer hiding.
Used since the 1400s, this idiom means avoiding the main topic. It originally referred to hunters scaring birds out of bushes.
This was a real act among some Native American tribes to symbolize peace after conflicts.
This expression comes from a 1917 song by Fred W. Lee. It describes someone who is always close to success but never quite achieves it.
This phrase likely comes from fairs where cigars were given as prizes. If you almost won, you’d hear, “Close, but no cigar.”
This idiom started in the 18th century when people would use French phrases in English conversations, often to excuse their language.
Originally, this meant speaking bluntly. Later, it came to describe quitting drugs suddenly.
This phrase was first used in The Canterbury Tales to describe someone who is very busy.
This refers to a man from folklore who watched Lady Godiva ride naked through the streets. Now, it means someone who spies on others.
While its exact origin is unclear, this idiom likely comes from ancient Greece. It means to reveal a secret.
Many idioms like “broken heart,” “wolf in sheep’s clothing,” and “a leopard cannot change its spots” come from the Bible.
This phrase can be traced back to Ovid’s Metamorphoses.
This term originally referred to small openings in castles for archers to shoot through while staying protected.
This expression became popular in the early 1980s, encouraging someone to do something more interesting or meaningful.
We can thank Shakespeare for phrases like “foaming at the mouth,” “dish fit for the gods,” and “wear your heart on your sleeve.”
Thanks for joining me on this idiom adventure! Remember, idioms are a fun way to express ideas and learn about history. Keep exploring and asking questions!
Imagine you’re a writer in the 1800s. Create your own idiom and write a short story about its origin. Share your story with the class and explain what your idiom means today.
Work in pairs to act out different idioms without using words. Your classmates will guess the idiom you’re portraying. This will help you understand the literal and figurative meanings of idioms.
Choose an idiom from the article and research its historical background. Present your findings to the class, including any interesting facts or changes in meaning over time.
Create a set of cards with idioms on one side and their meanings on the other. Mix them up and challenge your classmates to match each idiom with its correct meaning as quickly as possible.
Pick an idiom and draw a comic strip that illustrates both its literal and figurative meanings. Share your artwork with the class and explain the idiom’s significance.
Sure! Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript, with inappropriate language and extraneous details removed:
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Hi, I’m John Green. Welcome to My Salon! An idiom is a figure of speech that means something other than its literal meaning. For example, if you say that someone is “flying off the handle,” you’re not referring to a loose axe head from the 1800s.
Today, we’re going to explore the origins of many idioms. “Jump the shark” became an idiom meaning when a TV show takes an irreversible turn for the worse, originating from a 1977 episode of *Happy Days* where Fonzi went waterskiing and jumped over a shark.
The phrase “speak of the devil” has been used since at least 1666, when Giovanni Torano wrote, “talk of the devil and he’s presently at your elbow.” Back then, people believed it was bad luck to mention the devil.
“Cup of tea” had positive associations starting in the 1800s, and by the 1920s, it was used to describe a person, as in “she’s my cup of tea.”
The expression “ride shotgun” comes from the Wild West, where the person next to the driver of a coach would often carry a shotgun for protection.
“Once in a blue moon” refers to two full moons happening in the same month, which is rare. The Farmers’ Almanac started counting blue moons in 1819.
“Cold shoulder” is usually attributed to Sir Walter Scott’s 1816 novel *The Antiquary*.
“Skeleton in the closet” was used by William Henry Stowe in 1816 to refer to the dread of being a cause of misery to posterity.
“To win hands down” comes from horse racing in the 19th century, referring to a jockey who was so far ahead that he could win without holding the reins.
“Barking up the wrong tree” originated from hunters whose dogs would bark at a tree where prey was no longer hiding.
“Beat around the bush” has been around since at least the 1400s, referring to hunters scaring birds out of hiding.
“Bury the hatchet” was a literal act among certain Native American tribes as a sign of peace after conflicts.
“Always a bridesmaid but never a bride” originated in a song by Fred W. Lee in 1917.
“Close, but no cigar” is believed to have originated from fairs that gave out cigars as prizes.
“Pardon my French” evolved from the 18th century when French phrases were used in English conversations.
“Cold turkey” originally meant to speak bluntly and later referred to abstaining from drugs.
“Busy as a bee” was coined in *The Canterbury Tales*.
“Peeping Tom” refers to a man who, according to folklore, watched Lady Godiva ride naked through the streets of Coventry.
“Spill the beans” is believed to have originated from ancient Greece, but it first appeared in print in the 20th century.
Many idioms, like “broken heart,” “wolf in sheep’s clothing,” and “a leopard cannot change its spots,” can be traced back to the Bible.
“House on days” can be traced back to Ovid’s *Metamorphoses*.
“Loophole” refers to small openings in castles that allowed archers to shoot while being protected.
The expression “get a life” became popular in the early 1980s.
We also have Shakespeare to thank for expressions like “foaming at the mouth,” “dish fit for the gods,” and “wear your heart on your sleeve.”
Thank you for watching! Each week, we endeavor to answer one of your mind-blowing questions. This week’s question comes from Driving on Wires, who asks why metal turns orange or red when heated. That’s due to thermal radiation.
Metal Floss isn’t just a web series; it’s also a real-life magazine with lots of cool stuff available in the store. If you use the code “YouTube Flossers,” you get 15% off. Check that out! Thank you for watching, and best wishes!
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Let me know if you need any further modifications!
Idiom – A phrase or expression that has a figurative meaning different from its literal meaning. – When someone says “it’s raining cats and dogs,” they are using an idiom to describe heavy rain.
Phrase – A small group of words standing together as a conceptual unit, typically forming a component of a clause. – The phrase “once upon a time” is often used to begin fairy tales.
Expression – A word or phrase that conveys an idea or feeling. – “Break a leg” is an expression used to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance.
Secret – Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others. – In the novel, the main character discovers a secret hidden in the old library.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs. – The history of English literature includes many famous authors like Shakespeare and Dickens.
Literature – Written works, especially those considered of superior or lasting artistic merit. – Studying literature helps us understand different cultures and perspectives.
Meaning – What is meant by a word, text, concept, or action. – The meaning of the poem can be interpreted in many different ways.
English – The language spoken in the United Kingdom, the United States, and many other countries. – English class often involves reading and analyzing various texts and stories.
Context – The circumstances or setting surrounding a particular word, event, or situation. – Understanding the historical context of a novel can enhance our appreciation of its themes.
Culture – The ideas, customs, and social behavior of a particular people or society. – Literature often reflects the culture from which it originates, offering insights into its values and traditions.
