Idioms etymology - Lecture notes 1 PDF

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idioms and etymology...

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Etymology of Idioms

By: Kashaf Tasweeb

Etymology: Etymology is the study of the history of word. The etymology of (a word) means the origin of the certain word.

Idioms: Idioms are useful expressions and develop interest because usually it cannot be understand easily if defined separately. Example: If a woman says to his child, “I think it’s time to hit the hay, means it’s a bed time. So if we define the underlined words individually, there is no meaning of bed time unless it is properly used in a sentence as above with proper sense.

Origin of idioms: Mostly idioms originated from classic films and ancient literature. Some are originated as quotation from the writers like Shakespeare. Knowing the background of an idiom help to remember it easily. Idioms are there in every language. Some of the English idioms and their origin are given below.

Butter someone up:

1.

“To impress someone with flattery” Origin: There are two possible origins of this idiom. Some believe that it is an act of actually spreading real butter on a slice that can be compared of showing or conveying nice words to a person. Other believes it is originated from India where they throw balls of butter at the gods statues to ask favour. Example: If you butter up your friend, he will let you borrow the car.

2.

Turn the blind eye: “To pretend not to have noticed anything/something”.

Origin: This idiom is originated from the act of Admiral Nelson in the famous battle of Copenhagen in 1801. He was blind from the right eye. He knowingly disobeys a signal to withdraw a naval engagement. He put his telescope on his blind eye and said I do not see any sign. He was actually avoiding the orders Example: Teacher knew about the lie but she decided to turn a blind eye to the situation.

3.

Bite the bullet: “Perform unavoidable task/situation which is painful or unpleasant.”

Origin: It is a fact that in past patients undergoing surgery would be given a stick of wood, leather pad or a bullet to bite. This is to divert their attention away from the pain and also to protect against biting their own tongues. This was when anesthesia was not introduced. Example: The boy decided to bite the bullet and take his punishment.

4.

Jump the shark: “Performing or Adding a far-fetched event or action which was previously popular, to regain the quality or popularity especially in case of TV program.” Or an irrelevant attempt to perform a currently unpopular action to make it popular.

Origin: It actually derived scene of season-5 of 1970s sitcom Happy Days that was losing its popularity and audience. In this program, the character Fonzie water-skis jump over a shark for which he was challenged to do which he did. The program producers tried this to regain the audience interest in the program.

Example: A businessman jumped the shark when he announced to make shoes with the same brand name. 5.

Get one’s goat: “To irritate or annoy someone”

Origin: There are town theories to explain this phrase, most common theory involves horses, it is said that it originated when high strung race-horses were out of control and goats were used as companions to calm. Some says it was cows, not horses. An old believe that cows produce more milk when there is goat in the barn. It is said to have a calming effect on cow. Example: The fake promises from the leaders often get people’s goat.

6.

Know the rope: “Understanding something/task with complete knowledge, know the ins and outs and how it works and experience its each aspect.

Origin: It has a nautical origin. It probably used for sailors who know which rope going to be raised which sail while during sailing it is important to know how the ropes, lines and wind power up ships to navigate them in ocean. So, the process of managing the ropes and tying knots for navigation, a sailor literally knowing the ropes of a ship. This phrase can be used metaphor for the things unrelated to boats. Example: The teacher knows her ropes this is because her class result was 100%.

7.

Chew the fat: “A gossip at leisure, a long conversation which could be formal or informal with someone in free time.

Origin: It is speculated that North American Indians chew fat at their leisure time. Britain farmers chew pork fat while sitting idle. It is also said that it is an activity of sailors who eat salted animal fat which provide them nutrients when on voyage. Now it is used metaphorically. There is no evidence to support this. Example: Old friends met after a long time and chew the fat.

8.

Cat got your tongue “Asked to a person who is at loss of words.

Origin: It is said that the English navy used a whip named as “cat-o’-nine-tails” for punishment. The pain was so ever that it caused the victim to stay quiet for a long time. Another possible source could be from ancient Egypt, where as punishment, tongues were cut out and fed to the cats. Example: When parents asked the children to explain their action they were speechless like cat got their tongue.

9.

Beat a dead horse “To attempt to convince somebody to do something although there’s little or no chance of success.”

Origin: It is originated from mid-19th century, when beating horses to make them go fast was viewed as acceptable practice. To beat a dead horse is in vain as it would not go anywhere. Example: The writer was trying to publish this book but he is beating a dead horse.

10.

Go the whole nine yards “To try your best at achieving/getting something”

Origin: It is said that in World War II, the jet planes equipped with nine yards of ammunition. When they ran out of ammunition it was deemed that they have gave their best effort for achieving target. Example: He wanted to go whole nine yards to achieve the gold medal....