The things one usually says have more in-depth and interesting histories behind them. All the common sayings and their origin will prove that what one usually states have an actual meaning. What do you think would be the reason behind the saying to ‘show your true colors‘? Don’t worry the answer is here, here are the most commonly used sayings and their origin covered for you.
It’s raining cats and dogs
Meaning
Heavy raining.
Origin
This saying came into being in England in 1500s. Houses at that time had thatched roofs. In cold cats and other small animals, sometimes dogs would hide there for warmth. When it rained hard all these animals would fall off in the gutter, hence the saying, it’s raining cats and dogs.
Sleep tight
Meaning
Sleep well.
Origin
In old times, mattresses on the bed were held by ropes. To make the bed firmer and more comfortable to sleep on, one had to tighten the strings. Hence the saying, sleep well.
Spill the beans
Meaning
To expose the truth.
Origin
In Ancient Greek times, beans were used to vote. White beans signified support and black signified opposition. Sometimes, the voter might accidentally knock over the jar filled with beans reveal the confidential votes. Hence the saying, spill the beans.
Break a Leg
Meaning
Good luck.
Origin
One can clearly see the irony of this one. This saying was originated in the theater because people believed that wishing someone good luck would be bad luck. Therefore, they wished terrible so that the opposite happens. Hence the saying, break a leg.
Show your true colors
Meaning
To reveal the true nature.
Origin
In old times, warships used to show numerous different flags to confuse their enemies. But, by the rule of the warfare ship had to hoist its actual flag before attacking, as a result showing their true colors. Hence the saying, show your true colors.
Waking up on the wrong side of the bed
Meaning
To wake up in a bad mood
Origin
The left side in olden times was considered to be sinister. Hence the beds were pushed against the wall from the left side. These remaining people with no other choice than to get out of the bed from the right side. All this was done to deflect the evil. Hence the saying, waking up on the wrong side of the bed.
Let the cat out of the bag
Meaning
To reveal a secret
Origin
In the 18th century, pigs were often sold in packs. Some would exchange the pig in the bag with a cat, as a result fooling their buyers. Hence the saying lets the cat out of the bag.
Cat got one’s tongue
Meaning
To be at a loss for words.
Origin
There are two sources of the origin of this one.
- First one, cat-o’-nine-tails, it was a whip that was used by English navy for beating. This whipped caused a lot of pain because of which the patients were left speechless.
- The second one is the practice of cutting tongues of people who lied or used blasphemy and feeding it to the cats.
Hence the saying, cat got one’s tongue.
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