What Are Some Common Modern English Sayings with Surprising Origins?

Language is not only a tool for communication but also a treasure trove of fascinating histories and cultural anecdotes. Many common English sayings have origins that are far more interesting and varied than one might assume. Let's explore some of these extraordinary sayings, their surprising origins, and how they came to be a part of our daily language.

Scrape the Barrel

One of the oldest sayings in the English language is “scrape the barrel. ” Historically, this expression originated in the early United States, where food was stored in barrels during times of scarcity. Only the bottom layer of the barrel remained accessible, requiring scraping to retrieve the food. Thus, the phrase came to represent the most meager or bare minimum.

On Cloud Nine

The phrase “on cloud nine” is another classic example of a saying that evokes an interesting backstory. Cloud classification systems in the late 19th century listed the highest cloud as Cloud 9, inspired by Sir Ralph Abercromby, who was fascinated by meteorology. This means that being “on cloud nine” is akin to floating in the highest cloud on Earth—a truly extraordinary experience.

By the Skin of Your Teeth

This phrase, which dates back to the 16th century, has its roots in the Bible, specifically Job 19:20. In this context, Job says, "I am escaped with the skin of my teeth," meaning he barely managed to avoid a disaster. Today, we use it to describe a close escape. The phrase also has a related term, “squeak through,” which captures the essence of struggling through a difficult situation and barely succeeding.

To Get Someone's Goat

A particularly unusual origin of an English idiom is “to get someone’s goat.” Interestingly, this phrase was once used in the equestrian world, referring to a practice where racehorse owners would stable a goat alongside their horse before a race. The goat would have a calming effect, ensuring the horse was well-rested for the competition. Interfering with the goat would upset the horse, causing it to perform poorly. This idiom has deviated significantly from its original context but still carries the idea of annoying someone.

Going Down a Rabbit-Hole

Another fascinating saying is “going down a rabbit-hole.” This phrase takes its name from the famous novel by Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. It describes becoming more and more involved in a situation unpredictably, often leading to a series of unexpected events or discoveries. For example, someone searching for an answer on the internet might end up on a series of related websites, losing track of time in the process.

A Month of Sundays

A month of Sundays is a saying that doesn’t mean a literal month but rather a very long time. The origin of this phrase can be traced back to an 18th-century memoir published by Hamilton Murray. In his work, the phrase was used to describe a long period of time in which one would have to endure a repetitive task. The idiom suggests that Sundays were once strictly observed, and the idea of an entire month of Sundays would have felt like an eternity to those who adhered to the Sabbath.

The French Equivalent

Interestingly, the French have a similar idiom, “la semaine des quatre jeudis” (“the week of four Thursdays”). This phrase also means a very long period and has the same etymological puzzle as the English version. The origin of this French expression is unknown, and it refers to the fact that Thursdays are often days off in France, representing a brief respite from a long period of work. Interestingly, this idiom is gradually falling out of circulation among the younger generation in France.

In conclusion, the surprising origins of these sayings highlight the rich tapestry of cultural and historical contexts that contribute to the language we use today. These idioms not only enhance our communication but also provide fascinating insights into the past and reflect the evolution of language.