Words of wisdom

Did you know that the idiom "by and large" comes from sailors?

Image: Mick Haupt

The English language is filled to the brim with impactful, deep, and sometimes whimsical imagery: Have you ever stopped to think about how much we rely on a vast array of unusual phrases to relay very common concepts? We are of course talking about idioms, those quirky and eccentric sentences that, if anything, provide a bit of color and variety to our everyday lives. But have you wondered where the idioms we say daily come from? Who was the first person to warn someone not to look into a gifted horse’s mouth? Don’t worry, we got you covered: We have researched the origins of 10 of the most common idioms in the English language. Enjoy!

Image: Towfiqu barbhuiya

The idiom "to fly off the handle" is used to describe someone who is not in full control of their emotions: Someone might fly off the handle if they angrily and suddenly overreact to a minor inconvenience.

You might be inclined to think that the titular handle is one found in an everyday tool like a frying pan or a wok, but it in fact comes from the world of lumberjacks: According to historians, this idiom comes from badly manufactured axes, out of which poorly fastened axe heads would sometimes come off flying. Since this outcome is obviously dangerous, this idiom perfectly describes unpredictable and potentially unpleasant situations.

Image: Ayla Verschueren

This idiom is a bit off-putting, isn’t it? Someone "chewing the fat" is engaged in pleasant yet trivial conversation: Whether it is idle chit-chat or harmless gossip, two (or more) people chewing the fat are usually chatting without a care in the world.

If you are wondering how chewing fat would eventually morph to mean chatting, you might want to take a look at the world of 19th-century sailors. In the days before refrigerators, sailors had to carry food that wouldn’t spoil on their voyages: One of these items was salted pork skin, which largely consisted of fat. In due time, the idle chatter that came from the long time it took to consume this honestly disgusting food became synonymous with the action itself.

Image: Igor

This is one of the idioms on this list that makes the most sense. An astrological blue moon is a rare occurrence in which the second full moon of a month might be seen with a pale blue tint. Blue moons usually occur approximately every 3 years, although some phenomena like volcanic eruptions or forest fires might produce them as well.

Logically, the idiom "once in a blue moon" is used to describe something that happens very rarely. In any case, this idiom does bring a certain mystique to complaining about that friend who is never able to hang out: You can simply say that they come around "once in a blue moon".

Image: Ilyuza Mingazova

No one wants to be on the receiving end of a "cold shoulder": This idiom is used to describe someone who is intentionally unfriendly to someone else. From an angry friend to a disgruntled coworker, if anyone is giving you the cold shoulder, you might want to look into what made them mad in the first place.

You might be inclined to believe that the origin of this idiom comes from the action of literally turning away from someone. However, some historians have a more interesting theory: They believe that it comes from medieval etiquette. According to these linguists, whenever the host of a dinner party in medieval times wanted their guests to leave, they would serve a cold cut of pork or mutton shoulder.

Image: Kylee Alons

Isn’t this idiom adorable? We instantly think about a worried cow waiting for her teenage cows to come home only to scold them for being out past their curfew. In any case, the idiom "till the cows come home" is used to describe something that takes a long and indefinite amount of time.

As you would expect, this idiom comes from the world of farming, and it dates back to at least the 1500s. Since cows were often milked late at night, the last job a farmer would have to do before turning in for the night would be to return the cows to their barns. And, as anyone with an office job will attest, the last task of the day often seems like the longest.

Image: LuAnn Hunt

The idiom "blood is thicker than water" is regularly used to highlight the importance of family, where blood is used as a symbol of family bonds. When someone tells you this idiom, they are trying to remind you that family needs to stick together through thick and thin.

Curiously, some historians believe that the origins of this idiom can be traced back to a mistranslation. According to them, the full adage states: "The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb". Therefore, if this theory is to be believed, the meaning of this idiom would be the exact opposite, and bonds of friendship would supersede family bonds.

Image: Ben Wogl

This idiom should be fairly self-explanatory: Unless they are about to go on a delightful walk through the park, cats should never be placed inside bags. Not that this reminder will do anyone any good: As every single cat owner can attest, cats can (and will) go inside any object they find even slightly suitable.

In any case, what’s the origin of the idiom "to let the cat out of the bag"? Well, the answer might lie in Medieval markets, of all places. According to one theory, some unscrupulous merchants might trick patrons into buying small kittens, passing them as piglets sold inside a bag. Once the titular cat was "let out of the cat", the enraged patron would realize they were bamboozled, at which point it would probably be too late.

Image: Ekaterina Grosheva

"By and large" is an idiom used to describe a situation in general: For instance, you might be complaining about your job, only to end your sentence by saying "But by and large, I think it is a good workplace".

As with many other English idioms, "by and large" comes from sailor slang. In the old days, sailors would use the nautical term "full and by" to refer to traveling into the wind, while "large" was used to describe the exact opposite: Wind coming from behind. In that sense, the term "by and large" emerged to describe a situation in which the wind was coming from all directions.

Image: Simon Hurry

The idiom "white elephant" is used to describe something lavish and expensive that however doesn’t seem to serve any function whatsoever, rendering it burdensome. This phrase might seem nonsensical, but it does make perfect sense when you think about it: Would you like to receive a costly elephant as a birthday present?

You might think we are joking, but this is actually the historical basis behind this idiom: According to historians, rulers of the Kingdom of Siam (now present-day Thailand) would gift white elephants as gifts. However, you might be surprised to learn that these outlandish gifts were actually punishment: Since the elephants were extremely costly to keep, they would often become financial burdens to their owners.

Image: Julia Kwiek

We’ll end this article with one of the most baffling idioms we were able to find. The idiom "cat got your tongue" is used to describe someone rendered speechless after learning a particularly shocking piece of information. However, why these adorable pets are associated with losing the ability to speak is a mystery we can’t stop thinking about.

And while we can’t provide you with a definitive answer, here are some plausible theories: Some believe that it refers to Medieval times, in which blasphemers would be punished by forcefully removing their tongues and feeding them to street cats and other vermin. Others believe that it comes from the fear of witches, who would supposedly command their cat familiars to hex and curse their victims, rendering them speechless and catatonic.

Clear your calendar and learn a few fun facts

How did the months get their names? An ancient Roman legacy

Image: Kyrie kim

A calendar is a system of time measurement based primarily on the seasons of the year. The one we use today is called the Gregorian calendar and is the result of a long process of evolution that began with ancient civilizations. So, when and by whom were the months of the year named? Here’s a hint: The Romans are largely responsible for how we organize time, so it’s not surprising that the current names of the months have much to do with their culture. Join us as we explore the origins of the names of the 12 months of the year!

Image: Glen Carrie

January owes its name to Janus (Ianuarius in Latin), the Roman god of doorways, changes, beginnings, and endings. Janus was depicted with two faces—one looking to the past and the other to the future—making him the perfect deity to mark the start of the year.

Janus symbolized not only the passage of time but also transformation and transitions. His association with doors and portals reflected the idea of opening new paths and closing old cycles. In Roman tradition, January was a month dedicated to reflection and preparation for the challenges of the year ahead, a concept that endures to this day.

Image: Boris Pavlikovsky

February, the second month of the year, traces its roots to the purification rituals of ancient Rome. During this month, the Romans observed the _Februa_—ceremonies meant to cleanse the city of evil spirits and prepare the community for the new annual cycle. As a result, February’s name comes from the Latin februare, meaning "to purify."

The Romans regarded this month as a time to resolve conflicts, settle debts, and restore order. Thus, the origin of the name February is closely tied to the concepts of healing and renewal.

Image: Polina Kovaleva

You probably already know this one—the third month of the year is named after Mars, the Roman god of war. In ancient Rome, March marked the start of the military campaign season when legions prepared to conquer new territories. The name of this month reflects Mars’ significance in Roman culture—not only as the god of war but also as a protector of agriculture and fertility.

Additionally, Mars was associated with spring and the rebirth of nature. March symbolized the return of life after winter, a time of renewal and vitality. As a result, the meaning of March is linked to both war and rebirth.

Image: Bich Tran

The origin of April's name is less clear. However, it is widely believed to come from the Latin aperire, meaning "to open," in reference to the blooming of plants and flowers during this month. Others suggest it derives from Aphrodite, the Greek equivalent of Venus, the Roman goddess of love and fertility.

In any case, April is a month long associated with beauty, spring, rebirth, and fertility. During this time, the Romans held rituals and festivals in honor of Venus to ensure good harvests and prosperity. April’s connection to fertility and the awakening of nature has remained deeply rooted in popular culture ever since.

Image: Tara Winstead

May’s origin is uncertain, but it is widely believed to come from the name of Maia, a Roman earth goddess. Maia, one of the Pleiades—the daughters of Atlas—was associated with the flowering of nature and the beginning of the agricultural season.

However, the fifth month of the year is also linked to the elderly, as the Latin word maiores means "ancestors" or "elders." In Roman tradition, May was a time to honor older generations and recognize their wisdom and experience. This dual significance—as a month of fertility and reverence for elders—reflects the cultural and symbolic richness of the Roman calendar.

Image: Boris Pavlikovsky

June, the sixth month of the year, is dedicated to Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage and childbirth. Her name is believed to derive from the Latin iuniores, meaning "young," highlighting her influence over both marriage and the younger generation.

Festivities in Juno’s honor during this time of year often included marriage ceremonies and protective rituals for women. Because she was believed to bless marital unions, June was considered an especially auspicious month for weddings. June's association with youth and marriage has left a lasting impression on Western culture, and it is still a popular month for weddings and engagements.

Image: Glen Carrie

The Gregorian calendar was not only influenced by mythology but also by key historical figures. For example, July is named after Julius Caesar, one of the most significant political and military leaders of ancient Rome.

July symbolizes Caesar’s power and authority, as he was responsible for implementing the Julian calendar—a system that provided a more accurate solar cycle than its predecessor. This reform was crucial for maintaining a stable calendar and laid the foundation for the later adoption of the Gregorian calendar we use today.

Image: Glen Carrie

August was named after another Roman emperor, Augustus Caesar. Originally called Sextilis, this month was renamed in honor of Augustus to recognize his achievements and his role in consolidating the Roman Empire. Under his rule, Rome reached its greatest expansion and prosperity, which justified its inclusion in the calendar.

However, August was not always as we know it today. Originally consisting of 30 days, an extra day was later added to match the length of July, ensuring that both months named after Roman leaders had equal days.

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The months from September to December reflect their positions in the original 10-month Roman calendar. For example, September comes from the Latin septem, meaning "seven."

Today, in the Northern Hemisphere, September marks the beginning of autumn and the return to school. However, in ancient Rome, it was a 29-day month dedicated to the Ludi Romani, the "Roman Games." Over time, some sought to rename it. To give you an idea, Emperor Caligula wanted to rename September Germanicus after his father, a general and politician, although his idea never prospered.

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October gets its name from the Latin octo, meaning "eight," because it was the eighth month in the original Roman calendar. Like today, October had 31 days and marked the end of military campaigns that had begun in March. It was also a month under the protection of the god Mars.

As with September, several Roman politicians sought to change October’s name. Wanting to follow in the footsteps of his predecessors, Augustus and Julius Caesar, Emperor Domitian didn’t want to be left out. Late in the first century AD, he renamed October Domitianus. Unfortunately, this moniker didn’t survive his death. After several attempts to change it, October’s name finally stuck.

Image: Rahul Pandit

You probably know the drill by now. Since November was the ninth month of the old Roman calendar, its name comes from the Latin term novem, meaning "nine."

But did you know what this month was called in Old English? It was named Blōtmōnað, or "blood month," because it was the time when animals were sacrificed and stored for food before winter.

Image: Boris Pavlikovsky

Ah, December—the last month of the year, the beginning of winter, and the close of the holiday season. But in Roman times, it was the tenth month of the calendar, and thus named after the Latin word for "ten," decem.

Are you curious about what it was called in Old English? The early Germanic people referred to this period as yuletide, alluding to the ancient pagan holiday they celebrated around the winter solstice, which became an ancestor to Christmas.