THE WEIRD AND THE WONDERFUL

Do You Know What These 10 Weird Expressions Mean?

Image: Debby Hudson

Language is complex and rich, but we often use it without even thinking about where our words and expressions come from. For example, have you ever thought about the origins of the idiom "upset the apple cart"? And what about "hit the hay"? Idiomatic expressions can be quite daunting, and we’ve gathered 10 of them to explore their meanings and origins. Continue reading if you want to find out, too!

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Quite a strong start, isn’t it? This idiom, with a vivid image and quite dark humor behind it, is simply amazing and it means to discard something valuable (the baby, one can only assume) along with things that are not wanted or valued (the bath water).

Origins are not so certain, but it is probably derived from a German expression ("Das Kind mit dem Bade ausschütten"), and it was first recorded in 1853 by a German-to-English translator.

Image: Ryan Arnst

Have you ever had a perfectly laid plan with a well-defined course of action, only for it to derail, ruining everything? You could say someone "upset the apple cart."

That is what the idiom means: to obstruct or derail someone’s plan, especially if it is to hinder progress. In short, to spoil everything.

The phrase dates back to the 1700s and derives from a Roman phrase which originally was "upset the cart."

Image: Kate Stone Matheson

You’ve had a long day, so you just want to get home, have a nice dinner, and get ready to hit the hay. Does that sound familiar? That is because this idiom is used quite frequently in everyday English, but have you ever wondered about its origins?

One can always say, "Go to bed," but the idiom is much more fun. And its origin is not metaphoric at all; it’s right there in the phrase. When beds weren’t accessible for everyone, hays (or sacks in the alternate version) were the bed of choice, hence this fun (but itchy) idiom!

Image: Alexis Brown

The good thing about idioms is that they usually don’t hold a literal meaning; just imagine chewing the fat! This idiom has to do with engaging in a conversation about trivial matters or small talk.

This phrase can be traced back to British English of the 1880s, and an alternate version is "chew the rag," although why any of these words were chosen to refer to gossip is not known. Maybe it has to do with how juicy fat can get; what do you think?

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When John Lennon wrote, "Imagine all the people living life in peace," we could easily say that it was just a pie in the sky.

A pie in the sky refers to that impossible thing one hopes happens. It refers to wishful thinking, and it is part of a larger chant: "Work and pray, live on hay, you’ll get a pie in the sky when you die." Can you guess who chanted this? It was a rallying song called "The Preacher and the Slave," composed by Joe Hill and sung by the International Workers of the World in 1911.

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Animals in idioms are a dime a dozen; there are hundreds of them. And this one mentions a goat, but it actually comes from the world of horse racing.

Before a race, goats were placed next to horses to make them feel calm. Now, when someone got someone else’s goat, that horse got agitated. So, you guessed it: to get someone’s goat means to make someone feel angry or annoyed!

If you think this one is crazy, wait until you read the next one!

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Try to leave aside the fact that a hat and cattle have absolutely nothing in common and think of that person who is always talking about the things they’ll do, but never actually do anything. That person is all hat and no cattle.

This idiom is quite popular and takes several forms. For example, the British version is "All mouth and no trousers," and you’ve probably heard the phrase "Much ado about nothing." They are all synonyms!

This one, in particular, refers to cattle ranchers and the typical hat they use, describing those cowboys who used the hat but weren’t actually cattle owners.

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Well, things are getting pretty creepy here, aren’t they? Fear not; this idiom is much milder than it seems!

Originating in the 17th century, when wealthy people wore wigs quite often, bandits pulled them over people’s faces to make the job of taking their pennies easier for them. In time, the phrase came to describe those who are easily deceived and taken advantage of. Here’s one we hope you never use!

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Please do tell us if you think otherwise, but we don’t think sliced bread is something to get crazy over, right? Well, in the 1920s, when sliced bread made its first appearance, it surely was a great thing. So much so it became an idiom!

What it means is simply that nothing so great happened after sliced bread, until the topic you’re discussing. For example: "Look at this article; it’s the best thing since sliced bread!"

Image: Prasad Panchakshari

Let’s end this list with a cute idiom. Aren’t baby animals the cutest? Especially when they are around their mommies, and they lick their offspring to bathe them.

But why does the idiom mention the ears? Well, because that’s the last place to dry in a newborn. On a similar note, this cute idiom -which can be traced back to the early 1900s- is used to refer to people who lack experience or are immature. This one describes us all at one point or another, doesn’t it?

Potentially toxic

Look out! Did you know these 12 foods you love can actually kill you?

Image: Elena Leya

Some foods can kill you. And no, we’re not referring to the usual suspects like refined sugars, fast food, and ultra-processed products. There are a number of foods that, despite their popularity and many health benefits, are capable of causing painful and unpleasant symptoms. From seemingly harmless potatoes to crunchy almonds, these tricky ingredients can put you in danger if undercooked or consumed in excess. Check out our list of 12 foods that, although commonly eaten, can be surprisingly dangerous.

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Mashed, fried, or baked, potatoes offer endless possibilities. As one of the most commonly consumed vegetables in the U.S., they are as delicious as they are versatile. But not all potatoes are safe to eat. If you ever come across green or sprouted potatoes, be very careful.

Potatoes with green skin or sprouts can be dangerous due to naturally occurring toxic compounds: solanine and chaconine. These chemicals are produced by the plant as a defense mechanism against pests, but they can be highly harmful to humans. Symptoms of poisoning may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, hallucinations, and even delirium.

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Nutmeg is a spice native to Indonesia, widely used in cuisines around the world for its aromatic, warm, and slightly sweet flavor. Although it has some interesting health benefits, it’s important to consume it in moderation, as it can cause serious adverse effects, especially during pregnancy.

The component that makes nutmeg potentially dangerous is myristicin, a naturally occurring compound that affects the nervous system. In small doses, nutmeg is perfectly safe. However, in large amounts, it can cause symptoms ranging from dizziness, dry mouth, and nausea to convulsions and hallucinations. So just remember: to use it in moderation!

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Rhubarb is incredibly easy to grow at home and is often used to make delicious desserts. Who can resist a slice of warm rhubarb tart paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream? But like all good things, it should be enjoyed in moderation.

You should be especially careful with rhubarb because the green leaves attached to the tasty stalks contain a toxic compound. Specifically, oxalic acid, which in large quantities causes nausea and kidney problems. Although you would have to eat a very large portion of the leaves to die, it is best to avoid them.

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Consuming raw cashews straight from the tree can be very risky. This nut we all love contains urushiol, an oil also found in poison ivy, which can cause serious health issues, including skin reactions, gastrointestinal discomfort, swelling, and blistering.

While allergic reactions to urushiol are relatively common, especially in the U.S., ingesting it in large amounts can be dangerous and even fatal. But don't worry; the cashews we normally buy in the supermarket have been thoroughly treated to remove the poison. Just stay away from the trees!

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At first glance, tomatoes seem harmless. We use them in everything from salads to soups and sauces. However, some parts of the tomato plant can be dangerous. Specifically, the leaves, roots, and stems contain a chemical called tomatine, a glycoalkaloid that can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, confusion, drowsiness, and even depression.

Fortunately, moderate amounts of tomatine don’t typically cause toxic effects in humans. You’d have to eat more than a pound of tomato leaves for it to become truly life-threatening. Interestingly, when properly cooked, tomato leaves can be used to enhance the flavor of certain recipes.

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Cinnamon is one of the most used spices in the culinary world, and it is also valued for its medicinal properties, which have been used since ancient times. However, despite its many benefits, it is important to be careful, as consuming cinnamon in excess can be harmful.

In particular, the Cassia variety of cinnamon can be toxic to the liver because it contains a compound called coumarin. This substance can cause direct damage to liver cells, leading to inflammation and necrosis. Some of the symptoms that may reveal liver damage from cinnamon are fatigue, pain in the liver area, jaundice, nausea, and vomiting.

Image: Daniel Dan

Cassava —also known as _yuca_—is a root vegetable similar to the potato and is widely cultivated in tropical regions such as the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and several African countries. It has high nutritional value and is a rich source of complex carbohydrates. However, cassava can be dangerous to our health if consumed raw or not cooked properly.

To ensure its safety, cassava should be peeled and soaked in water for 24 hours before cooking, as it contains a toxin that produces cyanide when metabolized in the body. Although acute poisoning is rare, prolonged consumption can cause serious nutritional and physiological issues, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and sleep disorders.

Image: Polina Tankilevitch

Have you ever heard of "fried rice syndrome"? The average American consumes about 27 pounds of rice per year, so calling this staple a potentially dangerous food might sound controversial. But don’t worry—you can still enjoy rice as long as you take a few precautions.

Raw rice may be contaminated with a spore-forming bacterium called Bacillus cereus, which can cause symptoms of food poisoning. To reduce the risk, make sure to cook rice thoroughly and avoid leaving it at room temperature for extended periods. Reheating won’t destroy the toxins produced by the bacteria, so proper storage is key to staying safe.

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Who doesn’t like almonds? Widely used in cooking and baking, almonds have been one of the most popular nuts in the world for centuries. While so-called "sweet" almonds are perfectly safe, "bitter" almonds can be dangerous, even though they have the strongest scent and most intense flavor.

The compound that makes bitter almonds toxic is amygdalin. When metabolized, amygdalin releases cyanide, making these nuts potentially deadly to humans. To be safe, bitter almonds must be processed to remove the poison. In fact, in the United States, it’s illegal to sell raw bitter almonds. Did you know that?

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Eggplants have their fans and detractors. Whether you like them or not, eating this vegetable is very beneficial for your health due to its high fiber and antioxidant content. But did you know that raw or undercooked eggplants can sometimes cause unpleasant symptoms?

Eggplants contain a chemical called solanine, which can be toxic in large amounts and may cause headaches and digestive issues. But it's not all bad news. Solanine evaporates with heat, so a well-prepared, ripe eggplant is perfectly safe to eat.

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Castor oil is a vegetable oil used for culinary, cosmetic, and medicinal purposes. The castor plant is native to the Mediterranean, North Africa, and India, where communities have used its oil as a laxative and to stimulate childbirth for millennia. Today, the food industry uses castor oil as an additive in chocolates, candies, and various food supplements.

While castor oil offers numerous health benefits, consuming it in large quantities can be harmful. It’s important to note that ricin, a highly toxic poison, is found in the castor bean but not in the oil itself. However, improperly processed castor oil may contain traces of ricin. In fact, studies show that taking it constantly can cause irritation and severe damage to the intestinal lining.

Image: Rach Sam

Mushrooms are a very delicious and versatile ingredient often used in cuisines all over the world. In nature, there are many varieties of mushrooms, but only some are edible, while others can be highly poisonous.

Consuming certain wild mushrooms can cause severe poisoning and even death within a few hours. Typical symptoms of wild mushroom poisoning include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and diarrhea. If you or someone you know accidentally eats a wild mushroom and develops any of these symptoms, you should go to the nearest hospital as soon as possible.