In the shadows

Do you know where “dark horse” and “black sheep” come from?

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The idea of "darkness" is used to describe mystery, risk, or even a little mischief. Have you ever noticed how many idioms there are for darkness? And what about where these sayings come from, or why have they stuck around for centuries? Today, we’ll take a tour through some of the darkest idioms tied to this concept, uncovering their roots and what they still mean in everyday life.

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The phrase "dark horse" first appeared as slang in horse racing, where an unknown competitor could surprise the crowd by winning. Benjamin Disraeli, a British politician and novelist, popularized it in the 1830s. Today, we use it for people who come out of nowhere to impress, whether in politics, sports, or even at a family game night. Are you usually the dark horse?

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This saying goes back to the days when darkness symbolized ignorance. To "keep someone in the dark" meant to deprive them of light and knowledge. It has roots in 17th-century English writing, and it stuck because the image is so simple: if you’re kept from the light, you can’t see the whole picture.

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The idea of something "casting a shadow" goes all the way back to ancient poetry, where shadows represented gloom, doubt, or even bad omens. Shakespeare often used shadow imagery to suggest suspicion or hidden truths. Today, we use this expression to refer to that negative impact, the shadow, that something else may have.

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This expression comes from a French board game called "lourche," popular in the 1500s. To be "left in the lurch" meant being stuck in a hopeless position in the game. English speakers borrowed the phrase, and it evolved to describe abandoning someone when they most needed help. Quite gloomy, don’t you think?

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For centuries, people believed one half of the moon was always hidden from view. That unseen hemisphere became a perfect metaphor for secrets or unknown territory. Even after space exploration revealed more about the moon, the phrase stuck around as a poetic way to describe the mysterious side of things.

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This one has an old-fashioned ring to it. In earlier times, saying you didn’t want someone to "darken your door" meant you didn’t even want them standing at your doorway and blocking the light. But today, it means visiting someone, even if that’s unexpected or undesirable for the homeowner. Remember, text before you darken someone’s door!

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This phrase plays on the simple contrast between safety and danger. The sunny, well-lit side of the street feels safer, while the darker side symbolizes risk and shady dealings. It has been used both literally and metaphorically since the 1800s to refer to the less desirable path.

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The idea of a "black mark" dates back to the 1600s, when a literal black mark might be written beside someone’s name to show disgrace. Over time, it grew into a figure of speech for any stain on reputation. Even now, one mistake can be called a "black mark" against an otherwise good record. This one you might want to get away from, right?

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Black sheep are beautiful, but back in farming days, black wool couldn’t be dyed like white wool, making them less valuable to farmers. By the 18th century, the term had wandered into family life to describe the odd member who didn’t fit expectations. Today, being the "black sheep" often carries a mix of humor and pride.

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Accountants in the past literally used black ink to record profits and red ink to record losses. To be "in the black" meant your books looked good. Red, on the other hand, meant you were in debt. The phrase has been around since the early 20th century and is still shorthand for financial health, especially for businesses.

Did you ever chew fat?

Why do we "break the ice"? Learn the origins of 12 social idioms

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We often say things like "break the ice" or "hit it off" when discussing hanging out with people, without giving much thought to these idioms. But each one has a specific origin and meaning. Have you ever stopped to think about these 12?

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The phrase "break the ice" comes from the days when trade ships got stuck in frozen waters during winter. Smaller vessels, known as icebreakers, were sent ahead to clear a navigable path.

In the same way, in social situations, initiating a conversation "breaks the ice" by easing tension and helping things flow more smoothly.

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The phrase "hit it off" dates back to the 18th century and originally referred to striking or starting something successfully.

Over time, it evolved to describe people who instantly connect or get along well when they first meet.

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When we talk about "getting the ball rolling," we mean starting something in a way that sets it in motion, like beginning plans for an event with a kickoff meeting.

The phrase comes from sports, where a game begins by putting the ball into play.

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To "rub elbows" means to be in close proximity to someone, often at the same event or in the same space, typically without much personal interaction.

It’s commonly used when referring to being around famous or influential people, like at a formal event or gathering.

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To "shoot the breeze" means to engage in a relaxed, casual conversation, often without any specific purpose or agenda.

It’s usually more personal than small talk, which usually covers surface topics like the weather.

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A close cousin to "hit it off," the phrase "get on like a house on fire" dates back to the 18th century and compares a fast-forming friendship to a rapidly spreading fire.

It describes people who form a strong bond or connection almost immediately after meeting.

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To be "in the same boat" means to share the same problem or challenge with others.

The phrase comes from the idea of people on a ship facing the same risks together, such as storms or other dangers at sea.

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To "chew the fat" is an idiom similar to the previously mentioned "shoot the breeze," meaning to chat casually, often sharing gossip or idle talk.

The phrase evokes the image of jaws moving while speaking, much like chewing, and is associated with swapping stories or news.

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While it might sound a bit ominous to someone unfamiliar with the phrase, to "paint the town red" means to go out and celebrate wildly, often with drinking, dancing, and general revelry.

The expression is believed to have originated in the 1830s, when the Marquis of Waterford and his friends went on a drunken rampage through the English town of Melton Mowbray, literally painting doors and buildings red during their escapades.

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The expression "come out of your shell" is derived from the image of a turtle emerging from its protective shell, which symbolizes shyness or isolation.

When someone comes out of their shell, it means they are becoming more open, confident, and social.

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The phrase "on the same wavelength" means that two people are thinking or feeling the same kind of things.

It originates from radio technology in the 1920s, where being on the same wavelength meant that signals matched perfectly and came through clearly.

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To have a "heart-to-heart" means to share an honest, emotional conversation, usually about personal matters, with someone you trust.