Behold!

From Biblical origins to daily lingo: 12 phrases that came from the Bible

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Many common phrases we use today are direct quotes from the Bible. Expressions like "forbidden fruit," "by the skin of your teeth," and "writing on the wall" have slipped seamlessly into everyday conversation, often with little thought to their origins. They can all be found in the pages of the Bible. Which of these sayings do you use?

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The phrase "a drop in the bucket" refers to something very small or insignificant compared to a much larger whole.

The idiom comes from the Bible, specifically Isaiah 40:15, where nations are described as a "drop of a bucket" to show their smallness in comparison to God.

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To be "at one’s wits' end" means to feel so confused, worried, or frustrated that you no longer know what to do. It describes the point where someone feels mentally exhausted and out of options.

The phrase appears in Psalm 107:27, where sailors facing a violent storm are said to be "at their wits' end." The phrase signified reaching the limit of one’s reasoning.

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"The writing is on the wall" refers to a clear warning that something bad is about to happen. It’s often used when a negative outcome seems unavoidable.

Its origin comes from the Bible, in the Book of Daniel, where a mysterious hand writes a message on the wall during King Belshazzar’s feast in Babylon. The writing foretells the sudden fall of the Babylonian Empire.

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The famous and epic phrase "Let there be light" comes from Genesis 1:3, where God speaks light into existence as the first act of creation.

Today, the phrase goes beyond its literal meaning; it symbolizes the start of knowledge, understanding, or spiritual awakening, with light replacing darkness.

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"Rise and shine" means to wake up and start the day with energy and a positive attitude. It's often used cheerfully to encourage someone to get out of bed and be active.

The phrase has biblical roots, in Isaiah 60:1: "Arise, shine, for your light has come." Over time, the verse’s spiritual call to reflect divine light evolved into the familiar morning pep talk we use today.

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The expression "salt of the earth" is used to describe someone who is honest, kind, and dependable. It’s a compliment often used for humble, good-hearted people.

It comes from the Bible, in Matthew 5:13, where Jesus tells his followers, "You are the salt of the earth." He was praising their value and the positive influence they could have on the world.

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"The blind leading the blind" refers to someone without knowledge trying to guide others who are equally unaware, often leading to failure or confusion.

The phrase comes from the Bible, in Matthew 15:14, where Jesus criticizes unwise leaders who are unaware of the truth yet still try to lead others.

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We’ve all heard this one. "A wolf in sheep’s clothing" describes someone who appears kind or harmless but hides harmful intentions. It warns us not to be fooled by deceptive appearances.

The phrase comes from the Bible's Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus says, "Beware of false prophets… in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves."

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"Forbidden fruit" is a term that comes from the Book of Genesis, where Adam and Eve were told not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

Today, it refers to anything tempting but off-limits, something that is morally, legally, or socially prohibited. The idea also emphasizes the desire for what is denied.

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Used to describe a narrow escape or a situation avoided just in time, the phrase "by the skin of your teeth" also has biblical origins.

The phrase comes from the Book of Job, where Job says he escaped "with the skin of my teeth," highlighting how close he came to disaster.

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Another phrase that gets thrown around a lot, "go the extra mile" means putting in more effort than expected, showing dedication, kindness, or generosity beyond what’s required.

It comes from Matthew 5:41, where Jesus tells followers to walk two miles if asked to go one, urging people to exceed expectations.

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Our final entry is a poetic expression: "a man after his own heart" refers to someone who shares similar values, interests, or goals, a kindred spirit, deeply aligned in purpose.

The phrase comes from 1 Samuel 13:14, where God describes David as "a man after His own heart." It reflects alignment in spirit or purpose.

ANCIENT WISDOM

8 Latin Phrases To Impress Colleagues And Friends

Image: Joseph Corl

Is Latin really dead? Far from it. Its heritage is deeply ingrained in the English language –a gift from Roman conquerors– and its remnants have evolved into many modern languages. Countless professional fields still use a lot of Latin words and phrases daily, such as law, science, and medicine.

Moreover, several day-to-day words and sayings have roots in roughly equivalent Latin expressions or are still used in their Latin form. Think of YOLO as a sort of freshened-up Carpe Diem, "seize the day".

So, why not keep Latin alive by learning a few ancient tidbits of wisdom? You might even impress your friends and family!

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Literal meaning: "The die is cast."

This ominous (and badass sounding) phrase is attributed to Julius Caesar, who allegedly pronounced it after crossing the Rubicon river with his army, thus defying the Roman Senate and starting the civil war against Pompey that eventually led him to glory. It indicates a point of no return, where irreversible actions with unforeseen consequences have been taken already.

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Literal meaning: "Always loyal."

You probably heard this one already as the motto of the United States Marine Corps (sometimes shortened to Semper Fi), but it is ubiquitous. Towns, family crests, schools, and other military units all benefit from the eloquent and powerful brevity of this one.

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Literal meaning: "Something for something."

In other words, "You scratch my back, and I'll scratch yours." They say there is no such thing as a free lunch, and although you might disagree, this ancient phrase encompasses that feeling. It is extensively used in legal settings, usually referring to contracts and transactions.

Quid pro quo might also be the origin of the use of "quid" as slang for the British currency, and many popular expressions make puns out of the original phrase.

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Literal meaning: "Who benefits?"

Detectives and journalists will wonder this aloud whenever they get the hunch that following the money might solve a crime or lead to identifying its perpetrators. Disclaimer: rocking a pipe and a deerstalker hat is not required to make use of this adage of criminal investigation.

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Literal meaning: "I came, I saw, I conquered."

Again, a hardcore quote attributed to Julius Caesar. It is pretty self-explanatory, but if you are still wondering, it signifies a swift and decisive victory (and likely an oversized ego).

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Literal meaning: "I think, therefore I am."

Suitable for the philosophically inclined, it surely is an intriguing way to begin a speech or lecture. Actually, cogito, ergo sum is the first principle of René Descartes’ 1637 magnum opus Discourse on the Method. A French philosopher and polymath, Descartes inaugurated a philosophical school of thought called Cartesianism.

In Descartes’ own words, "we cannot doubt our own existence while we doubt."

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Literal meaning: "In wine, there is truth."

If you are already tired of pompous witticisms, in vino veritas definitely breaks the mold. The phrase suggests that, when under the influence of alcohol, people are more likely to speak their true minds.

According to ancient Greek historian Herodotus, the Persians believed so much in this maxim that they had the custom of rethinking decisions taken while sober after imbibing a few drinks. Even if you have your doubts about this one, you can’t deny it’s great for parties.

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Literal meaning: "Art is long, life is short."

A more nuanced interpretation of the phrase might be something along the lines of "skilfulness takes time and life is short." In other words, learning anything takes time, and there never seems to be enough time to go around.

Superficially, it might look like a sad thing to think about, but it can also provide a little encouragement when you are feeling frustrated or impatient while picking up new skills or tackling long-term projects. Good things take time, so take it easy on yourself!