Grim tales ahead

These harmless expressions have a dark past. Number 9 is hard to believe

Image: Kevin Wang

We toss around these phrases every day like nothing, without thinking about where they came from. But behind some of these familiar expressions lurk stories of violence, superstition, and even death. From battlefield slang to old legal terms and folklore, their histories can be surprisingly grim. Did you know the origins of these common sayings?

Image: David Guliciuc

This phrase is commonly tied to boxing, where a bell ends the round and saves a fighter. But it has a darker twist to it.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, safety coffins with bells were invented to prevent premature burial, and ringing would literally save someone’s life.

Image: Sacre Bleu

This term refers to working overnight hours, and it is named so for the stillness that resembles a cemetery.

It may also stem from 19th-century watchmen who guarded graves to deter body snatchers seeking corpses for medical schools.

Image: Orkun Azap

The expression "caught red-handed" began as a legal term in Scotland for being found with blood on one’s hands after poaching or murder.

Its vivid imagery made it a lasting metaphor for being caught in the act of wrongdoing.

Image: Jørgen Håland

Today, it means an exact duplicate, but some trace it to 19th-century fears of live burial, where it had a similar meaning to that of our first entry.

As with "saved by the bell," some believe this phrase refers to the practice of attaching bells to coffins so that a mistakenly buried person could ring for rescue—hence, a "ringer" from the dead.

Image: Provincial Archives of Alberta

Originally, this idiom was used to describe soldiers who fought to the death or refused to surrender despite mortal wounds.

Over time, it evolved into a term for anyone fiercely resisting change or clinging to a cause.

Image: Stijn Swinnen

The origin of this phrase is a literal reference to being under direct threat of enemy fire in battle.

It now describes any high-pressure situation, though the imagery still carries a sense of danger.

Image: Austrian National Library

Borrowed from boxing, this phrase signals surrender, as trainers toss a towel into the ring to stop a fight.

Its roots lie in the stark reality of protecting a beaten fighter from further harm.

Image: Daniel Bernard

During the U.S. Civil War, prison camps marked a line that, if crossed, allowed guards to shoot prisoners instantly.

The word later softened into a publishing and workplace term for time limits, fortunately losing its lethal edge.

Image: Tim Mossholder

The expression "skeleton in the closet" is a metaphor for a hidden shame or scandal, which, originally, evoked the image of concealing a corpse.

Its morbid imagery endures, making it one of the most vivid idioms in everyday language.

Image: Michael LaRosa

There was a time when silver bullets were considered real weapons in folklore, believed to be the only way to kill werewolves or other monsters.

Today, it means a simple, almost magical solution to a complex problem, retaining its mythical flavor.

Blame evolution: 10 reasons why cats are (not) the worst pets

Cats often get a reputation for being difficult, distant, or unreliable pets. People who grew up with dogs sometimes describe them as cold, stubborn, or uninterested in pleasing anyone. This list looks at familiar cat behaviors that can feel frustrating at first, especially to new owners. Seen more closely, these same traits help explain why cats fit comfortably into many homes and why millions of people continue to choose them as companions year after year. Continue reading to discover that your cat truly loves you!

Calling a cat by name and getting no response is a common experience. Unlike dogs, cats rarely come running just because they are called. This can feel dismissive, even rude, to owners who expect a pet to respond on cue.

What’s often overlooked is that cats evolved as mostly solitary hunters. They did not develop social behaviors centered on following leaders or responding to group signals. Studies and everyday observation show that cats can recognize their names and the sound of their owner’s voice, but they decide for themselves whether to react or not. For many people, this independence means fewer demands for constant interaction and a pet that is comfortable spending time on its own.

Many cat owners know the sound: a slow tap, a pause, and then a cup or pen sliding off the edge of a table. Cats often push objects while watching closely, as if waiting for the result.

This behavior is tied to curiosity and learning. Cats use their paws to test how objects move, whether they roll, wobble, or fall. This kind of testing is connected to hunting instincts, where judging motion and distance matters. While it can be annoying, it also shows that cats stay mentally engaged with their environment instead of simply reacting to commands or routines.

Some cats appear deeply committed to a favorite chair, window, or room, while paying less attention to following their owners around the house. This can be mistaken for emotional distance.

In reality, cats rely heavily on familiar spaces. Territorial behavior is well documented in feline behavior, and known areas provide safety and predictability. Many cats show affection by choosing to remain near trusted people within these familiar spots. Staying close without constant contact is often how cats express comfort and attachment. It looks like indifference. It usually isn’t.

Cats can learn routines, such as using a litter box or recognizing feeding times, but they rarely perform tricks or tasks simply to please people. Compared to dogs, they are often labeled "untrainable." Domestication helps explain this difference. Cats were domesticated much later than dogs and retained more independent behavior. Dogs were bred over thousands of years for cooperation with humans, while cats largely adapted themselves to human environments. For many owners, this means living with an animal whose behavior feels consistent and self-directed, rather than shaped by constant training.

Adult cats sleep a lot—often 12 to 16 hours a day. This pattern comes from their natural rhythm as predators that conserve energy between short periods of activity. Instead of constant attention-seeking, cats rest when nothing demands their focus. For many households, this makes cats easier to live with, especially for people who value quiet or spend part of the day away from home.

Cats frequently refuse foods that dogs would eat without hesitation. They are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies are designed to rely on nutrients found primarily in meat. They require specific amino acids that plant-based foods do not provide. Their selectiveness reflects a digestive system shaped by evolution, not stubbornness. Once owners understand this, feeding routines often become simpler and more predictable.

Every new couch seems to be noticed immediately. Scratching furniture is one of the most common complaints about cats: sofas, chairs, and rugs often suffer. Scratching serves several purposes. It helps cats stretch muscles, maintain claw health, and mark territory using scent glands in their paws. While scratching can damage household items, the behavior itself supports physical comfort and well-being. Providing appropriate scratching surfaces allows cats to meet this need without constant correction.

Some cats nip during play or petting, especially when stimulation becomes too intense. It feels personal, but it rarely is. In many cases, cats show subtle warning signs first, such as tail flicking, ear movement, or muscle tension. Overstimulation, particularly around sensitive areas like the tail or lower back, triggers these reactions. Owners who learn to read these signals often find that cats communicate boundaries clearly and consistently.

Cats are often active early in the morning or late at night, which can interrupt your sleep. This crepuscular pattern comes from hunting instincts, as small prey animals are active at those times. Even indoor cats retain this rhythm. While it doesn’t always align with human sleep schedules, it also means cats can go about life without constant attention during the day, when many households are busiest.

Cats may ignore attention for long periods and then suddenly want closeness. This shift can feel confusing or inconsistent. They usually approach people when they feel calm and secure. Affection offered on their terms often feels different—and more noticeable—than affection given on demand. For many owners, these moments feel meaningful precisely because they happen by the cat’s choice rather than by routine or training.