This English expression is fairly commonly used but is rather informal in register. If you want to learn when to use it correctly and why it came in to use then keep reading!
Meaning
This expression is used in order to denote the act of avoiding making a firm decision or commitment. It suggests that a decision has been made with the goal of leaving a means of retreat open in case things do not work out as expected.
Etymology
The expression first appeared in print in the year 1672. This was in a play called The Rehearsal by George Villiers and reads “now, Criticks, do your worst, that here are met; For, like a Rook, I have hedg’d in my Bet.”
The use of the verb “to hedge” relates to the verb “hedge” which is a sort of fence constructed from a row of bushes. To literally “hedge a piece of land” means to secure it with a hedge but not leave it completely blocked off as with a wall for example.
Example
An example of the expression in use can be found in a quote from the British novelist, John Burdett. It reads “it is also quite appalling to realise how catatonic the imagination can become when we hedge our bets, opt for the safer direction at every fork in the path.”
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If you hear someone describing something as a “hot potato” and you have never heard of this expression you may be a little confused! However, worry no longer! Once you have read this article you will understand when and how to use it as well as why it is used in the first place!
Meaning
A subject is described as a “hot potato” when it is very current and usual often rather controversial. In general, it is something which is hotly disputed and a subject over which people have very differing opinions.
Etymology
The expression was first used in the 1800s as a progression of the previously used term “to drop like a hot potato.” The reasoning behind the use of this expression is the fact that potatoes have a high water content and therefore they remain hot for a long period of time. The use of the word “hot” also refers to the adjective “hotly” which is generally used with the verb “to debate.”
Example
An example of the expression in use can be found in a Michael Jackson quote. He stated “one day my dad said, “If you guys ever stop singing, I’ll drop you like a hot potato.” That’s what he said. It hurt me. You don’t say that to children and I never forgot it.”
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Should I be pleased to be described as “the laughing stock?”
publié le 4 June
Have you ever been described as "the laughing stock?" Do you want to know if this is a compliment or not? If this is the case then keep reading and th...
What does it mean if something happens at “the eleventh hour?”
publié le 2 June
The English idiom, "at the eleventh hour" is often used in conversation. It can seem rather confusing if you do not have prior knowledge of what it me...
This English expression is very commonly used, particularly in general day-to-day conversation. If you want to find out when and how to use it, read t...
This is a commonly used English expression which does not relate per se to mothers. This article will explore when it should be used, from where it derives and will give some examples in context.
Meaning
A person will say “mum’s the word” in order to tell someone to keep quiet. An example of this would be if they have told someone a secret and they do not want it to be repeated.
Etymology
The expression came into use in the 16th century in Shakespeare’s Henry VI, Part 2 which reads “seal up your lips and give no words but mum.”
Later, in 1720, the current wording of the expression was adopted and it has been frequently used ever since. This was in a piece entitled A Walk Around London and Westminster – The Works of Mr. Thomas Brown which reads “but Mum’s the Word – for who would speak their Mind among Tarrs and Commissioners.
Example
An example of the expression in use can be found in the title of an article in The Guardian newspaper. The title reads “Mother’s Day: Mum’s the word as we celebrate literary mothers.”
Ne ratez pas
Should I be pleased to be described as “the laughing stock?”
publié le 4 June
Have you ever been described as "the laughing stock?" Do you want to know if this is a compliment or not? If this is the case then keep reading and th...
What does it mean if something happens at “the eleventh hour?”
publié le 2 June
The English idiom, "at the eleventh hour" is often used in conversation. It can seem rather confusing if you do not have prior knowledge of what it me...
This English expression is very commonly used, particularly in general day-to-day conversation. If you want to find out when and how to use it, read t...
If you were to hear this English expression, it would be very difficult to decode the meaning without any prior knowledge. If you would like to be able to use the expression correctly then keep reading this article!
Meaning
The expression is used in order to denote the act of having a wild or riotous evening out. It generally suggests unruly and potentially dangerous behaviour.
Etymology
It is believed that the phrase derived from a painting which was published in New Sporting Magazine in 1837. The title of the painting was A Spree at Melton Mowbray and it depicted a group of men who were all dressed in red and were causing chaos.
Despite this belief, it was not until 1883 in the July edition of The New York Times that the expression was first printed. The quote reads “Mr. James Hennessy offered a resolution that the entire body proceed forthwith to Newark and get drunk… Then the Democrats charged upon the street cars, and being wafted into Newark proceeded, to use their own metaphor, to paint the town red.”
Example
An example of this phrase in use can be found in Rudyard Kipling’s Abaft Funnel in 1889. It reads “they would do their best towards painting that town [Chicago] in purest vermilion.”
Ne ratez pas
Should I be pleased to be described as “the laughing stock?”
publié le 4 June
Have you ever been described as "the laughing stock?" Do you want to know if this is a compliment or not? If this is the case then keep reading and th...
What does it mean if something happens at “the eleventh hour?”
publié le 2 June
The English idiom, "at the eleventh hour" is often used in conversation. It can seem rather confusing if you do not have prior knowledge of what it me...
This English expression is very commonly used, particularly in general day-to-day conversation. If you want to find out when and how to use it, read t...
