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Tag Archives: idioms

Take This Article with a Grain of Salt

Why do we take something uncertain “with a grain of salt”? The answer involves a universal antidote to poison, Bible commentary, and some questionable photos of Ireland.

Posted byAspen MooreOctober 11, 2021Posted inidioms, Rome and GreeceTags:English, grain of salt, idioms, latin, mithridates, romeLeave a comment on Take This Article with a Grain of Salt

Charley Horse

Why is the painful cramp you sometimes get in your leg called a charley horse? The answer involves baseball and continual adaptation of oral history.

Posted byAspen MooreMarch 9, 2021Posted inUncategorizedTags:baseball, idiomsLeave a comment on Charley Horse

Green Thumb

Why is a good gardener known as a green thumb? The answer involves a vegetable-loving king, a wartime radio show, and a dishonest corn miller.

Posted byAspen MooreFebruary 3, 2021Posted inUncategorizedTags:etymology, idioms, languageLeave a comment on Green Thumb

The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread

Why is sliced bread our reference for things that are new and incredible? The answer involves wrapped bread, banned bread, and Wonder Bread.

Posted byAspen MooreJanuary 12, 2021Posted inidiomsTags:bread, history, idiomsLeave a comment on The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread
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