What does the expression “that’s the ticket” mean and Where does it come from?

what does the expression thats the ticket mean and where does it come from

It may sound a little far-fetched, but nevertheless it’s true that the expression “that’s the ticket” for approval had its origin in a mispronunciation of the French word “etiquette.” Try it yourself. Put the accent on the second syllable. You will get “uh-tick’ut.” Someone, perhaps a schoolboy, may have jocularly made a persistent point of … Read more

What does the saying “to jump over the broomstick” mean and Where does it come from?

what does the saying to jump over the broomstick mean and where does it come from

The expression “to jump over the broomstick” isn’t very common now, though it is used occasionally by writers. The dictionaries are not very explicit, saying merely that it means to go through a mock marriage ceremony, in which both panics jump over a broomstick. During the times, a few short centuries ago, when marriage laws … Read more

What does the expression “to run the gantlet” mean and Where does it come from?

what does the expression to run the gantlet mean and where does it come from

Every youngster knows that the expression “to run the gantlet” means, nowadays, to run between two rows of one’s fellows who will try to strike him, in penalty for some fault. The extended meaning is figurative, to encounter a series of unpleasant happenings. The original literal meaning, however, was sinister, often terminating in the maiming … Read more

Where does the expression “like a bull in a china shop” come from and What does it mean?

where does the expression like a bull in a china shop come from and what does it mean

The expression “like a bull in a china shop” means one, who, heedless of physical damage or the personal feelings of anyone, shoulders his way through delicate situations. This is another of the numerous idiomatic waifs in English literature which, like Topsy, apparently “jus’ growed.” One would expect a story back of the saying, but … Read more

What does the expression “soft soap” mean and Where did it originate?

what does the expression soft soap mean and where did it originate

There have been many terms devised through the centuries for flattery, many of which have been retained in the language. “Soft soap” came into vogue sometime during the early nineteenth century, probably in allusion to the peculiarly unctuous quality of the semi-liquid soap that is called soft soap. Its predecessor was “soft sawder,” or “soft … Read more

Where does the expression “higher than Gilderoy’s kite” come from and What does it mean?

where does the expression higher than gilderoys kite come from and what does it mean

Gilderoy was an actual person. Just when he was born isn’t certain or important; but he died, unmistakably, at Edinburgh, Scotland, in June, 1636. His real name was Patrick MacGregor; the nickname “Gilderoy” came from his red hair, “Gillie roy,” a red-haired gillie, or red-haired laddie. But Gilderoy got into evil ways; he became a … Read more

What does the phrase “Garrison finish” mean and Where does it come from?

what does the phrase garrison finish mean and where does it come from scaled

The phrase “Garrison finish” means a spectacular success when defeat seems inevitable. The expression is usually applied to a race, but is often used in connection with a political campaign or the like in which a candidate whose chance seems hopeless makes a strong and unexpected last-minute effort that wins the victory. Edward H. Garrison … Read more

Where does the phrase “to teach one’s grandmother to suck eggs” come from and What does it mean?

where does the phrase to teach ones grandmother to suck eggs come from and what does it mean

The phrase “to teach one’s grandmother to suck eggs” means to offer needless assistance; to waste one’s efforts upon futile matters; especially, to presume to offer advice to an expert. This particular expression is well over two hundred years old; it is just a variation of an older theme that was absurd enough to appeal … Read more