Confusing Catchphrases!

Have you ever heard people saying “It takes two to tango.”, “Better late than never.” or “Barking up the wrong tree” and wondered how such expressions came into English? What is even odder is the fact that despite not knowing what these things literally refer to, we somehow know exactly what these mean proverbially. It is only natural to wonder what must be going on in people’s minds when they came across such phrases. Today, we bring to you a couple of phrases with the story of their origin and their meanings as well. We hope it will “quench your thirst” for knowledge. So, read on.

1) Bark up the wrong tree-

Meaning - to do, believe or pursue something wrong or inappropriate. To take a wrong approach, to follow a false lead or to blame or rebuke the wrong person.

Origin- Back when hunting was a major sport, this phrase derived from when animals were used to track, catch or retrieve prey. Dogs were used in the chasing of raccoons, which was chiefly undertaken at night and were trained to indicate the tree in which the animal had taken refuge by barking at it. Of course, even dogs can err and, at times, bark up the wrong tree.

2) It’s raining cats and dogs-

Meaning- raining very heavily

Origin- Houses in the 1500s had thatched roofs, thick straw-piled high, with no wood underneath. It was the only place for animals to get warm, so all the cats and other small animals (mice, bugs) lived in the roof. When it rained it became slippery and sometimes the animals would slip and fall off the roof. Hence, the saying came into existence.

3) Bite the bullet-

Meaning - a person who ‘bites the bullet’, without any sign of fear, acts with great courage in the face of adversity.

Origin- The phrase recollects a dangerous army practice in the 1850s. Soldiers were then equipped with the British Enfield rifle. Prior to using it, they had to bite off the head of the cartridge to expose the explosive to the spark which would ignite it. The procedure was fraught with danger, particularly so in the heat of battle. It needed firmness and courage, as even the slightest deviation or hesitation would endanger the soldier.

4) Giving somebody the cold shoulder-

Meaning- to be unfriendly or to act indifferently to someone on purpose

Origin- When someone is blatantly snubbing another person (high school style) this is the appropriate descriptive phrase. It originated in Europe during the middle ages. The term actually had two implications: the first instance referred to any guest who overstayed their welcome. Such people were promptly served cooked (but intentionally cold) beef shoulder for their daily meals. This passive aggressive action went on until the unwanted guest got the hint and finally left.

5) Bury the hatchet-

Meaning- to bury the hatchet means to create peace

Origin- Now a merely figurative expression, the phrase is based on an actual practice of North American Indians. When negotiating peace, they buried all their weapons; their tomahawks, scalping knives and clubs. Apart from showing their good faith, simultaneously it made it impossible for them to go on fighting.

That’s all for now! Try to use these phrases in your speech. Remember, the regular use of idioms won’t just help you expand your vocabulary, but also add zing or spark to your conversation!