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Results tagged with phrase-origin
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user 372442
For questions about the origin of a phrase or an expression. Also consider the 'etymology' tag.
0
votes
what is the origin of the phrase "gimme a break"?
The spelling "gimme" may be an indication of register but it's not integral to the meaning of "give me a break" in the sense of "show me some (deserved) leniency", a meaning that is attested from earl …
- 22.7k
11
votes
"Cheaper by the dozen" phrase origin?
I cannot give you an early attestation for the exact phrase "cheaper by the dozen" but the idea is common:
The proper worsted for knitting the stockings is of four-threads, at two-pence an ounce ; …
- 22.7k
15
votes
Origin of "That tracks" to mean "That makes sense."
In my view, this is a figurative extension of the phrase "to track with X" which means "to follow along with X wherever X may go (remaining aligned with X)". It is used of trailers which are pulled by …
- 22.7k
0
votes
all fire and toe
"all fire and tow" with little doubt refers on a literal level to the flame that leaps out when the wick of a candle catches fire before burning down to the point where the wax moderates the flame and …
- 22.7k