Popular metaphorical sayings in the English language have interesting backgrounds and histories. Phrases like “cat got your tongue” and “feeling under the weather” have evolved over time to become the catchy expressions we use today. But where did these sayings originate and what did they originally mean?
One popular expression about love is “wear your heart on your sleeve,” which is often used to describe someone who is outwardly emotional. This phrase was first recorded in William Shakespeare’s play “Othello,” where a character talks about wearing their heart upon their sleeve. This saying likely originated from medieval jousts, where knights would wear a woman’s token around their sleeve to show their love.
Another expression about love is “it takes two to tango,” which refers to the traditional ballroom dance and is often used to describe a scenario involving two people. The origin of this saying is unconfirmed, but it gained popularity in the 1950s after American actress and singer Pearl Bailey recorded the song “Takes Two to Tango.” This saying can be used to describe relationships, marriages, and partnerships.
A third expression about love is “from the bottom of my heart,” which is used to signify very sincere words. Many theorists believe the first known written instance of this saying came in Virgil’s poem “Aeneid,” which was written between 29 and 19 BC. This Roman poet’s work detailed the story of Rome’s legendary founder and the Roman mission to civilize the world under divine guidance.
Overall, popular sayings and expressions in the English language often have rich histories and backgrounds. These phrases have evolved over time to become the catchy and memorable expressions we use today. Whether it’s about love, animals, or emotions, these sayings continue to be used in everyday conversations. For more lifestyle articles and interesting origins of popular expressions, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle.
