Common sayings used metaphorically are popular in the English language, and are often used all over the world. There are expressions like “break a leg” and “the cat’s out of the bag” that have interesting histories. People use these popular expressions as a way to communicate in a colorful and engaging manner.
One common saying is “penny for your thoughts,” which is used to ask someone what they are thinking if deep in thought. The exact origin of this saying is unclear, but it is thought to have originated in the 1500s when Sir Thomas More wrote “Four Last Things.” Another idea is that it came from a collection of proverbs by John Heywood in 1546. The phrase is commonly used to encourage someone to share their thoughts.
Another popular saying is “under the weather,” which is used when someone is feeling ill. This expression is believed to have a nautical origin, as crewmen and travelers would often go below deck when the sea got choppy. Another theory is that the phrase came from “under the weather bow,” the side of the ship that would rot due to stormy weather. People use this expression to describe feeling unwell or not at their best.
The phrase “break the ice” is commonly used when people speak for the first time after a period of silence. It can also refer to two people who have not spoken in a significant amount of time and need to “break the ice” and speak again. Many believe the expression originated in 1579 from Sir Thomas North’s “Plutarch’s Lives” translation. Samuel Butler also used it in his 1678 book “Hudibras” to mean breaking the silence.
Overall, animal idioms like “cat got your tongue” are popular in the English language and are used to add color to communication. People use these expressions to convey specific meanings in a fun and engaging way. The origins of these common sayings may vary, but they continue to be used in everyday conversations around the world. Whether it’s asking for someone’s thoughts with a “penny for your thoughts” or describing feeling unwell with “under the weather,” these phrases add character to language and communication.
