Curious Origins (Part Two)

Date Published: 2 March 2025

Language is a living, breathing thing, evolving over time and shaped by history, culture, and some rather unexpected circumstances. Many of the expressions we use today have origins that stretch back centuries, often with fascinating-or downright bizarre-backstories. Here are some intriguing idioms and the stories behind them:

1. Close but No Cigar

This phrase is often used to indicate a near miss or an effort that falls just short of success. But why cigars? In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, fairground games such as shooting galleries and strength tests often offered cigars as prizes. If a player got close but failed to win, they would be told, "Close, but no cigar." Over time, the phrase spread beyond carnival games and into everyday language.

2. Burn the Midnight Oil

If you've ever pulled an all-nighter, you've engaged in what scholars and scribes of the past called "burning the midnight oil." Before electricity, people relied on oil lamps for light. Those who worked late into the night, whether writing, reading, or working, were literally burning oil long past sunset. The phrase has remained a metaphor for working hard, particularly late into the night.

3. Turn a Blind Eye

This expression means deliberately ignoring something, and its origin is tied to a dramatic moment in naval history. British Admiral Horatio Nelson, famous for his victories against Napoleon's forces, was blind in one eye. During the Battle of Copenhagen in 1801, legend has it that when he was signaled to retreat, he lifted a telescope to his blind eye and declared, "I see no signal!"-thus continuing the attack and ultimately securing victory. Whether or not the story is completely true, the phrase "turn a blind eye" has been in use ever since.

4. Jump on the Bandwagon

Today, "jumping on the bandwagon" refers to adopting a trend or popular movement, often without much thought. The term originates from 19th-century American politics, where traveling circuses and parades featured bandwagons-wagons carrying musicians to attract crowds. Politicians saw the effectiveness of these spectacles and began using bandwagons for campaign promotions, hoping that people would quite literally "jump on" and support them. The phrase has since evolved into a metaphor for following trends.

5. The Whole Nine Yards

This phrase is used to indicate going all the way or giving maximum effort, but its exact origin remains mysterious. One popular theory suggests it refers to the full length of a machine gun ammunition belt in World War II fighter planes-pilots who used all their ammo were said to have given "the whole nine yards." Other theories suggest it originated from the length of certain types of fabric, Scottish kilts, or even concrete trucks. Despite ongoing debate, the phrase has cemented itself in the English language.

6. Chew the Fat

When you're having a long, leisurely chat, you might be "chewing the fat." This phrase likely comes from sailors or soldiers who, during long stretches at sea or war, would chew on tough, salty fat (such as dried pork) while passing the time with conversation. Alternatively, some historians link the phrase to wealthy households where guests would sit around discussing matters while chewing on fatty meat-a luxury item at the time.

7. Give Someone the Cold Shoulder

Today, giving someone the cold shoulder means dismissing or ignoring them, but the phrase may have originated in medieval times. Some historians suggest that when an unwelcome guest overstayed their visit, hosts would serve them a cold piece of mutton or shoulder meat instead of a warm meal-subtly hinting that it was time to leave. Whether this origin is fact or folklore, the phrase has endured as a way to describe an intentional snub.

8. Break the Ice

Breaking the ice means initiating conversation or easing tension, and it has roots in literal ice-breaking. In the age of exploration and trade, ships navigating frozen waters needed icebreakers to clear a path. Similarly, diplomatic or social encounters often require an initial effort to "break the ice" and get things moving smoothly. The phrase has since taken on a figurative meaning, especially in social interactions.

Final Thoughts

Many idioms we use today come from historical events, old customs, or even misinterpretations of the past. They serve as linguistic time capsules, offering glimpses into the daily lives, struggles, and quirks of those who came before us. Next time you use one of these phrases, you'll have a deeper appreciation for the unexpected journeys words take through time.