Where Did THAT Expression Come From?
Where Did THAT Expression Come From?
Have you ever heard someone say a phrase and wondered how it originated? Why do we say, for example, ”Letting the cat out of the bag?” Here are some popular expressions and their probable origins.
Holy Toledo: If you have ever been to Toledo, Ohio, you may have noticed while it has its share of churches, there isn’t anything particularly “holy” about it. So where did this expression come from? It is believed it originated because of Toledo, Spain’s position as a Christian religious center and the number of great churches built in the city. This saying has nothing to do with Toledo, Ohio.
Shedding Crocodile Tears: One who appears to be insincere about demonstrating sorrow is said to shed crocodile tears. This is from an old, and inaccurate belief that when crocodiles ate, tears would form in their eyes. This included when eating human victims. Thus, crocodile tears may look sincere, but are not. The fact is crocodiles don’t even shed crocodile tears.
Jaywalking: This term comes from how jay birds would act when flying into major cities. They would be confused by the tall buildings, traffic and large number of people. These birds would often be seen acting erratically in busy cities, seemingly to be directionless. This became the name for people walking across traffic where no crosswalk was present, acting like these distracted avian.
“Sleep Tight”: Old mattresses were often held together by ropes that kept them tight and comfortable. Keeping those ropes tight then, led to a better night’s sleep, leading to this expression often said when someone is going to bed.
“Beat Around the Bush”: This generally refers to discussing a topic without addressing it directly. It is said the expression comes from trying to scare birds and animals out of bushes, so they could be caught more easily. Thus beating around the bushes helped the final goal without getting to it directly. One would need to beat around the bush as a way to get to the birds or game which was the mission in the first place.
By the way, “Letting the cat out of the bag” is associated with disclosing a secret because merchants selling piglets would often put them in sacks after selling them. When a customer wasn’t looking, merchants would sometimes replace the more valuable piglet with a cat. The buyer, of course, wouldn’t know this until arriving home and “letting the cat out of the bag.”
Some say our insurance coverage is the ”cat’s meow” and “fit for a king” See how we may be able to save you on life, homeowners, automobile and business insurance. Contact us for your free quote. We look forward to assisting you.
Do you have questions about your insurance? Find an insurance agent near you with our Agent Finder
Search All Blogs
Search All Blogs
Read More Blogs
Unwrapping the Wiener: A Deep Dive into the History and Lore of the Hot Dog
Beyond the bun: Discover the surprising history, varieties, and enduring appeal of America’s favorite tubular treat.
The Untapped Power of Collaboration: Why Asking for Help Fuels Business Success
Stop going it alone! Discover how leveraging the expertise of others can relieve pressure and drive your business forward.
Navigating the Grandparenting Journey: Understanding Today’s Families
Grandparenting today: Learn key shifts in family dynamics to build stronger connections with your children and grandchildren.
Mapping Our Paths: The Fascinating Reasons Behind Our Road Networks
The story behind the asphalt: Explore the geographical, historical, and planning influences that shaped our modern road systems.
Neighborly Navigations: Resolving Disputes in Non-HOA Communities
No HOA, no problem? Learn how to navigate neighborly disputes effectively in communities without formal management.
Vintage Years of Vision: Four Times Hollywood Hit Cinematic Gold
Like fine wines, certain years in film history stand out for their exceptional quality and the enduring impact of the movies they produced. This article explores four such landmark years, presented chronologically, that many cinephiles consider to be among the greatest in cinematic history.
Green Means Growth: How Environmental Responsibility Can Boost Your Business
It might seem like a secondary concern when facing immediate business challenges, but embracing environmentally friendly practices can actually be a powerful strategy for improving sales, attracting top talent, strengthening your brand, and even saving money. This article explores the tangible benefits of going green for your company’s bottom line and long-term success.
The Forgotten Beauty: Unearthing the Story of the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
Beyond the iconic Beetle and the groovy Microbus, Volkswagen produced a surprisingly elegant and often overlooked sports car: the Karmann Ghia. This article explores the history, design, and enduring appeal of this “poor man’s sportscar” that has become a sought-after collectible.
Peace of Mind at Home: Building Your Essential Supply Stockpile
Recent global events have highlighted the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. This article outlines key non-perishable food items and essential household supplies that every homeowner should keep on hand to ensure comfort, security, and resilience during unforeseen circumstances.
Faded Glory: Remembering the Sports That Once Ruled Our World
Remember when these sports were huge? Take a trip down memory lane with harness racing, bowling, boxing, and poker, and explore their shift in popularity.