‘What’s a common UK idiom that you use regularly, but didn’t learn the origins of for a long time?’ – 18 dips into Dictionary Corner

10.

Calling people “duck”, common in the Midlands.

I’m from the NE and it was really uncomfortable to be called duck when I first moved here. I thought it was used like “pet” or “hinnie” in the NE, and a bloke would never call another bloke those unless he was trying to start trouble.

Turns out it comes from the Latin “dux” meaning leader or commander. It’s where we get the word Duke. So “duc” is a synonym for boss or chief.
FootballPublic7974

11.

Kicking against the pricks. In ancient times, a “prick” or “goad” was a sharpened wooden or iron stick used by farmers to steer oxen while plowing. If a stubborn ox resisted moving in the intended direction, it would kick back in defiance. Because it was a reflex, the kick would only drive the animal’s leg further into the sharp point, causing it even more pain.
Johngknightuk

12.

“Rule of thumb”

I believe came from when it was legal to beat your wife with a stick, as long as the stick wasn’t thicker than your thumb.
StarFangledNutThing

13.

To “make a good impression” refers to the pressing of inked type onto paper to create a clear, legible print (see also “a good first impression”- getting that print right first time).
dedicatedead

14.

Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.

It’s because you age a horse by looking at its teeth (this is also where “long in the tooth” comes from). It’s saying if someone gives you a horse as a gift, be grateful because you got a free horse. Don’t start nitpicking by looking it in the mouth to see how old it is.
NekoFever

15.

“Cor blimey” is a bastardisation of “God blind me” – as in “If I’m wrong here then strike me down”, which eventually became a general exclamation.
RiCDavid

16.

Spilling the beans, stems from Ancient Greek democracy where people would cast secret votes using different coloured beans, often white for “yes” and black for “no”, into a pottery jar. If the jar was accidentally knocked over, the beans would pour out, prematurely exposing the result.
Gold-Collection2636

17.

“beyond the pale”

The Pale refers to the medieval Anglo-Norman colony around Dublin – beyond the Pale was uncivilised!
pigrescuer

18.

Once in a blue moon! A blue moon is the second full moon in a month as we had in May!
warlockjmr79

OwlWeBack88 had quite a list.

I never knew that about “cut and dry”! That’s really cool!

Quite a few come from falconry. If a bird is fed too much it’s “fed up” and won’t hunt. “Wrapped around the little finger” comes from the Jesses they wear on their feet which are wrapped around the falconers fingers for greater control. “Under the thumb” comes from holding the leather cords under your thumb to help stop the bird flying away. “Hoodwinked” comes from the falconer’s hood which is used to help focus the bird and keep it calm.

READ MORE

People shared the uniquely British words and phrases that leave them utterly confused (and amused) – 23 top drawer befuddlers

Source r/AskUK Image Wikimedia Commons