Fun with Idioms
An idiom is an expression or phrase that has a figurative meaning which is different from the literal meaning of the phrase. In other words, idioms don't mean exactly what the words say. They have a hidden meaning. The hidden meaning has to be learnt in order to understand the idiom.
Every language has its share of idioms, and there is often an interesting story about the origin of an idiom. For example, the idiom - the grass is always greener on the other side - is present also in other languages such as French, Italian and even in Japanese. It expresses the idea that other people's situations always seem better than one's own. It is speculated that the expression came from the habit of cattle grazing on the grass of the adjacent field, or escaping from one pasture to another through a broken fence line in search of new grass to eat.
This idiom - to jump on the bandwagon - means to support a hobby or an idea after it has become popular or successful. It is likely to have originated in the USA probably in the 18th century when musicians were carried in a wagon ahead of everyone else when going to a parade or a political rally. The phrase suggests that people will follow any event for the excitement of it rather than actually knowing if it is true or not. (Much like many people today are jumping on bandwagon and spreading fake news about COVID-19.)
The idiom - to be caught red-handed - means to be caught in the act of doing something wrong. It is said to have originated in Scotland as far back as in 1432. This phrase refers to an old English law that sought the punishment of any person who butchered an animal that wasn’t his own. In order to be convicted, he had to be caught with the animal’s blood still on his hands. In other words, he had to be caught red-handed!
Are you familiar with these other idioms related to colours?
Out of the blue – something happening randomly, without warning, surprisingly
Green with envy - to be very jealous, envious
A grey area - something that is unclear, undefined
Have a green thumb - to be skilled at gardening
The black sheep - to be the outcast, odd one out, unlike the others
Once in a blue moon – happening very rarely
To be tickled pink - to be extremely pleased
A white lie - a small lie that is told to be polite or avoid hurting someone’s feelings
To be in the red - to have an overdraft, be in debt to your bank
A golden opportunity – a good prospect of achieving something big