Started in the late 19th Century, was used as a way for older women to acknowledge the courtesy of a younger woman who stands aside to let her enter a room.
I have always heard this saying growing up.
Baker's Dozen
Originated in the 13th Century. When the price and weight of bread were regulated and penalties were given on short. It is said that baker's would use an extra loaf of bread (making 13) to stay on the right side of the law.
I would always hear this but never knew what it meant.
Barking Up the Wrong Tree
Was written by Davy Crockett in 1833, was used as a saying for when at night the dogs would bark up the wrong tree when hunting for raccoon at night.
Beat Around the Bush
Founded around 1300 and is meant that one person works but the other person profits from doing nothing.
My dad or grandpa would always tell me this when I didn't want to do something around the house.
Bite the Bullet
Refers to giving soldiers or sailors a bullet to clench between their teeth during amputation, before there was anesthetics.
To Blow One's OwnTrumpet
This saying pretty much means to boast.
It is to draw attention or to celebrate something, it has been used since the ancient times.
A person who has to blow his own trumpet lacks modesty.
Break the Bank
To Leave Someone without any money.
Cold Feet
Cold feet is apprehension or doubt strong enough to prevent a planned course of action.
The origin of the term itself has been attributed to American author Stephen Crane, who added the phrase, in 1896, to the second edition of his short novel, Maggie: A Girl of the Streets.
What the Dickens?
This old saying does not come from the writer Charles Dickens (1812-1870). It is much older than him! It has been around since at least the 16th century. Originally 'Dickens' was another name for the Devil.
I have actually heard my grandmother use this saying
Hat Trick
This comes from cricket. Once a bowler who took three wickets in successive deliveries was given a new hat by his club.
LET THE CAT OUT OF THE BAG
This old saying is probably derived from the days when people who sold piglets in bags sometimes put a cat in the bag instead. If you let the cat out of the bag you exposed the trick.
Scapegoat
In the Old Testament (Leviticus 16: 7-10) two goats were selected. One was sacrificed. The other was spared but the High Priest laid his hands on it and confessed the sins of his people. The goat was then driven into the wilderness. He was a symbolic 'scapegoat' for the people's sins.
Touch and Go
I have heard this if somebody is really sick, they are sometimes conscious and then not.
This old saying probably comes from ships sailing in shallow waters where they might touch the seabed then go. If so, they were obviously in a dangerous and uncertain situation.
At the Drop of a Hat
Was used during the American Frontier, as a hat is dropped the fight begins.
Ballpark Figure
Was originally meant for baseball and where one thought the ball was going to be hit in the field, however the British took it as an estimated figure.
Battle Royale
Used during cock fighting when there would be 16 birds fighting in pairs. Considered first rate, "royal" fighting.
At One's Beck and Call
First used in 1875, means when one of authority calls the other should answer promptly.
Blood is Thicker than Water
Founded in 12th Century Germany, means that a blood relationship is very strong.
Blue Blooded
Aristocratic or Socially Superior
Comes from the Castilian Families of Spanish descent. These families were very fair skinned, so their veins would show a brighter blue than others, this making them blue bloods.
Clean Bill of Health
The Doctor's way of saying there is nothing medically wrong with you.
Formerly the term for certificate or bill.
A clean bill from a ship going to port meant the ship was clear of infection.
Crocodile Tears
Hypocritical Show of Sorrow
These are an insincere display of grief or sadness. It comes from the old belief that a crocodile wept (insincerely!) if it killed and ate a man.
FROM THE HORSES'S MOUTH
You can tell a horse’s age by examining its teeth. A horse dealer may lie to you but you can always find out the truth 'from the horse’s mouth'.
Go to Pot
Any farm animal that had outlived its usefulness such as a hen that no longer laid eggs would literally go to pot. It was cooked and eaten.
Can also mean something is ruined.
Kick the Bucket
When slaughtering a pig you tied its back legs to a wooden beam (in French buquet). As the animal died it kicked the buquet.
Sadly I would hear this when someone has died. "well so and so kicked the bucket"
No Rest for the Wicked
This phrase comes from the Bible. In Isaiah 57:21 the prophet says: 'there is no peace saith my God to the wicked'.
Peeping Tom
According to legend a man named Leofric taxed the people of Coventry heavily. His wife, lady Godiva, begged him not to. Leofric said he would end the tax if she rode through the streets of Coventry naked. So she did. Peeping Tom is a much later addition to the story. Everybody in Coventry was supposed to stay indoors with his or her shutters closed. However peeping Tom had a sneaky look at Godiva and was struck blind.
Wash My Hands of
The Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, refused to be involved in the death of an innocent person (Jesus). So he washed his hands in front of the crowd, symbolically disassociating himself from the execution.