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Literature

Iconic Stories and Literary Legends

Image of red theater curtain

Origin of Phrases

"Break a Leg"

The Strange Story Behind Theater's Luckiest Bad Wish

Axe in a tree stump representing the phrase “bury the hatchet”

Origin of Phrases

"Bury the Hatchet"

Old Feuds and Peace Deals

Origin of Phrases

"Don't Throw the Baby Out with the Bathwater"

The Odd Origins of the Phrase...

Photograph of thumb pointing upwards

Origin of Phrases

"Rule of Thumb"

A Handy Measure of History

Origin of Phrases

"A Sight for Sore Eyes"

The Saying that Heals

Photograph of bullets

Origin of Phrases

"Bite the Bullet"

Grit and Courage in a Phrase

Origin of Phrases

"The Walls Have Ears"

Secrets in the Shadows

Photo of playing cards spread out on a table

Origin of Phrases

"In Spades" - Where It All Began

Cards and High Stakes

Origin of Phrases

"The Acid Test"

Proving What's Real

Photograph of ice-breaking ship

Origin of Phrases

"Break the Ice" The Social Icebreaker's Origin

The Social Icebreaker's Origin

Origin of Phrases

"Rub the Wrong Way"

When Things Don't Go Smoothly

Photograph of basket

Origin of Phrases

"Basket Case" From War to Everyday Speech

The phrase "basket case" originally referred to a person who was physically...

Image of printing trays with letters

Origin of Phrases

"Mind your P's and Q's" A Curious Tale of Manners and Measure

The phrase "mind your P's and Q's" means to be careful about one's behavior...

Painting of women with long hair with comb

Origin of Phrases

"Letting Your Hair Down"

Freedom From Formality

The words "Gee Whiz"

Origin of Phrases

"Gee Whiz" A Playful Expression

A Playful Expression

Image of finger with tiny drop of blood on it

Origin of Phrases

"Blood is Thicker Than Water"

Family Ties That Bind

Origin of Phrases

"Turn a Blind Eye" The Power of Ignoring

The Power of Ignoring

Image of burlap sack

Origin of Phrases

"Get the Sack"

How Jobs Ended with a Bag

Portrait of Louis XIV wearing an elaborate wig, symbol of status and power in 17th-century Europe

Origin of Phrases

"Big Wig"

The Hair-Raising History of Power

Image of a frog with head emerging from water

Origin of Phrases

"Frog in One's Throat"

A Mysterious Croak

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The Complete Works of William Shakespeare

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare

Leather Bound Classic

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