More sayings

We all use sayings in our daily lives. Turns of Phrases that we sort of know what they mean, but don't reflect too much on. Today, we're looking at a number of those and their meanings and origins.

A baker's dozen

This saying likely stems from medieval times when a baker could be pilloried or even flogged for selling bread that was under weight. To avoid this, they often gave an extra loaf to avoid the risk. The meaning literally means thirteen of something, but essentially means having a little something extra in reserve, just in case.

Beat around the bush

This is a reference to beaters, who scare up birds for hunting. It is mostly used to refer to someone who can't or won't get to the main issue, whether a task or an idea. It's sort of ironic since a beater who's doing his job is in fact beating around the bushes.

Fly off the handle

An expression used to describe a hot headed person who acts, usually out of anger, without thinking, with bad results. It is a reference to an axe-head coming loose and flying off the handle. Naturally this is very dangerous and to be avoided.

Gee Whiz!

An exclamation of amazement, that essentially is just a way of saying Jesus! without blaspheming. It's what is called a minced oath.

Green eyes monster

Another way of describing jealousy, heralding from Shakespeare’s Othello.

Dead ringer

Someone or something that's so similar looking that one can't tell the difference. Has it's roots in horse racing, and the fraudulent practice of switching horses in secret to win.

Hair of the dog (that bit you)

A reference to taking a drink in the morning to quell a hangover. Comes from a ridiculous belief that rubbing the hair of a rabid dog that bit you, would cure the disease.

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush

Commonly used to point out that a sure thing worth less ,is better than a risky but more profitable thing. It's a reference to falconry, meaning that a trained falcon is better than the birds in the wild.

That's it folks, until next time, have a wonderful week!