Articles explaining the meaning and origin of food-related idioms.
Is the origin of “butter someone up” really an ancient Hindu custom? While many sources claim the idiom comes from throwing butter at religious statues, this is actually a popular myth. In reality, the phrase has 17th-century English roots and simply refers to the “slippery” nature of flattery. Quick Origin Facts: “Butter Someone Up” The … Read more
Is the origin of the expression cool as a cucumber literal? What do cucumbers have to do with coolness or being cold in a literal or figurative sense? Are they cold? Yes, the inside of cucumbers are cooler than their surroundings. But, it is not clear that this is why we say cool as a … Read more
I am an expert on everything in the culinary world. You may want to take that with a grain of salt, because, if you believe it, I’ve got some oceanfront property in Arizona you may like. In the previous sentence, you may understand the allusion in the latter idiom without explanation. Arizona does not border any … Read more
When we say something is a hot potato, we are referring to something that is controversial, awkward, embarrassing, difficult, or unpleasant to deal with and which people want to avoid. We often refer, as well, to a ‘political hot potato.’ Either term is most often used in reference to a public issue. But, the idiom … Read more
To kill the fatted calf is to prepare a huge celebratory feast, especially to welcome someone. It means to have a big party with lots of food and drink. The American Heritage Dictionary Of Idioms defines it as “to prepare for a joyful occasion or a warm welcome.” An example would be a long lost beloved relative coming … Read more
Have you ever had egg on your face? Possibly, after eating eggs. But someone having egg on their face is also an idiomatic expression meaning to look foolish after having made some mistake. The expression is figurative in that the person doesn’t really have egg on their face. But, does the expression come from having remnants … Read more