As humans, there are popular phrases that we have come to accept and use without actually taking the time to find out where those sayings came from. If you are curious about the origins of some of the phrases you have become accustomed to, then you need not bother anymore. These are ten intriguing origins of popular sayings:

Related: 10 Sayings and Idioms That Are Often Misunderstood

10 Turn a Blind Eye

To “turn a blind eye” is used to refer to the act of ignoring or failing to acknowledge something you know to be real. The expression finds its roots in the naval exploits of Admiral Horatio Nelson during the Battle of Copenhagen in 1801. In the midst of the intense battle, Nelson, commanding the British fleet, received a signal from his superior to withdraw from the engagement. However, Nelson, renowned for his boldness and strategic acumen, allegedly raised his telescope to his blind eye, claiming he could not see the signal.

By turning a blind eye to the order, Nelson defiantly continued the fight, ultimately securing a decisive victory for the British forces. This audacious act of disregarding orders by feigning ignorance gave rise to the expression “to turn a blind eye,” signifying the deliberate choice to ignore or overlook something, often out of convenience or expediency.

Over time, the phrase “to turn a blind eye” has transcended its naval origins and become a widely used idiom in the English language. It now encompasses instances beyond military contexts, representing a deliberate act of ignoring or overlooking something, whether it be wrongdoing, inconvenient truths, or uncomfortable situations. ^[1]

9 To Shed Crocodile Tears

The phrase “to shed crocodile tears” simply means to show an insincere emotion or feign sadness or grief. The saying originates from ancient lore surrounding crocodiles. In various cultures, it was believed that crocodiles shed tears while devouring their prey, creating the illusion of remorse or sadness. This belief likely stemmed from observing the watery discharge that occurs when crocodiles open and close their jaws.

Over time, this phenomenon became associated with insincere displays of emotion or false sympathy. The term “crocodile tears” first appeared in English literature in the 16th century, reflecting this ancient notion and suggesting that tears shed were not genuine but rather a deceptive façade.

The expression “to cry crocodile tears” gained popularity in the English language as a metaphor for feigned sorrow or hypocrisy. It implies a superficial display of emotion intended to manipulate or deceive others. Whether used to describe someone’s insincere condolences or political posturing, the phrase captures the skepticism toward displays of emotion that lack authenticity.^[2]

8 Feeling under the Weather

The term “feeling under the weather” is used when someone feels unwell or in low spirits. The saying has its origins in maritime terminology. In the 19th century, sailors used the phrase “under the weather bow” to describe a ship’s position when it was being battered by rough seas and adverse weather conditions. Being “under the weather” meant enduring the discomfort and sickness that often accompanied such conditions.

As time passed, this nautical expression found its way into common usage as a metaphor for feeling unwell or experiencing a mild illness. The association between rough seas and feeling unwell likely resonated with people, leading to the widespread adoption of the phrase in everyday language.

Today, “feeling under the weather” is a common idiom used to convey a sense of physical discomfort or illness. It suggests a temporary state of being not quite oneself, often characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, malaise, or minor ailments like a cold or headache. Whether experiencing a mild illness or simply feeling off-kilter, saying that one is “under the weather” provides a convenient way to express discomfort without delving into specific symptoms or details.^[3]

7 Let the Cat out of the Bag

The expression “let the cat out of the bag” refers to an act of revealing a secret either deliberately or inadvertently. The phrase has two commonly suggested origins. One of the theories refers to the “cat o’ nine tails,” a whipping device infamously used by the Royal Navy as an instrument of punishment aboard its ships. The whip’s nine knotted cords are capable of scratching the back of sailors badly, hence the nickname. The wounds created by the whip are like what occurs when a cat scratches a human’s back.

The second theory of the origin of the phrase—which we believe is the most probable— is the ridiculous livestock fraud that was commonplace at a time in Europe. Merchants would sell customers live piglets that would be put in a bag for easy transport. Sometimes, fraudulent merchants would swap the pig for a cat when the customer was distracted. The buyer would not discover that they have been cheated until they got home and literally let the cat out of the bag.

Over the centuries, “letting the cat out of the bag” has become a widely used idiom in the English language. The image of the cat escaping from its bag remains a vivid metaphor for the unintended disclosure of a secret, emphasizing the difficulty of containing information once it has been set free. Whether used in playful banter or serious contexts, the saying captures the consequences of careless speech and the challenge of maintaining confidentiality in a world where secrets are often difficult to keep.^[4]

6 Like a Bull in a China Shop

When someone behaves “like a bull in a China shop,” the person behaves recklessly and clumsily in a situation where such a behavior could cause damage. This phrase originated from a real-life situation when cattle were brought to the market in London for sale in the 17th century. Some cattle would stray into nearby china shops, causing havoc in the process. The phrase first appeared in print in the early 19th century and quickly became a popular metaphor for describing someone who behaves with reckless abandon or lacks finesse in delicate situations.

The association of a powerful, lumbering bull causing havoc in a setting filled with fragile items vividly captures the idea of someone being clumsy, destructive, or unrefined. The expression is now firmly embedded in the English language. Whether applied to someone’s behavior in social interactions, decision-making processes, or any situation requiring delicacy and precision, the phrase conveys a sense of brute force and lack of grace. It serves as a cautionary metaphor, reminding us of the importance of exercising care and consideration in navigating delicate circumstances to avoid unintended consequences.^[5]

5 Beat about the Bush

The phrase “beat about the bush” means to discuss a matter in a dodgy way without coming to the point. The saying has its origins in medieval hunting practices. In those times, hunters would literally beat bushes with sticks to flush out birds and other game hiding within. However, sometimes the game would be difficult to flush out, and hunters would resort to beating around the bush instead of directly targeting the concealed prey. This indirect approach prolonged the hunt and was seen as inefficient.

Over time, the phrase “beat around the bush” evolved into a metaphor for avoiding directness or skirting around the main point in conversation or action. Since its inception, “beat around the bush” has become a common idiom in the English language, used to describe the act of avoiding the central issue or delaying the discussion of an important topic. Whether in personal conversations, business negotiations, or everyday interactions, the phrase captures the notion of reluctance to address something directly, often due to discomfort, evasion, or a desire to soften the impact of the topic at hand. Despite originating several centuries ago, the idiom has come to stay.^[6]

4 Straight from the Horse’s Mouth

The expression “straight from the horse’s mouth” means that a person has received information from someone who has personal knowledge of the spoken matter. The saying originates from the world of horse racing and betting. In this context, receiving information “straight from the horse’s mouth” means obtaining it directly from a knowledgeable and reliable source, often the horse’s owner, trainer, or someone closely associated with the horse. This phrase gained popularity because obtaining information directly from those intimately involved with the horse provided bettors with the most accurate and reliable insights into its condition, performance, and chances of winning.

Beyond the realm of horse racing, it signifies information obtained directly from a primary or authoritative source, thereby implying its credibility and reliability. Whether used in casual conversation or professional contexts, the phrase underscores the value placed on firsthand information and the trustworthiness associated with information provided directly by those with firsthand knowledge or experience. Thus, the saying has become a powerful metaphor in the English language for authenticity and trustworthiness in communication.^[7]

3 To Put Someone on the Spot

The phrase “to put someone on the spot” means to cause someone embarrassment or difficulty by forcing them to answer a difficult question or make an important decision. The saying finds its origins in the world of theater. In theatrical productions, actors perform on a stage where designated spots, marked by lighting or other cues, indicate where they should stand or perform specific actions during a scene.

If an actor was unexpectedly placed in a spot where they were not prepared to deliver their lines or perform their role, they would be caught off guard and likely feel pressured to respond immediately. This situation of being thrust into the spotlight, figuratively and often without warning, led to the expression “to put someone on the spot,” denoting a moment of unexpected pressure or scrutiny.

The phrase now refers to situations where someone is placed in a difficult or uncomfortable position, often requiring them to respond or make a decision quickly and under pressure. Whether in social interactions, professional settings, or personal relationships, the phrase captures the sense of being singled out or challenged unexpectedly, forcing one to think and act swiftly in the spotlight of attention.^[8]

2 To Get Cold Feet

The phrase “to get cold feet” means to suddenly become too frightened to do something you had planned to do, especially something important. There seem to be several possible theories about its origins, which changed as the expression evolved. A possible theory is from the military back in the 16th and 17th centuries when soldiers went to war in harsh weather and the technology available at that time did not allow for the manufacturing of high-quality protective footwear. The feet of soldiers were often exposed to snow and other elements, which would cause them to freeze. In this state, the soldier could not fight and could not be sent to the front.

Another origin story has its roots in the world of 19th-century American slang, particularly in the context of gambling and politics. It was commonly used to describe a sudden loss of nerve or resolve, especially just before undertaking a risky or important endeavor. The phrase likely originated from the physical sensation of one’s feet becoming cold due to nervousness or fear, leading to a reluctance to proceed with a planned action. In the context of gambling, it referred to a player backing out of a bet at the last moment due to doubts about their chances of winning, while in politics, it described a candidate withdrawing from a race due to apprehension about their ability to succeed.

Several others involve Italian and German influences about a “lack of money” or a “lack of courage.” Although the first literary publication of the phrase as we know it today appeared in Stephen Crane’s second edition publication of Maggie: Girl on the Streets in 1896. Regardless, it has become popular and is used to denote a situation wherein a person has prepared for an important activity only to excuse himself at the last minute.^[9]

1 Bury the Hatchet

The phrase “bury the hatchet” simply means to make peace and end a conflict. The saying traces its origins back to Native American tradition, specifically the practices of certain tribes during treaty negotiations or peace agreements. When tribes would come together to settle disputes or establish peace, they would symbolize their commitment to reconciliation by literally burying a hatchet or tomahawk in the ground.

This act served as a tangible representation of their willingness to let go of past conflicts and grievances, signifying a mutual desire to move forward in harmony. The burying of the hatchet was not only a symbolic gesture but also a practical one, as it ensured that the weapon could not be readily retrieved for use in future conflicts. Although the phrase became popular in the 17th century, the practice of burying the hatchet is way earlier than that, possibly pre-dating the European settlement of America.

This practice has been observed in Massachusetts as early as 1680. The Treaty of Hopewell, which marked a new era of relations between the United States and Native American nations signed by Col. Benjamin Hawkins, Gen. Andrew Pickens, and Headman Mcintosh in Keowee, in South Carolina, in 1795, makes use of the phrase.

Over time, “burying the hatchet” has evolved into a widely recognized idiom in the English language, representing the act of resolving differences or ending hostilities between individuals or groups. Whether used in personal relationships, business dealings, or diplomatic negotiations, the phrase conveys the idea of putting aside past disagreements and animosities in favor of peace and cooperation.^[10]

This is a list of famous sayings that we all know and people love to quote to show off their knowledge. But… most of the time people attribute them to the wrong person. In order to put the record straight, here are the top 16 sayings attributed to the wrong person.

1. W C Fields

Anybody who hates children and dogs can’t be all bad.

Actually said by: Leo Rosten: at a dinner introducing Fields

2. Horace Greeley

Go west, young man!

Actually said by: John Soule (Article, Terre Haute Express, 1851)

3. Mark Twain

Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it!

Actually said by: Charles Dudley Warner (Editorial, Hartford Courant, August 24, 1897)

4. Charles Darwin

Survival of the fittest.

Actually said by: Herbert Spencer (Principles of Biology and earlier works)

5. Thomas Jefferson

That government is best which governs least.

Actually said by: Henry David Thoreau (who put it in quotation marks in ‘Civil Disobedience’ and called it a motto)

6. The Bible

Cleanliness is next to godliness.

Actually said by: John Wesley (Sermons, no 93, ‘On Dress’)

7. Confucius

A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.

Actually said by: Lao-Tzu (To Te Ching)

8. The Bible

God helps those who helps themselves.

Actually said by: Aesop (“The gods help them that help themselves”)

9. Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

God is in the details.

Actually said by: Francois Rabelais (“The good God is in the details”)

10. Harry S Truman

If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.

Actually said by: Harry Vaughn (Truman’s friend, whom Truman was quoting)

11. V I Lenin

Promises are like pie crust, made to be broken.

Actually said by: Jonathan Swift (Polite conversation: “promises are like pie crust, leaven to be broken”)

12. Mark Twain

Wagner’s music is better than it sounds.

Actually said by: Edgar Wilson Nye

13. Hermann Goring

When I hear the word “culture”, I reach for my gun.

Actually said by: Hanns Johst (1933 play Schlageter: “Whenever I hear the word ‘culture’, I reach for my Browning”)

14. Vince Lombardi

Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.

Actually said by: Red Sanders (UCLA football coach; quoted in Sports Illustrated, 1955)

15. The Bible

Spare the rod and spoil the child.

Actually said by: Samuel Butler (Hudibras, 1664)

16. Muhammad Ali

Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee, your hands can’t hit what your eyes can’t see.

Actually said by: Drew ‘Bundini’ Brown (Ali’s good friend)

17. Queen Marie Antoinette

Let them eat cake!

Actually said by: Jean-Jacques Rousseau (In his ‘Confessions’, 1767)

Source: The Book of Lists

This is a list of words or popular sayings used by us all from time to time. Most of them have strange origins which, at first glance, might seem hard to believe. In addition, many also have “mythological” beginnings that people erroneously believe.

See Also: 10 Wrong Words That Are Actually Right

10Upper Crust

Meaning: Elite or aristocratic

Myth: During the Middle Ages, life was difficult, especially to those living in poverty. However, for the rich or the nobility, life was much easier and they had a number of luxuries most others didn’t. One of those luxuries was the choice piece of bread, which in this case was the top of the bread. However, there is no evidence saying it was ever used that way. Though, there is an example from the 15th century which says you should “cut the upper crust to your sovereign…” But, it doesn’t necessarily say only the nobility could eat it.

Reality: The first recorded mention of “upper crust” in regards to the elite was in 1823 and, in those days, it was used to refer to a person’s head or hat. (Alternatively, it was also used to describe the Earth’s surface.) So “upper crust” actually refers to the people at the top of society.^[1]

9 Toe the Line

Meaning: To behave or act in accordance with the rules

Myth: Spread because of the misspelling “tow the line”, itself the result of a linguistic term known as an eggcorn, wherein a word or phrase is misheard and then misinterpreted. Many people believe that it refers to a boat or other vehicle towing something, which makes a lot of sense when you realize ropes and cables on ships are sometimes called lines. Some people also erroneously believe it has to do with an old practice in the British Parliament to keep the MPs from killing each other.

Reality: First of all, it’s spelled “toe the line”, and the first recorded mention was in 1813. The end of the phrase used to include a number of words, including mark, scratch or crack. (“Up to scratch” is another one derived from the same place.) But they all referred to the practice of placing one’s feet on a designated line before a race or some other undertaking. So someone who “toes the line” does what is expected of them. It’s use often pops up in politics, especially those divided strongly among partisan groups, as their members are often said to “toe the party line”.^[2]

8 Brand Spanking New

Meaning: Entirely new

Myth: People believe that it corresponds to a newly born baby, who needs to be spanked to ensure it is able to cry. However, spanking in the sense it is used in this phrase is just a clarifier, meant to emphasize how new something is and it came into the English lexicon sometime during the 17th century. In addition, the way spanking is used in this phrase has nothing to do with hitting someone; it simply means “exceptionally large or fine”.

Reality: The phrase’s first recorded use was in 1860 and may have evolved from the phrase “brand span new”, which itself was used much earlier. The word span may have been turned into spanking in order to increase the intensity of the phrase. Also, brand new is in reference to the hot irons which ranchers used to mark their cattle, a phrase first found in the 16th century.^[3]

7Bated Breath

Meaning: Subdued breathing, usually because of emotion

Myth: Another commonly misspelled phrase, it is often changed to “baited breath”, which leads people to believe it has something to do with laying a trap or waiting. Which is ridiculous because how could you bait someone’s breath?

Reality: For the true origins, we have to go back to The Bard, William Shakespeare. The phrase first showed up in his play The Merchant of Venice, which was written in 1598. (The play is more famous for the character Shylock and his speech where he asks, among other things: “Hath not a Jew hands… If you prick us, do we not bleed?”) He appropriated the word abated, shortening it to bated, which means “reduced or lowered in force”. However, we no longer use the word bated any more, or the verb to bate, so the phrase may eventually be forever changed to “baited breath”.^[4]

6 As the Crow Flies

Meaning: In a straight line, avoiding all obstacles

Myth: Medieval British coastal vessels were said to have a cage of crows which they used to find land. Crows were said to hate water and would fly straight to land and, because they flew, the crows were able to see land much further away than the sailors on the ship. They were also said to be kept at the top of the mast, which proponents say is why the lookout’s spot was called the crow’s nest.

Reality: The first recorded use wasn’t until the 18th century and nearly all the examples refer to land distances. (In fact, the first documented use of the phrase seems to be a slightly racist opinion about Spanish people.) Observers on the ground noticed as the crows flew around, they would do so in a straight line, missing the trees, rivers or buildings which obstructed the humans.^[5]

5 A Kangaroo Court

Meaning: An illegal, bogus court

Myth: Since kangaroos are native to Australia, it is widely believed that it is Australian in origin and refers to some aspect of the kangaroos’ nature, whether the viciousness a cornered one might display or the way their jumping seems to defy the laws of nature. Kangaroo courts can be notoriously vengeful and can seem to “hop” over evidence which might exonerate the accused.

Reality: First used in America in 1849, the phrase described a trial which was a sham. Before the phrase died out, they were sometimes called “mustang courts” as well. This knowledge helps explain the true meaning: the courts were so named because of the wild, unpredictable nature of the animals. Kangaroos were probably used because of their comical nature, at least from the Americans’ point of view.^[6]

4 Don’t Throw the Baby Out with the Bathwater

Meaning: Don’t get rid of something valuable with the trash

Myth: In the Middle Ages, babies were said to be washed last in the tub, since they were deemed the least important of the family. Because of the immense filth the rest of the family accumulated during work, the water would be so dark that the baby couldn’t be seen and the mother would throw out the baby along with the used bathwater. The infamous Karl Pilkington once relayed this story, going so far as to say that the baby was washing itself.

Reality: The phrase is from an old German proverb with no basis in reality. The writer and satirist Thomas Murner was the first to write it down, doing so in 1512 in his book An Appeal to Fools. It was solely meant to illustrate the need to watch over your valuables.^[7]

3 It’s All Greek to Me

Meaning: Something is unintelligible

Myth: This phrase is generally attributed to William Shakespeare because he used it in his play Julius Caesar in 1601. In his play, the phrase was used by Casca to explain to Cassius that he couldn’t understand anything that was said to him. (“…those that understood him smiled at one another and shook their heads; but, for mine own part, it was Greek to me.”)

Reality: Not only was Shakespeare beaten to the punch by another playwright (Thomas Dekker), the origin of the phrase is much earlier than either of them; it comes from a Medieval Latin proverb which meant “It is Greek; it cannot be read”. The reason the writers put the phrase in was that knowledge of how to read Greek had become lost to most of the world. It’s one of the few phrases which has retained its original meaning throughout the centuries since it was introduced.^[8]

2It Ain’t Over ‘til the Fat Lady Sings

Meaning: Nothing is over until it’s over

Myth: A fat singer named Kate Smith used to sing God Bless America for the Philadelphia Flyers of the NHL. The team recorded it and used as good luck, often asking her to perform it live as it became their unofficial anthem. The sheer number of victories when the song was played (fifty-two wins against seven losses in the first eleven years) meant that no game was out of reach until Smith sang.

Reality: The first recorded mention doesn’t have anything to do with sports; a pamphlet from 1976 called Southern Words and Sayings has the following: “Church ain’t out ‘till the fat lady sings.” The first mention which sprung it into the national lexicon was an NBA coach, Dick Motta, who when asked about the close score of a game remarked: “The opera ain’t over ‘til the fat lady sings.” (This ties in well with the fact the phrase has often been associated with Brunnhilde, an operatic role in Wagner’s Götterdämmerung.)

As for the claim that Smith’s singing was the inspiration, there is one small, yet important, contradiction: she sang before the game even started.^[9]

1 Kick the Bucket

Meaning: To die

Myth: When someone would get ready to hang themselves they would stand on top of a bucket and tie the noose around their neck. After working up the nerve to go through with it, they would use their foot to knock the bucket away so they would die.

Reality: The “bucket” part of the phrase corresponds to the French word buque, which means a yoke or piece of wood. (Which is one way bucket was used in 16th century England.) When a pig was hung on a beam in order to be slaughtered, it would thrash around. Since they were hung by their feet, the pig would eventually kick the beam, or the buque as it were. Shakespeare used this meaning of the word bucket in his play Henry IV: “Swifter then he that gibbets on the Brewers Bucket”. (“To gibbet” used to mean “to hang”.)^[10]

In the past, we have taken a look at some common sayings that most of us use in day-to-day speech, but many of us use them incorrectly. This can be because we have misheard them, or maybe because they contain a word we have never heard of, or maybe they simply make more sense to us that way. Regardless of the reason (or, dare we say, irregardless), these erroneous expressions have made their way into the common lexicon and, in some cases, have become even more popular than the original, correct sayings. 

And guess what? There are plenty more where those came from, so today we are taking a look at 10 more of them.  

10. Mute Point

During an argument or debate, if someone makes a statement that is irrelevant to the subject at hand, it might get dismissed as a mute point. Or, if you want to be correct, you would dismiss it as a moot point because that is the right expression.

The term mute point is an eggcorn, which is a misheard word or phrase that sounds similar to the words it replaces and even retains its original meaning. The most popular eggcorns can sometimes become more common than their correct counterparts, and this is mainly due to two reasons. One – the eggcorn still makes some sense. And two – the original phrase contains an antiquated word that most people would be unfamiliar with.

Both reasons apply in this case. You can see why someone would think that an irrelevant point would be “muted,” or silenced. At the same time, the right word “moot” has been around for a thousand years, since the times of the Anglo-Saxons, but nowadays it is mainly used in law, so your average person will not encounter it too many times in their everyday lives.

9. Beckon Call

If you make yourself available to serve someone at a moment’s notice, day or night, you might say that you are at their beck and call. However, some people might be under the misapprehension that you are, in fact, at their beckon call.

The latter is another example of an eggcorn. In this context, the word “beckon” does make some sense, since it means to attract someone’s attention with a gesture. However, the idiom’s biggest problem is that the real-world “beck” has become obsolete. It is a “fossil word,” meaning that it has fallen completely out of use in modern English, but still appears in phrases and idioms. 

In other words, you are highly unlikely to ever use the word “beck” outside of the phrase beck and call, unless you are debating whether Odelay or Mellow Gold was the better album.

8. Escape Goat

Someone who takes the blame for something that wasn’t really their fault is often described as a scapegoat. The term comes from the English translation of the Old Testament. In the Book of Leviticus 16:8, Aaron takes two goats. While the first is sacrificed outright, the other one, which is the scapegoat, is sent into the wilderness carrying the sins of the Israelites so that it may be punished instead of them. 

Meanwhile, escape goat is yet another eggcorn, even though, in this particular case, the correct and incorrect phrases mean the exact same thing. “Scape” is just an old-fashioned way of saying “escape,” and if we want to be extra pedantic, we can point out that scapegoat itself was an English mistranslation from Hebrew. Originally, it said “Azazel,” the name of a demon which was wrongly translated as “ez ozel,” meaning “goat that departs.” This mistranslation remained in use for centuries. Nowadays both the Contemporary English and the American Standard versions of the Bible have changed it back to “Azazel,” but the scapegoat isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

7. Scotch-Free

If you managed to escape a situation without any repercussions, you might say that you got off scot-free, although many use the erroneous alternative scotch-free. Some use the second version because they might have heard it incorrectly, while others purposely avoid the expression scot-free because they fear it might be derogatory towards Scottish people.

If you are among them, you may rest easy. The saying has nothing to do with Scots or with scotch. In medieval England, “scot” was the name for a tax, defined in the Middle English Compendium as “payment for food or drink at a social gathering.” It was derived from the even older Norse word “skot,” and someone who managed to wriggle his way out of paying the tax was described as being scot-free.

6. Chomping at the Bit    

Someone who is restless or shows a lack of restraint can be described as “chomping at the bit,” or as the original saying went, “champing at the bit.” This is a situation where the incorrect idiom has become so widely used that even some dictionaries have started recognizing it as an acceptable variation of the original.

The problem is that the verb “champ” is a fossil word, meaning that it has become mostly obsolete outside of it being used in idioms and phrases. In this particular case, the saying “champing at the bit” is the only place where you are likely to hear this archaic word which was used to refer to the grinding of a horse’s teeth. The expression itself dates to the early 19th century and comes from horseracing, where the bit was a piece of iron that was part of the bridle and inserted into the horse’s mouth to help control him. 

Restless horses often chewed on their bits, hence the expression, but it seems that even the experts are ready to embrace the modern version which uses the verb “chomp.”

5. Say Your Peace

Let’s say you’ve just had an argument with someone and you’ve spoken about everything that was on your mind. Did you just say your piece or did you say your peace?

It’s the first one – say your piece, not say your peace. A little confusing, we know. You can probably see how the mix-up happened since the two words are homophones- they are pronounced the same, but have different meanings. Then there is also the similar, but unrelated idiom hold your peace, which means to stay quiet and keep your objections to yourself. That’s the expression we hear in every wedding scene on television, and that one does use the word “peace” instead of “piece,” which further confounds the matter.  

So if you want to speak up, then it is “piece,” but if you intend to stay quiet, then the correct word is “peace.” And we hope that clears everything up.

4. Shoe-In

Here is one example that is a bit more straightforward, even though we are dealing with two homophones again: shoe, as in the footwear, and shoo, as in the verb meaning to scare something away by shouting and waving your arms about. If we want to refer to someone or something as a guaranteed winner, we might call them a shoo-in, or maybe a shoe-in.

In this particular case, the second spelling is simply incorrect. Some people might reason that it refers to something fitting as well as a foot in a shoe, which makes it a pretty good eggcorn because not only does it sound like the original saying, but it also retains some of the meaning. 

The correct version, however, is shoo-in, using the verb “shoo.” The idiom dates back to the 1930s and comes from horse racing again. Back then, whenever jockeys fixed a race, they would hold back their own horses and “shoo” along the winner in the final stretch. Therefore, a shoo-in referred to someone guaranteed to come out on top, although it also had an implication of cheating or dishonesty that no longer exists today.

3. Blow a Casket

Just to be clear, if you have a leaf blower, a coffin, and some free time on your hands, you could literally blow a casket. However, you cannot metaphorically blow a casket, meaning to lose your temper and react furiously because the correct expression is to blow a gasket. 

In this case, it is a little strange that the incorrect saying is so pervasive since the wrong expressions with true staying power are the ones that either retain the original meaning or make sense on their own. In this case, blowing a casket is pretty nonsensical, while blowing a gasket is a relatively common engine problem. 

The confusion probably stems from the fact that many people who are not mechanically inclined do not know the word “gasket,” meaning a piece of rubber or other soft material fitted in a joint to prevent fluids from escaping. When a gasket fails, the effect is usually immediate and energetic, so the saying makes perfect sense, but those who are unfamiliar with it simply replaced the word with a similar one they have heard of, and that’s how they ended up blowing a casket.

2. Tongue and Cheek

If you say something humorous or sarcastic, but deliver it in a serious manner, you could say that you delivered the line tongue in cheek. But make sure that if you do use the expression, you place that tongue firmly in the cheek, because if you say tongue and cheek, as many people do, then you are just listing off body parts.

Switching “in” to “and” seems like a pretty easy and minor mistake to make, but the expression only makes sense if the tongue is in the cheek since that is what people physically did to show the sarcasm or humor in their statement. In fact, originally it was meant to show contempt for the other person. The practice makes an appearance in Tobias Smollett’s 1748 novel The Adventures of Roderick Random, where the main character signifies his disdain for a cowardly passenger by “thrusting [his] tongue in [his] cheek, which humbled him so much, that he scarce swore another oath aloud during the whole journey.”

Over the decades, the meaning of the physical act changed, and by the mid-19th century, the phrase had made its way into various poems and novels with its modern connotation. 

1. For All Intensive Purposes

We finish up today’s list with a look at the expression for all intents and purposes, meaning “for all practical purposes,” which is way too often misused as for all intensive purposes. 

The correct expression is almost 500 years old, dating back to an Act of Parliament in Britain which gave King Henry VIII the power to interpret laws “to all intents, constructions, and purposes.” It seemed like the British people liked the saying so they continued using it, mainly in legal documents, although they dropped the “constructions” part for whatever reason. Then, when the expression made its way to America, it was changed one more time to “for all intents” instead of “to all intents.” 

The eggcorn variation “for all intensive purposes” is much younger than that, although the earliest recorded examples still date to the 1870s, so this is one error that has been around for a while and probably will not go away anytime soon.