Genesis of Phrases and Idioms in English

In this episode of the Genesis: the Backstory of Phrases and Idioms, Aliya Sorathiya and Nirja Patel of grade 8th discuss the idiom 'go the whole nine yards'. This phrase is used to mean give one's efforts to the fullest. They also tell you how to use it in a sentence and make your speech and writing sound more native and natural. Have a listen on Spotify. 

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In this episode of the Genesis: the Back Story of Phrases and Idioms, Hridaya Nair and Pal Surti of grade 9th discuss the idiom, 'break the ice.' They tell you about its origins, and how to use it in a sentence. According to one theory, 'break the ice' dates back to the 18th century when ships were the only mode of transport and commerce. Sometimes they would get stuck on the ice in winter. Countries would send ships to literally break the ice, establishing friendly relations. Another theory says that Samuel Butler used it in his poem Hudibras for the first time, even before it came to be used in connection with shipping. So have a listen. 

And, if you know the origins of an idiom, do send it to us. Or, you may send a voice message here. 

In this episode of the Genesis: the Back Story of Phrases and Idioms, Ronil and Siddharth of grade 9th discuss the idiom "bark up the wrong tree". If you happen to bark up the wrong tree, you're asking the wrong person or doing something the wrong way. They explain it in detail with example sentences while telling our learners how to use them in sentences. Listen to them and add to your vocabulary.

In this episode of the Genesis: the Back Story of Phrases and Idioms, learners Rutu Khunt and Bansi Soni of grade 9 discuss the idiom when the rubber meets the road. 

They discuss and explain the idiom and tell you how to use it in a sentence. 

You may send in your favourite phrases and idioms using this link here: Voice message

Meaning: A hypothesis or concept that is put to the test to see if it works.

Tim, for example, built a modest fishing boat but is dubious whether it would float. The rubber meets the road this weekend, when he hopes to launch the boat into the sea for the first time.

This episode of the Genesis: the Back Story of Phrases and Idioms discusses the idiom bury the hatchet. Bury the hatchet means to resolve all differences and make peace.

Click this link to send in your idioms as a voice file: https://anchor.fm/dipankar-basu-educator/message

In this episode of Genesis: the Back Story of Phrases and Idioms, Dhruti and Ipshita discuss the idiom 'pull out all stops,' which means to use all available resources or force. To put it another way, to say, do, or carry out something without reservation.

This phrase has an intriguing backstory. The English Navy used to lash errant sailors with a whip with many endpoints in the 18th century. This whip was dubbed "the cat" because it frequently had nine endings. So, after a thrashing, when the unfortunate sailor is sulking in a corner or not speaking, other sailors will approach him and mock, "Did the cat catch your tongue?" referring to the whip. This was eventually condensed to Cat got your tongue? Source: http://www.theidioms.com/

In this episode, our learners Dhruti and Ipshita from grade 9th discuss the origins and meanings of the idiom, hands down. It means without doubt, without question. So if you want to say that something can be done without doubt or much effort, say that it may be won or done hands down. That will make you a better speaker. Happy listening.

Welcome to another episode of our series called the Genesis: the Back Stories of Phrases and Idioms. In this episode, Hridaya and Pal of grade 9th discuss the idiom straight from the horse's mouth. They tell you how this phrase originated, what it means and how to use it in a sentence. Happy listening. 

This series is titled Genesis: The Origins of Some English Phrases and Idioms. We'll look at how some phrases and idioms came to be in this series. Dolly, Ayush, and Nirjara discuss the origins of the phrase "once in a blue moon" in this episode.