Give the Cold Shoulder
Meaning: A rude way of telling someone he isn’t welcome.
History: Although giving someone the cold shoulder today is considered rude, it was actually regarded as a polite gesture in medieval England. After a feast, the host would let his guests know it was time to leave by giving them a cold piece of meat from the shoulder of beef, mutton, or pork.
Go the Whole Nine Yards
Meaning: To try one’s best.
History: World War II fighter pilots received a nine-yard chain of ammunition. Therefore, when a pilot used all of his ammunition on one target, he gave it “the whole nine yards.”
Jaywalker
Meaning: One who crosses the street in a reckless or illegal manner.
History: Jay birds that travelled outside of the forest into urban areas often became confused and unaware of the potential dangers in the city – like traffic. Amused by their erratic behaviour, people began using the term “Jaywalker” to describe someone who crossed the street irresponsibly.
Kick the bucket
Meaning: To die.
History: When a cow was killed at a slaughterhouse, a bucket was placed under it while it was positioned on a pulley. Sometimes the animal’s legs would kick during the adjustment of the rope and it would literally kick the bucket before being killed.
Let Your Hair Down
Meaning: To relax or be at ease.
History: Parisian nobles risked condemnation from their peers if they appeared in public without an elaborate hairdo. Some of the more intricate styles required hours of work, so of course, it was a relaxing ritual for these aristocrats to come home at the end of a long day and let their hair down.
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