Meaning
In a quick span of time or something which happens suddenly.
Origin
In 1778, Frances D’Arblay used it in a romantic novel named Evelina.
“Will you?” returned he; “why, then, ‘fore George, I’d do it as soon as say Jack Robinson.”
Meaning
This phrase highlights the importance of women in men life.
Origin
It originated as a feminist slogan. The first written reference which could be found was from the Texas newspaper The Port Arthur News in 1946.
“As he received his trophy, the plucky quarterback unfolded the story of how he ‘came back’. He said ‘They say behind every great man there’s a woman. While I’m not a great man, there’s a great woman behind me.’”
This feminist slogan became much popular after it was used in a song in 1985.
Now, there was a time,
when they used to say,
that behind ev’ry great man,
there had to be a great woman.
But oh, in these times of change,
you know that it’s no longer true.
So we’re comin’ out of the kitchen,
’cause there’s something we forgot to say to you.
We say, Sisters are doin’ it for themselves
Meaning
A hard position which one can not escape.
Origin
This phrase has no clear origin. Some believe that it is derived from the game of pool while other say that it is derived from the game of Kelly Pool. The first cited reference was in 20th century in Wisconsin newspaper The Sheboygan Press
Meaning
To know so much about the topic being discussed that you feel bore in the discussion.
Origin
This was used by the New York newspaper the Syracuse Herald-American in February 1982:
“Miss Tewes, who has just got divorced, says she doesn’t plan to get married at this time. Using an Australian expression, she says, ‘Been there, done that.’
Meaning
Any secret conversation which only the teller and listener knows.
Origin
Though this phrase was used in 15th century but the version was something different. The exact version came in Edward Bulwer-Lytton’s novel Eugene Aram, 1832:
“Between you and me and the bed-post – young master’s quarrelled with old master.”
Meaning
Something which is not considered fair or correct.
Origin
Jack Broughton in 1743 drafted ring rules and used it as:
“That no person is to hit his Adversary when he is down, or seize him by the ham, the breeches, or any part below the waist a man on his knees to be reckoned down.”
The New York Daily Times also used it in June 1853:
“he will always respect that noble rule of pugilistic chivalry and ‘never strike below the belt’.”
Meaning
Never trust your enemies.
Origin
Historian believes this phrase came into existence due to the Troy story in which Greeks used a wooden horse to enter into the city. The first record was Virgil’s Aeneid, Book 2:
“Do not trust the horse, Trojans. Whatever it is, I fear the Greeks even when they bring gifts.”
Meaning
Something which can not be understood.
Origin
Ken means understanding. The first use of this phrase was in The Republican Banner in November 1834:
“But you in a strange mood to-day, and since the balloon is beyond our ken, you to dream of a flight through the air…”
Meaning
Someone who is facing a difficult situtation and has no better options.
Origin
The earliest reference which could be found was from the Dialect Notes V, 1921:
“To be between a rock and a hard place, ..to be bankrupt. Common in Arizona in recent panics; sporadic in California.”
Meaning
It has its literal meaning and states the important of love.
Origin
In 1850 Alfred Lord Tennyson used it in a poem In Memoriam:27
I hold it true, whate’er befall;
I feel it, when I sorrow most;
‘Tis better to have loved and lost
Than never to have loved at all.