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The idiom “run scared” has been used for centuries to describe a situation where someone is afraid and takes action to avoid danger. The origins of this phrase are not clear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States during the early 20th century.
- Rugile
- Cat Got Your Tongue. Meaning: Said to someone who remains silent when they are expected to speak. Origin: There are two stories on how this saying came into being.
- The Walls Have Ears. Meaning: Be careful what you say as people may be eavesdropping. Origin: The face Louvre Palace in France was believed to have a network of listening tubes so that it would be possible to hear everything that was said in different rooms.
- Bury The Hatchet. Meaning: End a quarrel or conflict and become friendly. Origin: During negotiations between Puritans and Native Americans men would bury all of their weapons, making them inaccessible.
- Cold Feet. Meaning: Loss of nerve or confidence. Origin: This idiom originates from a military term, warriors who had frozen feet were not able to rush into battle.
Sep 20, 2024 · The ‘Run Scared’ idiom actually means to be extremely frightened or anxious about something. It implies a sense of urgency and the need to take immediate action to avoid a potential negative outcome.
- Overview
- “Turn a blind eye”
- “Feeling under the weather”
- “Beat around the bush”
- “Read the riot act”
- “Spill the beans”
- “The proof is in the pudding”
- “I’ve got it in the bag”
An idiom is a phrase that is common to a certain population. It is typically figurative and usually is not understandable based solely on the words within the phrase. A prior understanding of its usage is usually necessary. Idioms are crucial to the progression of language. They function in a manner that, in many cases, literal meanings cannot. We ...
Meaning: To refuse to acknowledge a known truth
Example: I’ll turn a blind eye once, but next time you’ll be in trouble.
Meaning: To feel ill
Example: My son was sick yesterday, and now I’m feeling a bit under the weather.
Meaning: To circle the point; to avoid the point
Example: Stop beating around the bush and tell me what really happened.
Meaning: To reprimand someone for behaving badly, with the intention of improving that person’s behavior
Example: Taylor was being too loud in class, so I read her the riot act.
Meaning: To leak a secret
Example: Stop being so coy. Just spill the beans!
Meaning: Depending on who you ask, you’ll actually find an array of definitions for this odd idiom. Here are some of the most commonly used definitions:
1. There is evidence to back up a previously made claim, specifically evidence intrinsic to the object in question. (Example: Of course this project will be successful, the proof is in the pudding.)
2. The process of achieving something isn’t important as long as the end product is good. (Example: I may have had to walk 1,000 miles to find this treasure, but the proof is in the pudding.)
3. The success of something can only be measured by putting it to its intended use. (Example: You’ll have to try it out before you buy it, since the proof is in the pudding.)
Meaning: Secured success
Example: I’m not even worried about the interview. I’ve got it in the bag.
- To Be Afraid Of One’s Shadow. Meaning: to become spooked very easily. “I don’t know if Mark would be a good night watchman, that boy is afraid of his own shadow.”
- To Get Or Give The Heebie-Jeebies. Meaning: an extreme case of worry or fear. “I don’t want to watch that movie, it gives me the heebie-jeebies.”
- To Scare The Daylights Out Of Someone. Meaning: to frighten someone. “Don’t ever do that again! You scared the living daylights out of me. I thought you were a burglar.”
- To Send A Chill Down One’s Spine. Meaning: to cause in a person feelings of excitement, nervousness, or fear. “Can you walk to the store with me? Walking around by myself at this hour sends a chill down my spine.”
Nov 12, 2021 · Chances are, you use some of these expressions in conversation frequently—maybe even every day. But where do they come from, anyway?
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The meanings and origins of thousands of English idioms, expressions and sayings. Proverbs. A list of hundreds of the proverbs that give meaning to our language like no other form of expression. American Expressions.
