Certain phrases illustrate meanings and origins in the English language. 'Casting pearls before swine' refers to wasting valuable offerings on unappreciative audiences. 'Nail your colours to the mast' signifies the firm declaration of one's beliefs derived from naval practices. 'Colder than a witch's tit' means extremely cold weather, rooted in slang emphasizing witches' cold nature. 'Pip pip! Cheerio!' is a cheerful farewell phrase originating in 1907. 'Know your onions' denotes being knowledgeable, dated back to the 1920s. 'A nod is as good as a wink' indicates the sufficiency of subtle hints.
This phrase means to waste your efforts on those who do not appreciate your value. It stems from the New Testament's teaching about discernment.
The expression means to declare your beliefs firmly and openly. Its nautical origins relate to the act of showing one's colors before battle.
This phrase describes extremely cold weather, stemming from slang that associates witches with being cold-blooded and thus not retaining warmth.
This phrase is used as a cheerful farewell. It first appeared in 1907 and has connections to musical lyrics from 'Oliver!'.
To know your onions means being knowledgeable or experienced in a subject, thought to derive from references in the 1920s.
This saying implies that a subtle hint is enough to convey a message without further explanation.
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