The Origins of Common Idioms and Phrases — General

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush' means that it's better to hold onto something certain than risk it for something more uncertain. It originated from hunting, where a bird in the hand was of more value than one in the bush.

Kick the bucket' means to die. It likely comes from a method of hanging animals by tying them to a bucket and then kicking it away to slaughter them.

Cost an arm and a leg' means something is very expensive. It originated from the 18th century when portraits were painted, and extra limbs would cost more to paint.

Spill the beans' means to reveal a secret. It comes from an ancient Greek voting method where white and black beans were used, and spilling the beans would reveal the vote prematurely.

Under the weather' means feeling ill or unwell. It comes from sailors who would go below deck in bad weather to avoid seasickness.

Riding shotgun' refers to sitting in the front passenger seat of a vehicle. It comes from the Old West when a guard sat next to the driver with a shotgun for protection.

Cat's out of the bag' refers to a secret being revealed. It originates from a market scam where a cat was sold instead of a pig in a bag.

Burning the midnight oil' refers to staying up late working. It comes from the use of oil lamps to work late into the night.

Break the ice' originates from the practice of breaking ice on waterways to allow ships to pass through. It refers to starting a conversation or easing tension.

Bite the bullet' refers to enduring something painful or unpleasant. It originated from soldiers having to bite down on a bullet during surgery to endure pain.