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What are some idioms that have evolved over time and changed in meaning?

Isidore Heamus

Hey there! Are you ready to get your mind blown by some idioms that have evolved over time and changed in meaning? Hold on to your hats, folks, because we're about to take a wild ride through the wacky world of language.

First up, let's talk about the phrase "sleep tight." You've probably heard this one before – it's a way of wishing someone a good night's sleep. But did you know that it used to refer to the way beds were constructed? Back in the day, beds were made with ropes that needed to be tightened regularly to keep the mattress from sagging. So when someone said "sleep tight," they were literally telling you to make sure your bed was well-constructed. Crazy, right?

Next on the list is "pulling someone's leg." This one may sound like harmless teasing, but it actually has a pretty dark history. Back in the 1800s, dishonest street vendors would lure customers in by pretending to trip them, and then rob them while they were down. So when someone said they were "pulling your leg," it was a way of suggesting that they were trying to deceive you. Of course, nowadays we use it in a much more playful context – just be careful not to actually trip anyone!

Moving on, let's talk about the phrase "raining cats and dogs." You've probably used this one to describe a particularly heavy rainstorm, but do you know where it came from? Well, back in the olden days, houses had thatched roofs made from straw or palm leaves. Small animals like cats and dogs would often climb up onto the roof to keep warm, and during a particularly heavy rainstorm, they would sometimes fall through the roof and land inside the house. So when someone said it was "raining cats and dogs," they were describing a literal downpour of animals. Let's hope you never experience that!

Last but not least, let's talk about the phrase "mad as a hatter." You've probably heard this one before too – it's used to describe someone who's acting a little crazy. But did you know that it originated from the hat-making industry? Back in the 18th and 19th centuries, hats were made using a toxic substance called mercury. Over time, hat-makers who were exposed to mercury began to develop neurological problems, such as tremors and erratic behavior. So when someone was described as being "mad as a hatter," it was a way of suggesting that they had been affected by the toxic substance. Nowadays, we know better than to use mercury in our hat-making – but the phrase lives on.

Well, there you have it – four idioms that have evolved over time and changed in meaning. Who knew that a simple phrase like "sleep tight" could have such a fascinating backstory? Language is full of surprises, and it's always changing. Who knows what new phrases will emerge in the years to come? One thing's for sure – we'll be here to document them. Until then, keep on learning and exploring – and don't forget to sleep tight!