The Origins of Common English Idioms: Why We Say the Weirdest Things

Idioms are the flavor of any language — quirky, playful, and often downright bizarre. But have you ever wondered why we say things like “kick the bucket” or “spill the beans”? Here's a fun dive into the surprising origins of five popular English idioms:

1. Raining Cats and Dogs 🐱🐶

This idiom likely dates back to 17th-century England, when heavy rains would wash debris, including dead animals, through the streets. Others believe it was a humorous exaggeration of noisy storms.

2. Kick the Bucket 🪣

This phrase is believed to come from an old method of slaughtering animals, where they were tied to a beam (called a “bucket”) and would kick it during their final moments. Over time, “kicking the bucket” came to mean dying.

3. Spill the Beans 🫘

In ancient Greek voting systems, people used beans to vote — a white bean for yes, a black one for no. If someone spilled the beans, the results would be exposed prematurely. Hence, it came to mean “revealing a secret.”

4. Break the Ice ❄️

Originally a shipping term, it referred to boats breaking frozen water to create paths for others. Later, it took on a metaphorical meaning: starting a conversation to make people comfortable.

5. Hit the Sack 🛏️

In the early 20th century, mattresses were often literal sacks filled with hay or straw. To “hit the sack” simply meant to go to bed.

Why Idioms Matter 🎓

Idioms are like time capsules — they carry the culture, history, and humor of a language. Learning their origins not only helps you use them correctly but also connects you to the people who spoke them centuries ago.

Curious about more hidden meanings in English? Check out our post on Why the “K” is Silent in Words Like “Knight” .