Many think the phrase “break the ice” originates from William Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew.” Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, however, places the first known record of the expression around 1577. Initially describing how ice was broken to facilitate travel and commercial activity, the saying now connotes relieving awkwardness. Today, we’ll break the ice with a deep dive into the histories of everyday idioms.

When the sky starts pouring, one might say, “It’s raining cats and dogs!” Though the phrase is of unknown origins, some suggest that it originated from linguistic wordplay. “Cats and dogs” may have derived from the Greek word “Katadoupoi” or the French word “catadupe,” which both refer to waterfalls.

Have you ever been next in line to present or share an answer during class—feeling totally unprepared—when the bell suddenly rings? You might say you were “saved by the bell.” Popularized during the late 1800s, the idiom referred to how losing boxers were “saved” from defeat when the bell rang, signaling the end of a round.

If someone says “clock it,” they are signalling that you’ve had a revelation about something that’s often overlooked. The phrase emerged through 1960s drag and ballroom culture among Black and Latine queer and trans communities as a form of self-expression. Today, many people pair “clock it” with a finger clap (with their middle finger and thumb to signify approval), even though the phrase and the gesture are unrelated. Mainstream culture has repeatedly appropriated phrases such as “spill the tea,” “throw shade” and “serving” from Black and Latine ballroom culture without centering those communities.

A friend or family member might tell you to “break a leg” before your next performance. One of the earliest mentions of this phrase was in a 1921 edition of a British magazine. They reasoned that people should use negative words of encouragement because positive words could jinx the performer.

The expression “passing with flying colors” conveys the experience of triumph and satisfaction. This proverbial phrase from the Age of Exploration alludes to how sailing ships raised their colored flags to signify a successful voyage upon return to their port of departure.

Many idioms have unclear origins, so understanding their meanings takes a bit of guesswork. Next time you’re confused by a catchphrase, pick up an Amelia Bedelia book and add some magic to your inner dictionary.