Word Phrase for On a Shoestring
On a Shoestring?
"On a Shoestring" Phrase Explained
This expression may come from faro, but it isn't recorded until 1904, although shoestring gambler, for a"pretty tinhorn gambler," is attested to ten years or so earlier. Meaning to start a business with a small amount o...
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Florence Nightingale-Lady With The Lamp
Florence Nightingale
Florence Nightingale and a Disreputable Profession
Florence Nightingale, the greatest of war nurses, is considered to be the founder of modern nursing. Born in the Italian city for which she was named, "The Lady with the Lamp" spent her childhood in E...
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How Does A Baker’s Dozen Saves An Ear
How does a baker's dozen save an ear
How a Baker's Dozen Saves An Ear?
Who knew a baker's ear was on the line each time they baked a loaf of bread? In ancient times, a baker was subject to severe penalties for not giving the full weight of bread to their customers. Anci...
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Word Origin for Haywire
Haywire
Word Origin for Haywire
"...and then everything went haywire!"
Ever hear a story with this phrase in it? We all grow up more or less just understanding the word origin for haywire by the way it was used around us. And it was used back in the 19th century with...
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Graham Crackers Invented by Presbyterian Minister
Graham Crackers invented by Reverend Sylvester Graham
We Want Graham Crackers!
When I was a child, Graham Crackers were the staple food of children, used by mothers to treat, bribe and stuff their young ones. Graham Crackers were invented by Presbyt...
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Ever Been Put on the Spot?
Put on the spot?
What Does Put on the Spot Mean?
The main thought deals with 'the Ace of Spades'. The ace of spades is a symbol of death to the superstitious all over the world. Vietcong soldiers were so afraid of it that American planes dropped thousands of cards in thei...
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Over a Barrel Phrase Origin
"Over a Barrel, Have They You" Yoda/Star Wars
A phrase that will probably follow us way into the future...over a barrel. Someone used it regarding me by saying, "My dear woman, you have me over a barrel." I didn't even know I had them in that position, but he felt I...
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