Why do we say…?

An etching of a 17th-century coal merchant. (Photo by Culture Club/Getty Images)

Industrial revolution

Q&A Why do we say ‘get the sack’?

Scene of the Peterloo Massacre

Q&A Why do we say “Read the Riot Act”?

The Trojan Horse is pulled in the city of Troy

Q&A What is the Trojan Horse and why do we say ‘Beware the Greeks bearing gifts’?

Photo of pears

Second World War

Q&A Why do we say it's all gone pear-shaped?

An illustration depicting a woman lying in bed who has recently given birth to twins. Other women busy themselves with tasks around her, such as stoking a fire and holding one of the babies.

General History

Q&A Where does the word ‘gossip’ come from – and what has it got to do with childbirth?

John Wilkes Booth flees the theatre after shooting US president Abraham Lincoln

Q&A Why do we say ‘your name is mud’ – and what does it have to do with Abraham Lincoln?

A picture of Charles Darwin in his later years

Q&A Did Charles Darwin coin the phrase ‘survival of the fittest’?

(Illustration by Glen McBeth for BBC History Magazine)

Q&A What is the origin and meaning of the pirate expression ‘shiver me timbers’?

Nineteenth century engraving depicting raining cats and dogs

General Early Modern

Q&A Why do we say ‘raining cats and dogs’?

Photo of tall ship

Q&A Who do we say 'shot across the bows'?

A axe stuck in a piece of wood

General Early Modern

Q&A Why do we say 'bury the hatchet'?

A stone statue of Achilles

Q&A Why do we say ‘Achilles Heel’?

A Peep at St. Peter or The Poet in a Pickle

Q&A Why do we say 'Peeping Tom'?

Photo of a crocodile

Q&A Why do we say 'crocodile tears'?

Cat got your tongue? It certainly seems to be the case with this surprised tabby

Why do we say ‘cat got your tongue’?