Why do we say…?

(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’?

A red herring on a plate

Q&A Why do we say ‘red herring’?

Peter O’Toole (top) plays Henry II alongside Richard Burton

“Will no one rid me of this meddlesome priest?” The truth behind Henry II’s notorious lament

A 1782 cartoon by James Gillray that depicts Buller as ‘Judge Thumb’. (Photo by Library of Congress)

Q&A Why do we say ‘rule of thumb’?

Queen Victoria smiling

Q&A Did Queen Victoria really say “We are not amused”?

Scrooge and Marley's ghost

Q&A Why do we say ‘Bah Humbug’ and what does it mean?

The card game cribbage

General Early Modern

Q&A Why do we say ‘level pegging’?

Barristers' wigs

Q&A Why are barristers ‘called to the bar’?