Reader Opinions
Art Campbell – (it is what it is) April 30, 2026
Actually “it is what it is” has been a Buddhist expression (in Pali) for over 2000 years. It refers to the fundamental emptiness of whatever is being discussed. Cheers! Retired law-prof.
Jade – (crocodile tears) April 29, 2026
The idiom “crocodile tears” (fake or insincere sorrow) originates from an ancient myth that crocodiles weep while eating their victims. It dates back to classical sources (e.g., anecdotes linked to Plutarch) and spread in medieval Europe through Latin texts and The Travels of Sir John Mandeville (14th century). Real crocodiles do produce tears (for eye lubrication while feeding), but the emotional remorse is fictional.
Anonymous – (crack the whip) April 26, 2026
Winston, credible sources say difinitively that the derivation is the cracking of whips by drivers of horse-drawn carriages. It’s association with slavery came later.
Mina Smith – (play it by ear) April 26, 2026
A lesser-known theory says “play it by ear” may come not only from musicians performing without sheet music, but also from the older idea that having “a good ear” meant good judgment and instinct. The small controversy is that while the literal musical phrase existed as early as 1658, the modern figurative meaning—handling things without a fixed plan—likely became common much later.
Chef69 – (nerve-racking) April 18, 2026
I always thought it was nerve wracking.
vernon sendelbach – (beggars can’t be choosers) April 15, 2026
Sappho coined the term in 5xx bc
Anonymous – (know on which side bread is buttered) April 13, 2026
Why can’t I butter both sides of the bread? Why is one side better to butter?
Anonymous – (on the heels of) April 11, 2026
Has anyone explored the possibility of a Biblical origin coming out of Joshua 4:18?
Thom – (chicken out) April 8, 2026
Although I have not been able to find any proof for this on the internet, I think that ‘to chicken out’ has its origin in – or is at least related to – the French word ‘chicane /chicaner’, which, in business circles, applies to a business partner who does not respect or stick to previously made agreements and must therefore be regarded as unreliable: “Like he did before, he tried to chicken/chicane out of the deal”
Jack – (dog eat dog) March 29, 2026
Dog-eat-dog world—a dog is a dream symbol for a familiar compulsive thinking habit. The habit might be positive or negative.
Our thoughts are like magnets generating our experiences, so it would behoove us to replace the negative compulsive thinking habits with positive, uplifting habits, thus the purpose of mantras.
