Religion
A doubting Thomas
Meaning
A sceptic who won’t accept a widely believed truth until seeing the evidence in person.
Examples
I told him he would need a raincoat but, doubting Thomas that he his, he had to check the forecast for himself.
Where did it originate?
From the Biblical story of Thomas, the apostle who doubted Jesus’ resurrection.
Where is it used?
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A thorn in my flesh
Meaning
A persistent and difficult to ignore annoyance.
Examples
The anti-capitalist campaigners turned up at every political meeting. They were are real thorn in the flesh for the government.
Where did it originate?
The United Kingdom.
Where is it used?
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An act of God
Meaning
Some event that is considered to be outside human control. Commonly used in insurance policies to refer to events that the insured cannot be held responsible for.
Examples
The insurance company had to pay up for the lightning strike damage. After all, it wasn’t my fault, it was an act of God.
Where did it originate?
Britain. Used from the 13th century in its original religious sense and from the mid 19th century when referring to insurance claims.
Where is it used?
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Come hell or high water
Meaning
Despite any great difficult or obstacle.
Examples
I’m going to get to Cornwall by nightfall, come hell or high water.
Where did it originate?
USA, late 19th century.
Where is it used?
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Going to hell in a handbasket
Meaning
Deteriorating and headed for complete disaster.
Examples
When the British went over the top at the Somme the soldiers didn’t realise they were headed for hell in a handbasket.
Where did it originate?
USA, 19th century.
Where is it used?
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Good Samaritan
Meaning
Someone who compassionately helps another who is in need.
Examples
I’d lost my wallet and couldn’t get home. He played the good Samaritan and gave me a lift to my door.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 17th century. From a biblical source.
Where is it used?
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Hell bent
Meaning
Determined to achieve something at all costs.
Examples
Susie broke her ankle a mile from the end of the marathon but she was hell bent to finish and stumbled over the line on crutches.
Where did it originate?
USA, 18th century.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, although more common in the USA than elsewhere.
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In limbo
Meaning
In an uncertain situation, over which you have no control (a reference to the state of being outside both heaven and hell).
Examples
Jack said he would collect us after our camping trip on the moors, but until he arrives we are in limbo.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 17th century.
Where is it used?
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Keep body and soul together
Meaning
Earn sufficient money in order to keep yourself alive.
Examples
The minimum wage is too low. Its hardly enough to keep body and soul together.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 17th century.
Where is it used?
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No saint
Meaning
Someone who might claim to be of good behaviour but has in fact a sordid past.
Examples
She was critical of those girls in short skirts but she’s no saint herself I can tell you.
Where is it used?
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On a wing and a prayer
Meaning
In a difficult situation and reliant on luck to get out of it.
Examples
Jean was out on her feet after two miles. She was on a wing and a prayer to get to the end of the marathon.
Where did it originate?
USA. From a 1940s film script.
Where is it used?
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Play Devil's advocate
Meaning
A person who takes a contrary position from the one being presented, either for the sake of argument or to test the validity of the opposing point of view.
Examples
I didn’t really disagree with what he was saying but I decided to play devil’s advocate just to get him to try to make a better case for it.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 18th century.
Where is it used?
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Talk of the devil!
Meaning
Said when someone that you have just been talking about arrives.
Examples
Did you know that Jim is gay? Oh, talk of the devil – here he is.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 17th century.
Where is it used?
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The God Squad
Meaning
enthusiastic Christian believers.
Examples
Every friday we the doorbell goes and it’s the Jehovah’s Witnesses or some other god squad folks.
Where did it originate?
USA, 1960s
Where is it used?
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Vatican roulette
Meaning
The rhythm method of birth control.
Examples
It’s a real dilemma for my wife and me. I know Bridget is a Catholic and that condoms aren’t allowed, but I don’t want kids yet and Vatican roulette is just too risky for me.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 1960s
Where is it used?
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