Evolution of English Idioms
An idiom can be described as a statement that is figurative and can only be understood based on only words that are within a phrase. They are universal and crucial in the progression of language. The origin of idioms differs from idiom to another.
“Turn a blind eye” is a UK idiom that meets refusing to acknowledge the truth. The phrase is accepted that it originated from a British named Admiral Horatio. In the 1800s, he was leading an in a battle alongside Admiral Parker, who was blind one eye. Parker communicated to Nelson at one time that he needed to retreat. However, Nelson was convinced that they would succeed if they pushed forward. Nelson yet pretended not to see the signal while making a comment to another officer about the right of using his blind eye every time
“Straight from the horse’s mouth is an American idiom meaning getting information from the most reliable source. The phrase originated in the 1900s, where buyers could determine the age of a horse by examining its teeth. That is the reason one shouldn’t look a gifted horse in the mouth as inspecting the gift. It is considered bad etiquette.
Various idioms have lost their meaning over time. For example, “blood is thicker than water” is a common idiom that implies family is closer and more critical to an individual than any other relationship. However, the expression was used by soldiers during the war to mean that their fellow soldiers were closer and more important than just a sibling.
This change and among many other changes in the meaning of English idioms can be attached to the technological and social media influence. The population change and influences from other languages. People have become more civilized and open-minded with time; hence, they now see things from a different perspective.
References
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