2007-01-07 00:16:51 · 3 answers · asked by kris h 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
There's a book called "The Word Detective: Solving the Mysteries Behind Those Pesky Words and Phrases" by Evan Morris, but for even more information try his column on line. It's not just informative, it's funny! I'm including a few other on-line places to check for the origin of phrases.
2007-01-07 00:32:58 · answer #1 · answered by Holly R 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you truly unable to infer the meaning of these phrases?
My God!
I guess this is the result of a natural migration of colloquial language.
Meaning you are too young to have heard these older phrases before.
Although dead ringer is not that old and a basic understanding of the English language should be enough to solve that mystery for you but here. . .
dead ringer- looks exactly alike. As in Jane is a dead ringer for Carol.
kit and caboodle - with all things consisting of an item. As in all your personal possessions.
Exp: George has, kit and caboodle, skipped town.
same as - lock, stock, and barrel, which refers to the components of a rifle. As in, "It's all mine, lock, stock and barrel."
2007-01-07 06:31:30 · answer #2 · answered by octopussy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
these sayings are called idioms. there are several sites online that explain their meanings.
2007-01-07 00:27:44 · answer #3 · answered by wendy_da_goodlil_witch 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋