25 Origins of Everyday Sayings

[@stevenfarnesi9126]

It feels so good to see new List25 videos again

[@list25]

Right????

[@ahronrichards9611]

Agreed.

[@Zeekiel]

Yeah, I remember watching these a lot when I was a child.

[@list25]

@@Zeekiel Cool. Now I feel old. LoL

[@Orangeninja5000]

@@Zeekiel "when I was a child" Don't do that to me

[@twylanaythias]

25 ~ "Hold Your Horses" Actually goes way WAY back further than that. Not only do horses tend to spook at some of the weirdest things, but they're very much herd-oriented - in brief, horses are prone to bolt without warning when there's a lot of activity going on nearby. To ensure that the horse doesn't take off before you're ready, you draw back slightly on the reins just enough to eliminate slack - this is referred to as "holding". 16 ~ "Straight from the Horse's Mouth" This one is actually a three-fer. Those familiar with horses can judge a great deal about a horse simply by looking inside its mouth - it's age, how well it has been cared for, general health, and (to a degree) even its diet and how it is sheltered. Regardless of what someone else might claim about the horse, one can always get the absolute truth straight from the horse's mouth. And when someone gives you a horse, you are expected to accept the horse in the spirit in which it is given. Looking into the horse's mouth is essentially like opening a present then immediately pulling out your phone and searching the web to see how much it probably cost - it's exceptionally rude to look a gift horse in the mouth. (Later, after you get it home, is a different story.) Additionally, a horse's gums tend to recede as it ages. This exposes more of the enamel, making the teeth appear longer - aka, "long in the tooth". 3 ~ "Going Bananas" This one needs further research. A century ago, in the 'Roaring Twenties', someone who was promoting something outlandish was said to be "selling banana oil". Banana oil itself is isoamyl acetate (made from bananas, retaining the scent of bananas) and commonly used to treat the fabric used too make early aircraft (aka "airplane dope") - I'm sure you're aware of the effects of 'huffing dope'. Similar to hatters and mercury, those who used isoamyl acetate extensively were prone to (usually momentary) unpredictable outbursts.

[@AndrewVelonis]

You might like "The History Guy" on KZbin. He gives a history of bananas which is more interesting than you might think.

[@baire702]

Saying "see you in 25" is not dumb! I thought I was creative. And welcome back! Now you're even better looking!

[@ithydoodles]

I'm so glad that you're back :). My favorite saying is " running around like a chicken with it's head cut off.". My oldest niece thought it was hilarious every time I told her to stop doing that.

[@chrishunter2457]

Look up "Mike the Wonder Chicken." Probably unrelated but, interesting.

[@ithydoodles]

@@chrishunter2457 I told my niece about him years ago :)

[@mistermeanial1690]

My grandmother used to raise chickens. She would reach down and wring their neck (hold them by the neck and swing them around) until the head and neck popped off. The body would continue to run around for a while. The saying isn’t just a metaphor

[@sirsmartypants7086]

So happy to see Mike and List 25 back 🥰

[@paultheaudaciousbradford6772]

Here’s where I gave up: Number #25. You talked about the building of the Erie Canal in 1865. The canal was completed in 1825. It was kind of a big deal and it was a big reason the north grew si much stronger than the south before the Civil War. Telling us the Erie Canal canal was built after the Civil War would be like telling us Thomas Edison invented motion pictures after watching “Gone With the Wind”.

[@walkertongdee]

they used only mules on the Erie Canal, how do I know my great great uncle was a mule skinner (driver) there.

[@wrongsalvation8904]

I need to say this again, it's so good to have you back Mike. Watching you on patreon see what you've been going through, this fills me with such immense happiness seeing you back on you.

[@Baldevi]

Also, Straight from the Horse's Mouth has to do with checking a horse's teeth for their age. Tooth wear occurs starting with maturity for horses. sometimes a horse looks good and acted frisky, but when the horse was bought and taken home, it was discovered that the horse was much older than you wanted it to be, and maybe was artificially excited to act spirited. So checking the Horse's Mouth was also a way to be certain of the truth about the horse you wanted to buy. The horses age was truthful, straight from the Horses Mouth! I am full of trivia. No one plays trivia games with me anymore.

[@jujubee2141]

Ha Ha! No one will watch The Wizard of Oz with me ‘cause I know the entire script and will recite the words with the actors!

[@maverick_cw]

The above explanation also collates with ANOTHER expression; "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.". Because, the age and general condition of a horse could be told by it's teeth. So, if someone gave you a horse that looked good, acted well and seemed healthy... don't look it in the mouth. Because you may not like what you see. Both expressions revolve around truth; one, "straight from the horse's mouth" means to seek the truth about a situation directly from the source, and the other, "don't look a gift horse in the mouth" means to avoid a potentially unwanted truth by steering clear of the source.

[@lenyaeger9969]

Thus the idiom, "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth." If someone gives you a gift, it's rude to check the value of it before accepting it.

[@user-gd4ku5se8h]

Ohhhh l feel that. I had a friend named Mark. We'd team up in Trivial Pursuit and it would take teams of four or five to defeat us I watched Jeopardy one where a contestant said his friends called him a "font of useless information" I thought, 'Me too!"

[@rodneycody8746]

I want 2 hear it from the horses mouth not the horses ass

[@cassandrakarpinski9416]

Funniest thing is that a bull in a china shop was debunked by mythbusters who set up a china shop in a bull pen, then let the bulls in, expecting chaos, but instead found the bulls to be surprisingly graceful to the point that the china was all still intact

[@mistermeanial1690]

I came here to say the same thing 😁

[@johncromer2603]

​@@mistermeanial1690same here

[@newshodgepodge6329]

I will give partial credit for that. A bull pen is vastly different from a structured marketplace. Their scientific method often fell a bit short in some minor way or other, like when they were testing the theory of whether one sword could slice through another in a sword fight. Just to give you an example, in that case only one sword was in motion while the other was fixed. The positioning of the swords was also not very representative of the way swords would make contact with one another in an actual sword fight. I'm not saying that the show was bad or that they don't deserve an A for effort. They were just a bit off the mark sometimes.

[@roshawnda97]

I just love the way you do your commentary and these videos you were missed welcome back Mike🌹🌹

[@list25]

Miss y'all too!

[@AndrewVelonis]

I could have done without that digression about Russel Crow and Brittany Spears or whoever it was.

[@michaeldemarco7193]

How about "over my dead body "

[@michaelrue1400]

Researching origins of words and phrases is one of my favorite pastimes. I knew most of these, but some were slightly different from what I had understood previously. I thought belly up referred specifically to dead fish, and had believed straight from the horse's mouth referred to the practice of inspecting a horse's teeth when looking to buy one.

[@MrHaighahatta]

You're correct. The air-filled bladders that regulate a fish's buoyancy cause a dead fish to float "belly up.'

[@wingmanjohnny50]

One of my favorites is “You can’t have your cake and eat it too.” BUT, you absolutely can have cake and eat it too. The original is, “You can’t eat your cake and have it too.” Which is true. Can’t be done. I love saying it correctly and people look at me like I’m crazy until they think about it. Great list!

[@vashon100]

I prefer can't eat your cake and lose weight too. LOL

[@kenvaughan6694]

Just don't forget to blow out your candles before you take your first bite!!

[@franquil85conn]

Both ways are correct. "You can't have your cake and eat it too", you can have your cake, you can eat your cake but you cannot have both as if you eat your cake, you don't have it "too". While the original is easier to understand at face value, both are still correct.

[@SimplySakka]

Yay for you Mike! You are so loved! We’re all coming back to List25 because you’re back!

[@list25]

Welcome back!

[@joanneoliver8610]

Yaay! List 25 uploaded! Great to watch with my morning coffee. Greetings from Down Under. Keep up the excellent work. Love you guys. ❤

[@shawnohagan4198]

My week was made ty for coming back to the old content

[@shawnohagan4198]

Ps you look great

[@juliegellert1364]

This is my favorite story about an idiomatic expression: my dad came to the US as a young adult and English was sbout his 5th language, so idioms often flew over his head. Before he and my mom got married, her friends decided to throw her a wedding shower. My dad was so confused. He asked my mom, "Why do you all need to take a shower together?" Yikes!

[@kathleencalhoun2225]

The ones I have used before and still use on occasion that weren't mentioned in the video are: Kill two birds with one stone; When push comes to shove; You made your own bed...now you have lie in it (only I usually leave out the last part, assuming the person already knows it). Thanks for providing the origins of these idioms.

[@micahjames5286]

My favorite is "can't hold a candle to him" referring to someone who is inferior to another person. The origin is that a servant would carry a candle to light his master's path, thereby holding the candle for the master. Someone who wasn't "good" enough to do even that was quite inferior.

[@abellewis3062]

I’m happy List 25 makes new videos again. I missed them.

[@sandrarothenay6915]

Oh my gosh, you're back! Yay, love your vids. You look well, hope all is well with you ☺

[@snipe69r]

I’m so happy you guys are back. I’ve been on a List25 rabbit hole for like 2 hours now. 🤘🏻

[@list25]

That is awesome!

[@sinistarx7746]

Glad to see you guys back.

[@list25]

So am I! LoL

[@ArtSzabo]

MIKE!!! So glad to see you and L25 back. One of my fav channels.

[@zurwife]

Yay! y'all are back! we've missed you.

[@nonnymous3369]

Its awesome to have you back, great video, its nice to smile again. Thank you

[@heatherrussell8255]

I thought for sure "fly in the ointment" would be included. Or "every excuse in the book." Wonderful list and their origins, all the same. Thank you, I learned a few things tonight.

[@christophersampson1982]

WELCOME BACK!!! Missed you guys!!!

[@awake2late]

Holy sh*t. Mike is back. Been awhile. Since I watched this channel.

[@list25]

Well welcome back! LoL

[@andrewweiner9614]

I haven’t watched in a few years. I’m playing catch up like mad. I’m so glad I’ve found ya again.

[@bretmaples]

Glad to see you back Mike!

[@theupliftchannel]

Wow. Haven’t watched this channel since you and Tristan left. Don’t know what happened but I’m glad you’re back!

[@samanthastansberry7051]

Hay hay now!! Long time no see!! Happy to see ya all again!

[@denniscole5105]

It's this guy again! Feels so good to be 2012 again!

[@list25]

Funnily enough, I started in 2015. So you're three years too early lol.

[@nathanramstorf1033]

Rightful host. Missed you Mike!

[@lisam8044]

I missed you and list 25 so much! Thanks for coming back

[@christophergraham3160]

Welcome back, Mike, and List 25!

[@baliyae]

I’m glad List 25 is back! It’s one of my favorite channels!

[@list25]

You're one of our favorite people!

[@fredwhite5214]

I'm so happy I'm still subscribed to these guys

[@TheFatwelder]

The saying "Your call is very important to us" is a mystery to me, as it obviously isn't that important to them.😁

[@roserollins9800]

Most of the time it is a recording

[@zodarian6705]

Yeah cuz if it's important they would damn well answer it with a person

[@MrHaighahatta]

"Please enjoy 40 minutes of solo flute renditions of Billy Joel's biggest hits, rejected by most grocery store chains and elevator manufacturers, while you wait for someone from Pakistan to take your call."

[@bettianngold6407]

I've heard in the old westerns "Boys belly up to the bar", it is great to have this channel back

[@kerriganm]

I would think “beating around the bush” doesn’t mean “beating the bush”. Or they’d say “beating the bush”, no? By beating around the bush rather than the bush itself, a bush-beater would be avoiding the disturbance of the actual birds, which I would think be a more apt analogy.

[@cmpvariety1764]

welcome back! I'm so glad you're back and I love your little reactions in the video. keep it up!

[@StevenAthertonSIUandPO]

Mike? MIKE?! OMG!!!! it's absofriggenlootly AWESOME to see you here again! I was devastated when I saw your farewell episode woe those many years ago (allow me poetic license) and I almost gave up on you tube all together ! I was so pissed they would treat a fellow fanboy and floridian that way! So glad your back! Now I'm going back to binge watch all the new episodes I've missed!

[@list25]

Welcome back!

[@rogerboughton]

Letting the cat out of the bag. I heard a long time ago that the origin was the British navy. The cat-o-nine tails was kept in a bag and was only taken out when some one was to be punished, and yes it was truly brutal.

[@josephcronin4209]

Welcome back really missed you . Glad you are back

[@list25]

Thank you!

[@therestingrancor8259]

It's so good to have you back Mike. Unsubscribed when you left, and re-subscribed as soon as I saw you are back! Love to Tristan ❤️

[@list25]

Welcome back!

[@garyroach8397]

Mike great to have you back. I was just thinking the other day I miss list 25.

[@allanrichardson9081]

The Erie Canal was built long before the Civil War (1861-65). Without doing a search, 1825 would be much closer than 1865. The existence of the Erie Canal, and the canal connecting the Illinois River through the Chicago area to Lake Michigan, is in fact a big reason why the Great Lakes states identified with the North rather than the South, since they could export directly through New York rather than New Orleans.

[@renatacantore3684]

I’m so Happy to have found your site again!!!

[@jdcjeep47]

Hey Mike, it's so awesome that you're back. As always, I still love all of your videos. Keep up the great work and congrats on taking the path to a healthier lifestyle.😁😁

[@list25]

Thanks! Will do!

[@donnasandlin7574]

Absolutely love love love all your videos and your soul! 😎

[@donnalong2372]

Don't EVER FEEL Dum MIKE!! As a newbie to tech, and no one to teach me you make it so easy to relate when the rest leaves us lost even(65) we are so much smarter to real life so thanks for the respect in your presentation❤❤ and know from us dinosaur gen. GOD LOVE YOU!!! 😅 YOU Have NO Way of knowing how you BREAK UP The Isolation We Feel. GOD BLESS YOU PRECIOUS !!!❤❤🎉

[@lucilledelorme]

Haven’t seen this channel for about a year. You look great. Well done on losing the weight although it never looked bad on you.❤️

[@LuckyStone888]

I'm stuck on the Bull in a china shop. I've never heard the origin story coming from the 1700s. I've only heard it coming from "Jacob Faithful” (1834) by Fred Marryat. Myth Busters did an experiment and found Bulls are actually very careful. You'd be amazed how well a horse, cow, and even bull can move through tight spaces and not disturb anything.

[@catmomjill]

I saw that!

[@list25]

As did I!

[@AndrewVelonis]

The "Bull" refers to "John Bull" which was a slang term referring to England, similarly to how The United States is referred to as Uncle Sam. There was a time when the British Empire had a great deal of influence over China and there were critics who decried the heavy-handed policies. I think there might have been a political cartoon depicting this as John Bull in a China shop.

[@LuckyStone888]

​@@AndrewVelonis now that is interesting,

[@LuckyStone888]

@@debbylou5729 Myth busters proved bulls are actually very careful. Bulls are actually very peaceful if treated well. I grew up on a farm and our bull was very friendly.

[@frozenhouse5362]

I have just gotten one step closer to being the smartest man on Earth, Thanks for the video

[@list25]

You're welcome!

[@dannyreynolds2751]

"Don't look a gift horse in the mouth " from 1546 is one I thought you'd mention. Old horses have longer teeth. Which also leads to saying someone is "getting long in the teeth" because they're getting old.

[@franl155]

"letting the cat out of the bag" is only one of three terms [that I know of] for this practice, which must have been fairly common: "buying a pig in a poke", and "being sold a pup", pups often being substituted for the cat that was supposed to be a pig.

[@10151957june]

"Spilling the beans..." ☺

[@joanhoffman3702]

Also, to be left holding the bag.

[@franl155]

@@joanhoffman3702 -- I forgot that one!

[@jjoncunningham721]

I'm glad to see you back!!! Mike...have you been hitting the gym? You're looking mighty thin. Keep up the great work!!

[@michellestafford5191]

Glad you're back

[@list25]

Me too

[@denniscole5105]

First time I've ever been compelled to re- subscribe to a channel

[@RapFanatic4ever]

This is very informative thank you . I've heard all of these

[@catmomjewett]

See if you can find this one: As a kid, I would come downstairs dressed for church but (for example) with my socks falling down. (No spandex in the 60s.) My mother would say “Pull your socks up. You look like who come first.” Her family was long established in Eastern VA. White, Protestant, British Isles descent. Hope that helps.

[@dmr14wizkid14]

fun fact the reason songs and rhymes get stuck in your head is because your brain considers them incomplete information so it constantly goes over it again and again this is is more prevalent when you only hear a part of songs and rhymes

[@stacypalermo3506]

So glad y’all are back to it! I got unsubscribed somehow, so I have been out of the loop. Where’s the rest of Mike? Lookin good, Mike! Can’t wait to see all of y’all’s new videos! ❤

[@nanrodgers9740]

Last night (October 15, 2022) is a perfect example of people "going bananas". I live an hour from Knoxville, home of the University of Tennessee Volunteers. For the first time in 16 years the Vols beat Alabama with a last seconds field goal. The stadium erupted. The city was in chaos, but unbelievably there was no violence. The fans went bananas, hell, I went bananas and I'm not a fan. Watch any fan videos on KZbin of the final minutes of the game and the aftermath and you will see the definition of "going bananas".

[@JayLand1973]

I appreciate wholesome content. Thanks Al and Family

[@thornescapes7707]

My grandfather got an earworm in his ear once. Literally. It needed to be removed by a doctor and it was an exceptionally traumatic experience. I don't think it was only about corn.

[@kiha6702]

😱

[@MarthaRoseMoore415]

I saw Wrath of Khan (Star Trek movie) when I was really little. That thing Kirk put in Khan's ear hasn't stopped freaking me out.

[@brigidsingleton1596]

​@@MarthaRoseMoore415 Khan put that creature into Chekov's ear.

[@Stefinicious]

Never heard of List 25 until this popped up in my suggestions today. I LOVE this kind of stuff. I will be checking out more of your vids

[@mooseman2868]

So glad to see this pop up. I had cancelled my subscription to List 25. Welcome back Matt and crew!

[@list25]

But... It's Mike lol. Though our writer is Matt lol

[@richardupcott9026]

I've missed you. Welcome back

[@christophersampson1982]

Somebody has been living the "Fit" life, looking good bro!!

[@daviddill5227]

I thought you were gone for good. Good to see you back

[@list25]

"The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated"

[@maryoneill7045]

Love these type of videos, thanks Mike

[@Musicswagg86]

I was literally just talking about you guys, glad to see you're back!

[@list25]

So am I! LoL

[@collinscody57]

I was told "hold your horses" was used by old military leaders as a warning to not use your cavalry prematurely. Guess I was ill informed

[@AndrewVelonis]

No, you are right. It is our narrator who is ill-informed

[@list25]

@@AndrewVelonis grammarist.com/idiom/hold-your-horses/

[@MikeJones-qi5ki]

Correct!!!

[@tylerglass6094]

Glad your back…your channel was the first or second I actually subscribe to. Way way back lol.

[@daveshereduh]

So awesome to have you back Mike. I was thinking how cool if a TV game show about List 25 could be made. OK I might sound like a dork but I do love watching those kind of shows. 😁

[@list25]

If someone wants to reach out to me to be the next Jeopardy host...I'm all ears LoL

[@daveshereduh]

@@list25 Mike it would have to be you!💯

[@brianarbenz1329]

If we can guess the actual retail value of the List without going over, we win!

[@jujubee2141]

Then, I’m a dork too David!

[@peggyjones9080]

This is my first time listening to u n the list. Honestly, there is absolutely no emotion wen u talk. I'm still going 2 listen 2 u wen the time comes.

[@list25]

Huh...I've literally never had anyone say that about my presentation. I don't know what to say lol. I'm going to have to politely disagree with you.

[@ofcv1238]

“Elephant in room” is precious phrase across senior management

[@bjones8470]

This is one of my favorite list 25’s. I do this all of the time. I was surprised I only knew 4 of the 25.

[@irisray5561]

Here are a few more: Balls to the wall putting more irons in the fire throwing a monkey wrench into ... Love your lists; learn something new each time

[@ashleyshotwell3452]

Under an hour! Some of the sayings used make me wonder sometimes. I'm excited to see where some of them came from.

[@_am.ber_]

Idk how I just found this channel, but here we are

[@list25]

Welcome!

[@vilstef6988]

The Mythbusters tested bull in a china shop. They ran several bills through their ad hoc china shop, and the shelves came out unscathed!

[@sherrydesmarais7032]

Love the new List 25! Mike is looking good too!

[@j.p.6932]

14:37 Hair of the dog and hydration really is the best hangover cure. A hangover is a mix between withdrawal and dehydration. If you sip enough to calm your symptoms, but this time hydrate as you go, it’s a lot easier. Some argue you’re just putting off the hangover, but if you hydrate and eat, there shouldn’t be a hangover.

[@davbulla413]

If you don't stop drinking you are not hungover you are still drunk LOL just something my dad used to say

[@joannawyand2703]

Welcome back Mike u were my favorite and I was sad when u left

[@list25]

Well time to get happy again!

[@MirageAtPlay]

Damn. Ive missed your face. Glad you're making videos again.

[@sandracondo148]

Sooo glad to see Mike back! ♥♥♥

[@ToWhomItMayConcern420]

Mythbusters did the bull in a China shop lol. And the ironic thing is they did everything they could to avoid the China

[@kristinkindinger4199]

Love you lists…and you, Mike! You are very interesting.

[@list25]

Wow, thank you!

[@azcowgal5837]

I heard that a Cat of Nine tails, that whip, was kept in a bag. If it were brought from the bag, it had to be used. And I always say "Running around like a chicken with its legs cut off" because I'm going thru the motions and getting nowhere.

[@mistermeanial1690]

The correct phrase is “running around like a chicken with its head cut off” not legs. My grandmother used to raise chickens. She would wring their neck (grab them by the neck and flip them around) until the head popped off. The body would continue to run around until it ran into something and fell over. I’ve seen it happen. I hope this helps

[@azcowgal5837]

No, for me it's chickens with their legs cut off. Flopping around but not getting anywhere.

[@michaelhfraziersr1689]

Sharp as a tack. Head of the class. Eye in the sky. Smart as a whip.

[@SaulG88]

"Letting the cat out of the bag" is actually an old sailor term. The "cat" is short for the cat o' nine tails, which was the whip that was stored in a bag on the ship in full view of the sailors so they'd remember what would happen them if they broke the rules.

[@lokithelyre1503]

Royal Navy in the "good ol' days" kept the "cat" in a red baize bag and it was let out for punishment parade. You do NOT want the cat let out. So many people seem to confuse this with a "pig in a poke". Obviously these theorists have never seen the difference between the behaviour of a feline in a bag and a pig.

[@nickturnham9248]

The myth Bull in a China shop was tested on MythBusters and showed that bulls are actually careful going through isles, so that idium is actually wrong

[@list25]

It's wrong but that's still where it comes from. I saw that episode too.

[@hydrolito]

Maybe it was because Spanish bull ran into China shop to avoid running of the bull and was angry.

[@raymondmartin6737]

Welcome back!

[@wendolynpetties9918]

I’m glad there are new lists, too. I had stopped watching for a while. 😊

[@carmelmhennessy9738]

Very enjoyable video. Great to see you back Mike

[@ZenobiaDecrespin]

Love the content love the channel!

[@list25]

Glad to hear it!