Every idiom on this page shares one thing: a popular origin story that turns out to be wrong, unproven, or invented well after the fact. Here's what's actually documented instead.
23 idioms in this category
"To face an unpleasant or painful situation with courage."
Popular Myth (Probably)"To deliberately ignore something you know is happening."
Popular Myth"A wish for someone to sleep well."
Popular Myth"To die."
Popular Myth"Nonsense; rubbish talk."
Popular Myth (Probably)"To reveal a secret, often prematurely or accidentally."
Popular Myth"A broadly practical, approximate method or guideline rather than an exact, tested rule."
Popular Myth"An exaggerated way of saying it's extremely cold."
Popular Myth"Everything; the full amount, with nothing held back."
Popular Myth"To be extremely expensive."
Popular Myth"To go out and celebrate in a wild, unrestrained way."
Popular Myth"To destroy any possibility of retreating or going back to a previous situation."
Popular Myth"Completely crazy or irrational."
Popular Myth"A misleading clue or distraction from the real issue."
Popular Myth"Rescued from a difficult situation at the very last moment."
Popular Myth"To have a hidden, self-interested motive behind your actions or opinions."
Popular Myth"Be quiet; stop talking, singing, or making noise."
Popular Myth"An insincere display of grief or sympathy."
Popular Myth"A final performance or gesture, especially one made shortly before retirement or death."
Popular Myth"To earn money to support one's family, or to achieve success."
Popular Myth"Including all faults and flaws, with nothing flattering left out."
Popular Myth"To refuse to acknowledge an unpleasant or awkward reality."
Popular Myth"In disgrace or out of favour, especially with a partner or family member."