Still Unsolved

Genuine etymological mysteries. Nobody, including professional lexicographers, actually knows for certain where these came from.

29 idioms in this category

Still a Mystery

Mind your Ps and Qs

"Behave properly; be on your best manners."

Still a Mystery

Raining cats and dogs

"Raining extremely heavily."

Still a Mystery

Let the cat out of the bag

"To reveal a secret, often accidentally."

Likely Origin (Disputed)

No room to swing a cat

"An extremely small or cramped space."

Likely Origin (Disputed)

A skeleton in the cupboard

"A shameful secret kept hidden, usually within a family."

Likely Origin (Disputed)

A cock and bull story

"An elaborate, implausible tale."

Still a Mystery

Gordon Bennett!

"An exclamation of surprise, frustration, or exasperation."

Still a Mystery

Chuffed to bits

"Extremely pleased or delighted."

Still a Mystery

Talk the hind legs off a donkey

"To talk incessantly or excessively."

Still a Mystery

Bits and bobs

"A miscellaneous collection of small items."

Still a Mystery

Cat Got Your Tongue?

"A question asked to someone who has suddenly gone quiet or is unable to speak."

Still a Mystery

Dressed to the Nines

"Dressed extremely smartly or elaborately, making a real effort."

Still a Mystery

The Bee's Knees

"Something or someone considered excellent, the best."

Still a Mystery

Cut the Mustard

"To succeed, or to meet the required standard."

Still a Mystery

Know Your Onions

"To be knowledgeable and experienced about a subject."

Still a Mystery

Cheesed Off

"Annoyed, fed up, or irritated."

Still a Mystery

A Dog's Breakfast

"A complete mess or muddle."

Still a Mystery

Cock-a-Hoop

"Extremely and openly pleased, especially about a success."

Still a Mystery

The Elephant in the Room

"An obvious problem or difficult topic that everyone is avoiding discussing."

Still a Mystery

On Cloud Nine

"Extremely happy; euphoric."

Still a Mystery

Pull Your Leg

"To tease someone, especially by telling them something untrue as a joke."

Still a Mystery

The Whole Shebang

"Everything; the entire thing, with all its parts included."

Still a Mystery

Keep an Eye On

"To watch something or someone closely."

Still a Mystery

As Right as Rain

"In perfect health or good order."

Likely Origin (Disputed)

Sit on the Fence

"To avoid committing to either side of a decision or argument."

Likely Origin (Disputed)

Once in a Blue Moon

"Very rarely."

Still a Mystery

When Pigs Fly

"Used to say something will never happen."

Still a Mystery

Burst Your Bubble

"To shatter someone's illusions, hopes, or fantasies."

Still a Mystery

Piece of Cake

"Something very easy to do."

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