idiominsider.com How we source & date Folk etymologies corrected Established 2026

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1900s

First recorded 1900s

A pleasant prospect or promised reward that is attractive but highly unlikely ever to be realised; wishful thinking dressed up as a plan.

First recorded 1900s

Close but no cigar

Said of an effort or guess that falls just short of success; near enough to deserve recognition, but not good enough to win the prize or be counted correct.

Partly True1929

To start or act before the proper time or before you are allowed to; to do something prematurely or hastily, pre-empting the signal or the right moment.

“Throw in the Towel” — the boxing signal that grew out of an older sponge

To give up, concede, or admit defeat.

First recorded 1900s

The Elephant in the Room

An obvious, major problem or awkward truth that everyone present can see but nobody wants to name or discuss.

First recorded 1900s

Cost an Arm and a Leg

To be extremely expensive; to require a painfully large amount of money.

First recorded 1900s

the cat’s pyjamas

An excellent, stylish or thoroughly admirable person or thing; the very best of its kind, worthy of enthusiastic praise.

First recorded 1900s

the bee’s knees

Something or someone regarded as outstanding, the height of excellence, in a playful, informal register that dates from 1920s slang.

An ironic phrase said to performers before they go on stage, wishing them good luck by seeming to wish the opposite.

First recorded 1900s

to 86 something

To get rid of something, refuse a customer service, cancel a plan, or mark a menu item as no longer available.

Origin Unknown1920