Idiom Insider The origins, properly sourced
idiominsider.com How we source & date Folk etymologies corrected Established 2026
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Attested

Biblical
a wolf in sheep’s clothing
A wolf in sheep's clothing is a dangerous person who hides hostile intent behind a harmless, trustworthy or friendly outward appearance.
Attested1382
First recorded 1600s
bury the hatchet
To bury the hatchet is to make peace with an adversary, settling a quarrel and agreeing to set aside past hostilities for good.
Attested1680
Biblical
the apple of my eye
The apple of one's eye is a person or thing cherished above all others, treasured and protected as something uniquely precious.
Attested885
Theatrical
cut to the chase
To get to the point at once, leaving out unnecessary preamble and coming directly to the most important or interesting part.
Attested1929
Biblical
the writing on the wall
A clear sign that something, especially a failure or downfall, is coming and can no longer be avoided or ignored.
Attested1720
First recorded 1900s
piece of cake
A task or achievement that is very easy to do, requiring little effort, skill, or difficulty on the part of the person concerned.
Attested1936
Theatrical
steal someone’s thunder
To take for oneself the attention, praise or advantage that another person had prepared or expected to receive.
Attested1729
Sporting
hands down
Easily and by a clear margin; without effort, dispute or serious competition, as in an unquestioned winner.
Attested1832
First recorded 1800s
once in a blue moon
Very rarely; only on the infrequent occasions when something long-awaited or unusual actually happens to occur.
Attested1833
First recorded pre-1600
wet your whistle
To take a drink, especially an alcoholic one, in order to relieve a dry throat or simply for refreshment and enjoyment.
Attested1390