Idiom Insider The origins, properly sourced
The origins, properly sourced How we source & date Folk etymologies corrected Established 2026
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Unproven

Military
chew the fat
To chat in a leisurely, friendly way about nothing in particular, often at length and simply to pass the time.
Unproven1885
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.
Unproven1919
cloud nine
A state of intense, almost dizzying happiness, as if lifted above ordinary life by joy, excitement or elation.
Unproven
First recorded 1800s
hunky-dory
Entirely satisfactory, fine and going well, with everything in good order and no cause whatsoever for worry or complaint.
Unproven1866
First recorded 1700s
kick the bucket
To die, used as a light, faintly comic euphemism that avoids the bluntness of saying someone has simply died.
Unproven1785
Theatrical
break a leg
An ironic phrase said to performers before they go on stage, wishing them good luck by seeming to wish the opposite.
Unproven1948
First recorded 1800s
the third degree
The third degree is prolonged, aggressive questioning intended to force a confession or extract information through relentless pressure.
Unproven1883
First recorded 1800s
mad as a hatter
To be mad as a hatter is to be completely crazy or eccentric, behaving in a wildly irrational and unpredictable way.
Unproven1829
First recorded 1700s
let the cat out of the bag
To let the cat out of the bag is to disclose a secret, often carelessly or prematurely, revealing something that was meant to be hidden.
Unproven1760
Sporting
the ball is in your court
It is now your turn to act or decide, and responsibility for the next move has passed to you rather than anyone else.
Unproven