Where Did These Sayings Come from - the Origin of Popular Sayings

People often use common phrases that have no real link with what's going on at the time. But due to their constant use others have no trouble understanding their meaning. Phrases like "that was a piece of cake" for instance can be used in the absence of any food being present, when referring to a task carried out surprisingly easily. But how did these sayings originate?

"Piece of cake" to continue the example can be related back to an old 19^th century dance called the cakewalk where the winner would win a slice of cake.

Here are some more sayings and possible origins:

"You can whistle for it" - this saying relates to the old superstition among sailors that a storm could be raised by whistling on board a ship.

"Rue the Day" - in ancient Britain, people would throw a handful of the rue herb over someone, who they believed to have wronged them, changing the curse: "May you rue this day as long as you live." The rue symbolised sorrow and repentance.

"Touch wood" - this saying refers to an old superstition that to avert bad luck, or to make sure that feeling pleased about something or bragging doesn't lead to a change in luck, one would touch wood. Traditionally, the oak tree, the ash, hazel and hawthorn were said to have protective powers.

"Fingers crossed." - Crossing fingers to bring luck, protection or a positive outcome to a situation is one of the more simple superstitions like touching wood and a one that is recognised in many cultures. Because however it isn't so common within Muslim and Buddhist cultures, the symbol could be Christian in origin relating to the sign of the cross.

"He has seen a wolf" - this refers to someone who as been frightened by something. In olden times it was believed that if a man saw a wolf before the wolf saw him, he became temporarily dumb.

"Waiter there's a fly in my soup!" - the old joke we've heard time and time again actually came from an omen that a fly falling into a glass or dish from which someone is about to drink is a sign of good fortune.

"His star is in the ascendant." - Someone who is very lucky. According to Astrology, people who are born with planets on the horizon at the time of their birth can be lucky (depending of course, on the actual planets) but when in the descendant, this can put him in the shade.

"Wait and see how things pan out." - Prospectors throughout history who panned for gold would whirl the mixture of soil or sand, water and other minerals in a pan waiting for the gold to settle at the bottom. If it 'panned out' successfully they might be left with a little speck of gold!

There are so many old sayings and considering their origins provides those who are interested, with a fascinating glimpse into our history.