Idioms are so interesting! I love hearing translations from other countries and trying to figure out their origins! Some that I like/use: 1. You cannot make a silk purse out of a sows ear. This is an adage by the 18th century prose satirist: Jonathan Swift It basically means to use good materials to produce quality products. (This can be literal or figurative) 2. Backing the wrong horse. Can be used as a warning when someone is supporting a position/argument that can be discredited: "As he confirmed what his friend had told the cop, which she knew was a lie, she whispered an aside she hoped he could hear from there :Best be careful; you are backing the wrong horse." ALSO In a situation where the expected outcome is not what a person wanted: "Well, your candidate lost by a landslide!! Looks like you backed the wrong horse!." It dates back to the 1600's and is rooted in horse racing. 3. What the cat dragged in! Can be a negative or a positive depending on use. Cats generally drag in messy dead things so it can be used that way as in: "After her long trek, she was disheveled and dirty and basically looked like something the cat dragged in." Cats are usually offering these "gifts" to their masters to prove their worth and show affection so it can be used in a positive way. It is usually reserved for family or at least someone you are on familiar terms with! "He grabbed her as she entered the room before she could even drop her bag exclaiming "Look what the cat dragged in!" She immediately felt like she was part of the family." I'm Having fun reading these!
