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Thinking in English
279. Indian Mutiny, the Cat-O’-Nine-Tails, and Mercury Poisoning: The Surprising Origins of English Idioms! (English Vocabulary Lesson)
Jan 15, 2024
Explore the surprising origins of three English idioms, including their connections to the Indian Mutiny, brutal punishments for sailors, and mercury poisoning. Discover the historical stories behind the idioms 'bite the bullet', 'cat got your tongue', and 'mad as a hatter'.
19:53
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Quick takeaways
- The idiom 'bite the bullet' originated from surgical procedures in the 18th century, where patients would bite on a bullet to endure pain or difficulty.
- The idiom 'cat got your tongue' may have originated from the punishment of flogging on British ships using the 'cat and nine tails' whip, or from the practice of cutting off people's tongues as a punishment.
Deep dives
Bite the Bullet
The phrase 'bite the bullet' means to do something unpleasant or difficult. Its origins can be traced back to surgical procedures in the 18th century, where patients would bite on a bullet to endure the pain. Another theory suggests a connection to the Indian Mutiny, where soldiers had to literally bite their bullets against their will.
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