Lesson 51 Where does the expression come from #2

 1. Break the ice-to break off a conflict or commence a friendshipB

-Back when transportation was by ships, at times the ships would get stuck in the ice during the winter.

The receiving country would send small ships to "break the ice" and the clear the way for the trade ships.

-To break the ice with their prespective in-laws my parents had a barbeque for both families to get acquanited.


2. Butter someone up

-This was a customary religious act in ancient India.  The devout would throw butter balls at the statues of their gods to seek favor and forgiveness.

-The car dealer "butters up" his clients with coffee and donuts as they enter the dealership.


3.

Barking up the wrong tree-means to have a misguided thoughts about an event or situaiton- a false lead

-The refers to hunting dogs that chase their prey up a tree not realizing that the prey is no longer there.


-The politician was "barking up the wrong tree" when she proposed her conservative ideas to to a high school class.


4. Caught red-handed- To be caught in the act of doing something wrong.

-In old English law people  would be punished if they  was caught butchering an animal that wasn't their own.

A person would be convicted if he was caught with the animal's blood still on his. hands.


-The "grab and go" theives were "caught red-handed " with the jewelry around the corner from the jewelry store.


5. Let one's hair down- to relax or be at ease

-In medieval times the aristocratic women all wore their hair pulled up  The only time they could "let their hair down" was when they came home and relaxed.

-After a trip that took over 14 hours, we were finally able to "let our hair down" at the health spa with massages and a deliciious - gourmet meal,


6, A booby prize- A prize given to make fun of the loser in a contest or game.

-The term booby in old English is associated with a fool,

-After playing in the bank's pool tournament I won the "back end of a donkey:" trophy as the "booby prize" for the worst player. 



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