In this episode you discover the true meaning and origin of "Paint the town" and "Paint the town red". --- Sources: "Paint the town red" . Phrases.org. Link: https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/paint-the-town-red.html "A HYPOTHESIS AS TO THE ORIGIN OF THE PHRASE ‘TO PAINT THE TOWN RED’" . "Word Histories". https://wordhistories.net/2016/08/26/paint-the-town-red/#:~:text=7%2D:%20A%20SPREE%20AT%20MELTON%20MOWBRAY%2C%20LEICESTERSHIRE%2C%20IN%201837&text=an%20actual%20piece%20of%20drunken,and%20...
Jul 22, 2025•10 min
In this episode you discover the true meaning and origin of the saying, "Dead Ringer". You also learn the false persistent myth - spread on Facebook - as to the origin of the phrase. Word of the day: Rubicon. Definition and history shared in episode. --- Sources: "Phrase origins linked to burials is dead wrong" by David Williams. AAP FactCheck. Link: https://www.aap.com.au/factcheck/phrase-origins-linked-to-burials-is-dead-wrong/ "A Dead Ringer" . Phrase Finder. Link: https://www.phrases.org.uk/...
Jun 16, 2025•12 min
In this episode you discover the meaning and reported potential origins of the saying, "Get Your Ducks in a Row". You also discover this episode's "Word of the Day", Magnanimous. Sources: "Why Do We Say “Get Your Ducks in a Row”?". WordSmarts.com. Link: https://wordsmarts.com/ducks-in-a-row/ "Museum Minute: The surprising origin of the phrase, ‘get your ducks in a row'". WyomingPublicMedia.org. Link: https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/show/wyoming-minute/2024-06-06/the-surprising-origin-of-the-p...
May 07, 2025•11 min
In this episode you discover the origin and true meaning of the sayings, "Spill the Beans" and "Spill the Tea". References for more information: "Where Does the Phrase 'Spilling the Beans' Come From?" . "Readers Digest. Link: "https://www.rd.com/article/spill-the-beans-meaning/ "Spill the Beans | Meaning, Origin & Examples" . Quillbot.com. Link: https://quillbot.com/blog/idioms/spill-the-beans/ “Spill the Tea” – Meaning & Origin (With Examples) . "GrammerHow.com". Link: https://grammarho...
Apr 01, 2025•10 min
In this episode, you discover the origin and true meaning of the phrase, "Take it with a grain of salt". --- Resources: "Take It With a Grain of Salt | Meaning & Examples" . Quilbot.com. Link: https://quillbot.com/blog/idioms/take-it-with-a-grain-of-salt/ "Where Did the Phrase “Take It with a Grain of Salt” Come From? ". Reader's Digest. Link: https://www.rd.com/article/take-it-with-a-grain-of-salt/ "The Ancient Origins Behind The Phrase 'Grain Of Salt' Read More: https://www.thedailymeal.co...
Mar 06, 2025•9 min
As youngsters interact, sooner or later one young person will challenge another to do something dangerous, stupid, or pointless. Phrases like, "I dare you", "I double dare you", and - when those words don't get the desired effect - the challenge will be elevated to, "I double dog dare you!". In this episode you discover how old this challenge is and how it came to be. --- Host: Stephen Carter - Website: https://StressReliefRadio.com - Email: CarterMethod@gmail.com. --- Resources: "Double-dog dar...
Feb 11, 2025•11 min
In this episode you discover the true meaning and origin of the phrase, "The fly in the ointment". --- References: "A fly in the ointmen" . "Grammarphobia". Link: https://www.grammarphobia.com/blog/2021/04/fly-in-the-ointment.html "A fly in the ointment" . "Phrase Finder". Link: https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/fly-in-the-ointment.html "Weather Words: Fly In The Ointment" . "Weather Underground". Link: https://www.wunderground.com/article/science/weather-explainers/news/2025-01-03-weather-wor...
Jan 08, 2025•9 min
In this episode you'll discover the meaning and origin of the phrase, "Bury the Hatchet". Sources: "'Stand your butt up': Fistfight nearly breaks out during Senate hearing until Bernie Sanders steps in" . NBC News. Link: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/stand-butt-fistfight-nearly-breaks-senate-hearing-bernie-sanders-steps-rcna125140 "Hatchet" . Wikipedia.org. Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hatchet#:~:text=A%20hatchet%20(from%20the%20Old,hammerhead%20on%20the%20other%20side. "What'...
Nov 25, 2024•11 min
Merriam-Webster dictionary added 200 words and phrases in 2024. Other dictionaries added even more. In this episode you and I explore some of the new most interesting and unusual words, phases, and slang that have found there way into dictionaries and daily use. --- Sources cited in this episode: "Origin and Real Meaning for 'Good Enough for Government Work'" . Podcast epiisode from "History of Everyday Sayings". Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/origin-and-real-meaning-for-good-enough...
Oct 21, 2024•23 min
In this episode you discover the original meaning, the current meaning, and origin of the phrase, "Fish or Cut Bait". --- Sources - citations: Author Candace Osmond; from "GRAMMARIST". "Fish or Cut Bait – Meaning, Synonym and Origin". Link: https://grammarist.com/idiom/fish-or-cut-bait/ "Fish or cut bait". "Dictionary.com". Link: https://www.dictionary.com/browse/fish-or-cut-bait "Fish or cut bait". "Phrase Finder". Link: https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/fish-or-cut-bait.html Various sources ...
Oct 01, 2024•11 min
In this episode you and I investigate the origin and meaning of "Leave no stone unturned". You'll discover it's how it's history extends back more than 2,000 years and when it found it's way into English. --- Sources: "Leave no stone unturned" . Dictionary.com. Link: https://www.dictionary.com/browse/leave--no--stone--unturned# "Leave No Stone Unturned" . "TheIdioms.com". Link: https://www.theidioms.com/leave-no-stone-unturned/#google_vignette "The Origin of the Phrase "Leave No Stone Unturned" ...
Aug 21, 2024•11 min
In this episode you discover the defination and origin history of the saying, "By Hook or by Crook". We also look at the historical use of "Crook" and "Crooked". Sources: "What's the meaning of the phrase 'By hook or by crook'?". "Phrase Finder". Link: https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/by-hook-or-by-crook.html "Definition of 'crook'". "Collins Dictionary". Link: https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/crook --- Host: Stephen Carter - https://StressReliefRadio.com - Email: Carte...
Jul 22, 2024•11 min
In this episode you discover the meaning and origin of this centuries old phrase, "If Wishes Were Horses, Beggars Would Ride". You'll also learn other surprising related sayings. --- Sources: "If wishes were horses, beggars would ride". Phrase Finder. Link: https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/if-wishes-were-horses-beggers-would-ride.html "IF WISHES WERE HORSES, BEGGARS WOULD RIDE". "The Idioms". Link: https://www.theidioms.com/if-wishes-were-horses-beggars-would-ride/ "If wishes were horses, beg...
Jun 07, 2024•12 min
In this episode you and I explore the true meaning and origin of the phrase, "Hit the Nail on the Head". We also look at two other phrases related to hammers and nails. References: Meaning of "Hit the Nail on the Head" from Ginger Software. Link: https://www.gingersoftware.com/content/phrases/hit-the-nail-on-the-head# "The meaning and origin of the expression: Hit the nail on the head" . Phrase Finder. Link: https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/hit-the-nail-on-the-head.html "What is the original ...
May 06, 2024•9 min
In this episode you discover the true meaning and origin of the phrase, "The devil is in the details". Citations / sources: "What Does The Devil Is in the Details Mean? (Dissecting This Idiom)". "wikiHow". Link: https://www.wikihow.com/The-Devil-Is-in-the-Details# "The Phrase Finder" . "The meaning and origin of the expression: The devil is in the details". Link: https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/the-devil-is-in-the-details.html "The devil is in the details" . "WikiPedia". Link: https://en.wik...
Mar 26, 2024•12 min
In this episode you discover the true meaning and origin of the phrase, "Rule of Thumb ". One discovery I made as I investigated the origin of this phrase is - despite popular belief - in reality it has NOTHING to do with the myth that English law allowed a man to beat his wife with a rod no thicker than his thumb. --- I nformation sources: "The meaning and origin of the expression: Rule of thumb" . "The Phrase Finder" online. Link: https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/rule-of-thumb.html "On Lang...
Feb 05, 2024•11 min
In this episode you discover the Word of the Year as identified by Merriam-Webster Dictionary and the Oxford Dictionary along with "runner up" words that nearly took the title. Resources mentioned in this episode: "Word of the Year 2023". Merrium-Webster online. Link: https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/word-of-the-year Sara Kuta, "‘Rizz’ Is Oxford’s 2023 Word of the Year"; December 3, 2023. Smithsonianmag.com. Article link: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/rizz-is-oxfords-2023-wor...
Jan 04, 2024•16 min
The slang term for the British Pound is "Quid". How old is that term, what is the origin, and what is the true meaning? Discover the answers to these questions and learn more about "the Quid" and it's history in this episode. --- Sources used in this episode: "What Is a Quid? History of the British Pound Sterling (GBP)". "Investopedia". Link: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/q/quid.asp#citation-3 "UNDERSTANDING BRITISH MONEY: WHAT’S A QUID? A SHILLING?". "I Heart Britain". Link: https://www.ih...
Nov 22, 2023•11 min
In this episode you discover the surprising centuries old origin of the term "Honeymoon". Sources cited in this episode: "The Surprising Meaning Of Honeymoon Explained". Dictionary.com. Link: https://www.dictionary.com/e/honeymoon/ "THE ORIGIN OF THE WORD "HONEYMOON": WHAT DOES IT MEAN". BatchMead.com. Link: https://www.batchmead.com/blogs/batch/did-mead-coin-the-term-honeymoon "The mysterious origin of the word 'honeymoon'". Insider.com. Link: https://www.insider.com/honeymoon-word-meaning-etym...
Oct 08, 2023•13 min
In this episode you discover how the phrase, "I heard it through the grapevine" and related sayings came to be. You'll also discover how that phrase led to one of Motown Records most popular song. --- Sources for information shared in this episode: "Heard It On The Grapevine" - Ginger Software: https://www.gingersoftware.com/content/phrases/heard-it-on-the-grapevine/# Lyrics for "I heard it through the grapevine": https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=lyrics+for+%22I+heard...
Sep 08, 2023•11 min
We have a love - hate relationship with wealth in general and money specifically. Why? In this episode you discover the centuries old source of the phrase heard so often today, "Filthy Rich". --- Sources Used in This Episode: Definition of "Filthy Rich" according to Merrium Webster Online: Link: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/filthy%20rich#:~:text=%3A%20extremely%20rich,wealth%20is%20excessive%20or%20offensive Source of Filthy Rich according Ginger Software: Link: https://www.gingers...
Jul 10, 2023•12 min
In this episode you discover the meanings and early sources for the phrase, "Give the devil his due". Sources / Resources: Lyrics to "The Devil Went Down to Georgia". Link: https://genius.com/Charlie-daniels-the-devil-went-down-to-georgia-lyrics "What's the meaning of the phrase 'He will give the Devil his due'?". Phrases.org.UK. Link: https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/176900.htm l "What Does Give the Devil his Due Mean?"; "Writing Explained". Link: https://writingexplained.org/idiom-dictionar...
Jun 07, 2023•10 min
Apple pie has become a symbol of the United States. It even played a role in motivating men to enlist in the U.S. Army during World War II. In this episode you discover how the phrase, "As American as Apple Pie" came to be so commonly used and the history of apples and apple pie in America. --- References: "Why We Say “As American as Apple Pie”. Link: https://www.bhg.com/holidays/july-4th/traditions/why-is-apple-pie-american/#:~:text=The%20phrase%20was%20first%20used,used%20for%20anything%20deem...
May 01, 2023•8 min
In this episode you discover the original source and meaning for the phrase, "Wet Blanket". --- Sources: - "Wet blanket". Grammerist website: Link: https://grammarist.com/idiom/wet-blanket/ - "Wet Blanket". Disappering Idioms website: Link: https://disappearingidioms.com/wet-blanket/ - "Wet Blanket" Phrase Finder Website: Link: https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/wet-blanket.html Host: Stephen Carter. Website: https://StressReliefRadio.com. Email: CarterMethod@gmail.com. --- Technical informatio...
Mar 14, 2023•9 min
In this episode you discover the origen of the phrase, "Rome Wasn't Built in a Day". We trace the history of this frequently used metaphor that extends a thousand years back in time. --- Sources: "The Origin of the Saying 'Rome Wasn't Built in a Day'": The "Culture Trip" website: Link: https://theculturetrip.com/europe/italy/articles/the-origin-of-the-saying-rome-wasnt-built-in-a-day/ "What's the meaning of the phrase 'Rome wasn't built in a day'?": Phrases.org. Link: https://www.phrases.org.uk/...
Feb 17, 2023•7 min
In this episode you discover the true meaning and origin of the term "Gaslighting". You'll learn how gaslighting is used to manipulate others in ways that can destroy a victim's sense of mental and emotional wellbeing. --- Sources referenced in this episode: Definition and origin: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gaslighting "What is Gaslighting - Medical News Today"; July 14, 2022; "Medical News Today": Link: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/gaslighting. "Gaslighting"; "Brita...
Jan 24, 2023•12 min
In this episode you'll discover: - The origin of the saying, "You can't have your cake and eat it too". - The original phrase and when that phrase changed to the one common today. - How this phrase led to the identification and arrest of Ted Kaczynski, the infamous Unibomber who terrorized the world for nearly two decades. --- Sources: "HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT TOO"; "Today I found out" website: http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2014/01/cake-eat/ . "The meaning and origin of the expressio...
Dec 05, 2022•14 min
In this episode you discover: - The original meaning of "common sense" and how that meaning changed over time; - The powerful impact of the "Common Sense" pamphlets on the American Revolution; - The surprising home country of the "Common Sense" pamphlets author Thomas Paine; - Opinions about how common "common sense" is; and, - More interesting history tidbits related to the phrase "common sense". --- Host: Stephen Carter. Email: CarterMethod@gmail.com . --- References: Definition of "common sen...
Nov 04, 2022•8 min
Discover the history and origin possibilities for the saying, "it's raining cats and dogs". The saying extends back to the 17th Century and has enjoyed use in everyday conversations for centuries. --- Sources mentioned in the episode: What is the meaning of "It's Raining Cats and Dogs"?: Phrases.org: https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/raining-cats-and-dogs.html --- What is the origin of the phrase "it's raining cats and dogs?". Library of Congress: https://www.loc.gov/everyday-mysteries/meteoro...
Oct 12, 2022•13 min
You've heard the phrase: Kangaroo Court. Discover it's real meaning and origin in this episode. --- Host: Stephen Carter; https://www.StressReliefRadio.com | Email: CarterMethod@gmail.com Sources: Definition from Merriam-Webster online dictionary: Merriam-webster.com. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kangaroo%20court "Harvard Law Review" article: https://harvardlawreview.org/2021/02/kangaroo-courts/ “Christian Science Monitor”: https://www.csmonitor.com/The-Culture/In-a-Word/2019/1024/...
Sep 01, 2022•8 min
