Why Do We Use These 8 Common Sayings?

With roots deep in the past, these expressions all started somewhere. Take a peek at some of the most plausible explanations of where our common idioms come from.

5) Tie One On

Via/ Library of Congress

Some believe this saying has its root in the English phrase “to tie on a bun,” because a test of sobriety would be whether or not you could balance a bun on your head. Another origin has this saying derived from the American practice of tying up your horse when you were at the saloon. Either way, it means the same thing today: getting boisterously drunk.

6) Hair of the Dog

Via/ Library of Congress

If you properly tied one on, then you may need some hair of the dog. Commonly used now to describe the practice of drinking more alcohol as a cure for your hangover, back in the day it had a different usage. Old wives’ tales dictate a surefire way to ensure that a dog bite doesn’t escalate into a full-blown case of rabies: simply obtain some hair of the dog that bit you in order to make a healing poultice that will protect from the bite of a mad dog. See? Simple!

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