![another phrase for biting the bullet another phrase for biting the bullet](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dck_87uN8Pg/Tu0IDmcQjzI/AAAAAAAADUk/N23-8HIxpWM/w1200-h630-p-k-no-nu/bullet.jpg)
Like many of the other clichés on this list, “read between the lines” derived from a literal meaning. The British may have forced these soldiers to “bite the bullet” anyway, which could have helped create this cliché. Consuming this fat went against the native Indian soldiers’ religious beliefs. The British army, which included native Indian soldiers, loaded their rifles by biting an animal-fat greased paper cartridge and pouring in the gun powder. One legend suggests that the term developed from the practice of soldiers biting down on a bullet during medical procedures to distract from the pain before anesthetics were available.Īnother theory proposes that this developed when the British Empire controlled India. Multiple etymologies exist for this phrase, which means to do what is necessary even if it is hard. The first recorded use of this phrase was in 1641 when Sir Edward Dering wrote “Though I be not worthy to hold the candle to Aristotle.” These apprentices were already considered unskilled, so if they couldn’t even hold the candle, they wouldn’t be able to provide any value to the master. During the 17th century, apprentices were expected to hold a candle to provide light for their masters. This cliché, which refers to someone who is less skillful than another person, has a very literal origin. Satirist Jonathan Swift, who was known for his irony, included this phrase in his parody Polite Conversation. Interestingly, this was originally used in reverse to read “you can’t eat your cake and have it too.” A similar Russian phrase translates to “you can’t sit on two chairs” and is used to express the idea that you can’t have two good things at once.īy the 18th century, this proverb was likely already considered a cliché. Research from linguist Ben Zimmer shows that this phrase dates to the 16th century. Now that you’ve learned more about the etymology of the word “cliché”, let’s take a closer look at the origins of a few of these overused phrases. This word evolved from describing the process of repeating printed designs to describing repetitive and overused phrases or ideas. Printers heard a “clicking” sound during this process, which gave birth to the onomatopoeic word “cliché.”īy the end of the 19th century, the word “cliché” started to take on the meaning we know today. The word “cliché” is a French term dating to the early 19th century that meant “ to produce or print in stereotype.” A stereotype was a printing plate used to create abundant versions of the same design. But after the expression or concept has been used countless times, it loses its originality transforms into a cliché. Of course, when a cliché is first introduced, it might be considered an inspiring idea. Tired phrases and overused storylines both qualify as clichés, though clichés are not exclusive to language.
![another phrase for biting the bullet another phrase for biting the bullet](https://cdn-images-1.listennotes.com/podcasts/biting-the-bullet-bitingthebullet-aCYR9wDmMvU-iblUE9zXcgT.1400x1400.jpg)
Merriam-Webster broadly defines cliché as “anything that is so commonplace that it lacks freshness or offers nothing new in the way of interest or insight.” Let’s spend some time looking at the historic events and pieces of literature that helped create the clichés we hear on a daily basis. But have you ever wondered about the etymology of clichés? We often use these “ trite phrases or expressions” without a second thought. Try to imagine the last time you had a conversation that didn’t involve a cliché.