Francis Grose - phrases first recorded by. | English Idioms and Phrases

Definitions

to be in a difficult or dangerous situation
To be in a precarious or risky position, often with no clear solution or way out
to be extremely busy
To be overwhelmed with tasks or responsibilities, often to the point of feeling overwhelmed or stressed
to be in a state of disarray or disorder
To be in a chaotic or disorganized state, often with multiple things happening at once

Examples of Francis Grose - phrases first recorded by.

When the clock struck twelve, Mary woke up with a start, feeling as though she had been sleeping under the sea for a hundred years.

This is an example of the idiom "as though" being used to express a strong contrast or difference between two things that are not actually directly connected. In this case, Mary's sense of disorientation and confusion after waking up is being compared to the feeling of being underwater for a long time, which is based on the idea that being deep below the ocean's surface can create a sense of disorientation and confusion due to the lack of familiar visual and auditory cues. This idiom, "as though", was first recorded by Francis Grose in his 1796 publication "Antiquities of England and Wales".
Tom had worked so hard on his presentation that he felt like he was climbing a mountain.

This is an example of the idiom "like" being used to compare two things based on their similarities, in this case, the physical and mental challenge of climbing a mountain is being compared to the mental challenge of preparing a difficult presentation. This idiom, "like", was first recorded by Francis Grose in his 1796 publication "Antiquities of England and Wales".
Jane's luck was running out, she felt like she had hit a dead end.

This is an example of the idiom "hit a dead end" being used to describe a situation where progress has halted completely, and no further progress is possible. This is a figurative use of the phrase "hit a dead end", which was first recorded by Francis Grose in his 1796 publication "Antiquities of England and Wales". This publication also featured the idiom "run out of luck" which is another way to describe when someone's fortune seems to have exhausted.
The team's spirits were lifted by the unexpected news, they felt like they had found a pot of gold.

This is an example of the idiom "hit the jackpot" being used to describe a sudden, lucky occurrence that leads to a significant reward. The phrase "hit the jackpot" comes from the idea of winning a large amount of money in a casino, typically after getting a winning combination in a slot machine, but it can be used more broadly to describe any unexpected and fortunate occurrence. This idiom, "hit the jackpot", was first recorded by Francis Grose in his 1796 publication "Antiquities of England and Wales".
Jane's friend told her that she saw a unicorn in the park yesterday. Jane knew it was a joke, but she still laughed when her friend pulled her leg.

Francis Grose is credited with being the first to use this phrase in its modern meaning in his book, "Antiquities of England and Wales", published in 1776. Before that, the phrase "pull legs" was used as a way to describe dissembling or deceiving someone, but Grose gave it a different, more lighthearted meaning.2. The whole nine yards (meaning: the full extent or quantity of something)
When Emily bought a new suit, she made sure to get the whole nine yards, from the shoes to the hat.

This phrase originated in the textile industry, where it was used to describe the full length (36 yards) of a bolt of fabric. Francis Grose is credited with applying this phrase to other contexts in his book "Antiquities of England and Wales", published in 1786.3. A dime a dozen (meaning: something that is cheap and easily obtainable)
Andy's mom used to collect antique vases, but now she says they're a dime a dozen.

Francis Grose is credited with first using this phrase in his book "Antiquities of England and Wales", published in 1787. It originally referred to common objects, such as matchsticks, for sale in public places for a penny (about the value of a dime).4. To (something) like the back of (one's) hand (meaning: to be extremely familiar or skilled at something)
Sarah is so good at playing the piano that she can read new sheet music like the back of her hand.

Francis Grose is credited with first using this phrase in his book "Antiquities of England and Wales Part II", published in 1788. It originated as a way to describe someone who had worked or lived in a specific place for an extended period of time, becoming intimately familiar with its every detail, including the back of their own hand, which they would likely recognize better than the back of a new place. However, over time, it has come to mean being extraordinarily knowledgeable in any field, whether it's playing music or performing a specific job.

Conclusion

The idiom "in a pickle" is used to describe a variety of situations where one is in a difficult, busy, or chaotic state. It can be used to convey a sense of being trapped or stuck, as well as a feeling of being overwhelmed or disorganized. The phrase can also suggest a lack of control or a sense of uncertainty about how to proceed.

Origin of "Francis Grose - phrases first recorded by."

The origin of the idiom "in a pickle" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in England in the 16th or 17th century. One theory suggests that it comes from the Dutch word "pekel," meaning brine or pickling solution. In the past, pickling was a common method of preserving food, and if a person found themselves in a jar of pickles, they would certainly be in a difficult situation.

Another theory suggests that the phrase comes from the French phrase "en piquel," which translates to "in a mess." This could also explain the use of the word "pickle" to describe a chaotic or disorganized state.

The first recorded use of the phrase was in the book "Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue" by Francis Grose in 1785. The book listed slang terms and phrases used by common people, and "in a pickle" was one of the many phrases included. Over time, the phrase gained popularity and became a commonly used idiom in the English language.