20 Popular Expressions with Unusual Origins
Story by Caitriona Maria
20 Popular Expressions with Unusual Origins
©Provided by Media Decision US
We use all sorts of common phrases every day, but do we know what they mean? Over centuries, different events and beliefs have added to our vocabulary, becoming so widespread that few people understand what they’re saying. Some of these terms go back thousands of years, and sayings that an Ancient Greek or medieval knight would understand are still in use today.
1. Running Amok
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If someone or something is running amok, it is acting violently and uncontrollably. The phrase originates with the Malay-speaking people of Southeast Asia. The traditional belief was that Amok was caused by being possessed by an evil tiger spirit, which caused people to enter a frenzy and attack others.