Language Absurdity: Funny English Expressions You Didn’t Think Twice of

Let The Cat Out of the Bag

Original meaning: To reveal a secret

Comments: I don’t see any cat out of any bag whenever someone reveals a secret. That would have freaked me out if if it really did happen. However, it is not uncommon to see cute puppies in some owners’ bags. Still, letting the cat out of the bag makes no sense. So do you keep a cat in your bag when you are prepared to reveal a secret, and let it out afterwards?

Apple of One’s Eye

Original meaning: One’s favourite thing/person.

Comments: Wow. I didn’t know that apples do grow in one’s eyes. Why not orange though? Or grapes? Seriously though, apple ain’t my favourite fruit. I actually prefer honeydew. Moreover, it is subjective since individuals have their personal preference for fruits. So I don’t see any sense why we should all use an “apple” to describe our favourite thing/person.

Sour Grapes

Original meaning: To be jealous of someone.

Comments: Now, that’s another “fruity” expression. Why did those language inventors like fruits so much anyway? Whatever it is, I actually do prefer grapes that are sweet, oh, and seedless too please.

Silence is Golden

Original meaning: Silence is a precious virtue.

Comments: I actually thought it is silver. No? Why golden though? I don’t see any golden hues painted in the library area when people are reading. Well, there isn’t total silence anyway.

Born With a Silver Spoon

Original meaning: Born to a good family; being born with a really good life.

Comments: Now that’s another expression that has to do with color. It must be quite a sight though, to see a baby born with a silver spoon in the mouth. Don’t forget to inform the press when you get to see this!

It seems to me that inventors of language like to incorporate the use of colors and fruits in some language expressions. Though absurd, but hey, that is interesting!