Where old sayings come from, part 31

As is always the case, I’ve heard plenty of old sayings used in everyday conversation lately.

That’s simply because they’re extremely common and are such an integral part of the English language. But sometimes they sound so odd as methods of making a point that you just have to wonder where they came from. Here’s a look at the possible origins of several more.

•Cut to the chase.

We all recognize this phrase as meaning it’s time to get down to business, make your point or quit wasting time.

But why would that be cutting to the chase?

Because the term originated in the American film industry in the 1920s and refers to the way so many silent movies incorporated a chase scene at their climax. 

•Pot calling the kettle black.

It’s a term that’s rooted in hypocrisy, because when people do this, they’re basically criticizing or making fun of a flaw, fault or perceived negative trait in someone else that they possess themselves.

Originating in Spain, the phrase dates back to when cooking pots were hung directly over a wood or coal fire, so the pot and the kettle would be equally covered in soot. English versions began to show up in the early 1600s.

In a pickle.

We all know that if we’re in this, we’re in a challenging or somehow undesirable situation.

There are several possibilities of the phrase’s origin, most of which can be traced back to the late 1500s or 1600s.

Perhaps the best is that the word “pickle” comes from the Dutch word “pekel,” which is a spiced, salted vinegar that was used as a preservative. In the 17th century, vegetables like cucumbers or gherkins that were preserved were referred to by that name.

The expression’s relationship to being in a difficult situation stems from the idea of being as mixed up and disoriented as the pickled vegetables in a jar.

Johnny on the spot.

Of course, this refers to when someone is right on time, does something in a timely manner or is there when needed.

But who’s Johnny, and where was the spot? Well, Johnny could be any average person and the spot could be anywhere.

The term is thought to have originated in the United States in the late 1800s when “Johnny” was a name commonly used to describe the average person and “on the spot” meant at a particular location. The phrase first appeared in the April 1896 New York Sun article titled “Johnny on the Spot: A New Phrase Which Has Become Popular in New York.” 

•Heavens to Betsy.

If your grandmother blurts this out, you know she’s astonished by something or exclaiming about some sort of problem or calamity.

But who’s Betsy, and why is she involved?

Well, this is one of those terms whose origin is unknown, but it existed at least as far back as the mid-1800s and probably quite a bit farther back than that. One theory is that “Betsy” came from the way people would use that name to refer to their favorite gun.

•If the shoe fits, wear it.

A saying that’s commonly recognized as meaning if something pertains to you (especially something negative), then you should accept it, or in today’s jargon, “own it.”

It dates back to England in the 1600s, and first appeared as “if the cap fits,” which may have referred to a fool’s cap. That version is still used in Britain, while the shoe took over in North America in the late 1700s.

•Don’t take any wooden nickels.

Obviously, this is a way of warning someone to be careful not to be swindled or taken advantage of.

This saying dates back to the U.S. in 1915 and likely began as a humorous way of advising “country folk” going to the city not to be by “city slickers” trying to pay them off with wooden nickels.

•Not my first rodeo.

This phrase can often be heard by people wanting to make sure other people know they’re accustomed to a particular activity or situation.

But why rodeo?

The saying can be traced back to the 1981 movie about actress Joan Crawford, “Mommie Dearest,” when Faye Dunaway (playing Crawford) says, “This ain’t my first time at the rodeo.” In 1990, American country singer Vern Gosdin released a song called “This Ain’t My First Rodeo” after hearing a local carpenter use the phrase.

•A stitch in time saves nine.

You’ll hear someone say this when they’re expressing the notion that it’s better to spend a little time and effort to deal with a circumstance right now than to wait until later, when it may get worse and take longer to deal with. 

The phrase was first recorded in 1723 in an English book of a collection of proverbs. It’s a sewing reference, stemming from the idea that sewing up a small rip with one stitch means the tear is less likely to get bigger and require more stitches later.

Doug Davison is a writer, photographer and newsroom assistant for the Houston Herald. Email: ddavison@houstonherald.com.