Everyday phrases

Fighting the good fight: 10 old phrases still in use today

Image: Filip Andrejevic

It’s fairly reasonable to think that the military and maritime worlds are both pretty guarded environments, right? Don’t get us wrong, we are saying this with the utmost respect for both institutions. What we mean by "guarded" is that some things from these fields might be incomprehensible for any outsiders, "civilians" and "landlubbers" alike. However, it might come as a shock to learn about how many of the idioms that we say every single day come from military and maritime history. With that in mind, here’s our pick of the 10 idioms that come straight from the mouths of soldiers and sailors. Enjoy!

Image: National Library of Scotland

We’ll start with one that defined the lives of countless soldiers throughout history. The first use of trenches in warfare can be traced to the 7th century, but they became truly essential after the advent of firearms. Trenches became synonymous with wars fought in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly the American Civil War and WWI.

In that sense, the phrase "in the trenches" refers to being in a difficult or demanding situation. This idiom is usually used to describe people on the frontline of a particular environment, like those working at ground level on a job or project.

Image: Boston Public Library

This one goes to any organized parent who might be reading this: We salute you and your ability to maintain order in a household filled with the chaos that children bring. In that sense, this idiom describes you perfectly: Someone who "runs a tight ship" is someone who keeps a keen eye on every small detail, with the sole purpose of preserving peace and order.

As you might have guessed, this idiom comes straight from the nautical world: A "tight ship" would be one running efficiently, with every bit of rope and sail accounted for. However, it is safe to say that its origins come from a firm and uncompromising captain and not from a loving yet strict parent.

Image: Roberto Catarinicchia

Swords and plowshares might not seem that similar, but according to this idiom, they are two sides of the same coin. The expression "to beat swords into plowshares" is actually more of a concept or a philosophy, which involves turning military weapons into peaceful civilian tools. In that sense, a deadly and grim sword once used for warfare can now become a symbol of progress and hard labor.

This idiom comes straight from the Bible, mentioned in the second chapter of the Book of Isaiah. It was famously referenced by President Eisenhower in his farewell speech and by President Reagan in the United Nations General Assembly.

Image: Amy Syiek

For a phrase with such a heavy meaning, the idiom "show your true colors" seems a little too colorful (no pun intended). After all, it conveys the betrayal of someone who pretended to be a close ally, only to double-cross you when the winds change. However, a little digging into its origins proves that this idiom perfectly represents this treachery, since it comes from particularly deceitful and colorful characters: Pirates.

The "colors" described by this phrase are actually the colorful flags flown by ships during the Golden Age of Piracy. During this time, it was common practice for pirates to show false flags to trick a would-be victim into approaching, only showing the true colors on their "Jolly Roger" flags when escaping was impossible.

Image: Mario La Pergola

Any babysitter tasked with "holding down the fort" doesn’t have it easy: Maintaining order in a household filled with children energized by sugar and late-night snacks is a challenge that only the bravest dare to take. In that sense, this idiom seems perfectly appropriate to such an important activity, as military history has shown again and again that forts tend to be strategically essential points during wartime.

Basically, anyone "holding the fort" is temporarily in charge of a household or job. Other prime examples of these unsung heroes are substitute teachers or assistant managers. In that sense, the origins of the idiom are pretty clear: One can almost imagine the struggling forces defending their fort from an enemy attack, eagerly awaiting the arrival of reinforcements.

Image: Nick Diamantidis

It sometimes takes the help and proficiency of someone more experienced to truly learn a skill. Think back on your first day at a new job: Did you have someone who took you under their wing and helped you learn whatever you needed to be more comfortable with your new responsibilities? In that sense, this next idiom can be a perfect description of those kind souls who helped us with their tutelage.

Someone who "knows the ropes" is someone who is particularly familiar with a certain situation or skill, and who has vast knowledge gained solely from experience. This idiom comes straight from sailors: As you might have guessed, the ropes described by the idioms are the many ropes used in sailing ships. Anyone familiar with the miles of ropes intertwined in this type of ship is definitively a sailor worth their salt.

Image: Todd Diemer

This one is slightly controversial since the origins of this idiom aren’t really from the military world. However, this phrase is so ingrained in military history that it felt weird not to include it. To "fight fire with fire" means to respond to an attack with an equal force, usually involving hostility.

Unsurprisingly, this idiom comes from firefighters, people known for their ability to fight fire. The origins of this phrase can be traced back to 19th century America, and from a firefighting practice that involved raising small fires to deprive larger and more dangerous fires of fuel.

Image: Jarrett Fifield

The meaning of the idiom "down in the Doldrums" is remarkably similar to "feeling blue" another maritime idiom: They both relate to a lethargic mood, usually associated with depression. Interestingly, while the word "doldrums" seems to describe an old-fashioned term for a ship section, it actually refers to an actual geographical region.

The Doldrums is a sailing region north of the Equator, characterized by its calm winds produced by the clash of two opposing wind belts. In that sense, sailing this area would represent a sudden halt to an exciting journey, that would understandably put any sealoving sailor in a gloomy mood.

Image: WEB AGENCY

This idiom is remarkably versatile: for example, you can be left "high and dry" by both a friend who doesn’t show up to an appointment, and by a demanding boss that leaves you to fend off a difficult project all by yourself. In any case, this idiom comes from seafaring sailors, desperately stranded whenever their ship was literally left "high and dry".

The origins of this phrase refer to ships stuck in dry land. If the ship was above the tide line and there was not enough water to move it back, then it would remain there until the tide rose, since the ship could be seriously damaged if it was removed without water.

Image: Bermix Studio

We’ll end with what’s probably the most uplifting idiom on this list. Anyone who fights the good fight is doing things right: Although this phrase is commonly used by the military, it applies to everyone doing their part in making their workplace, their home, or even the entire planet a better place.

Like other entries in this article, this idiom was first used in the Bible: This verse in particular calls all believers to "fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life". It became an everyday saying during the 19th century when it was first used in patriotic speeches and songs.

TIMELESS TREASURES

Let's Remember These 10 Popular Toys From Our Childhood!

Image: Michael Fousert

We all have some nice memories from our younger years. While you may forget things like doctor's appointments or last night's dinner, we're sure you still remember those beloved toys that made your days great when you were just a little kid. Today, we're taking a little trip to the past, remembering 10 iconic toys that won the hearts of past generations. We bet one of these treasures was once in your hands!

Image: Mourizal Zativa

What was your preferred creation when building with toy blocks? Did you enjoy making towers, castles, robots, or cars?

The potential to manifest whatever your imagination comes up with and transform it into reality thanks to blocks was sent to worldwide fame by the Danish toy company LEGO.

Since the 1930s, LEGO has enriched the lives of many children, evolving from traditional wooden blocks to the plastic bricks known today. In fact, the company's name originates from the Danish expression leg godt, meaning "play well."

Image: Alicia Christin Gerald

Most of us were lucky enough to hug a teddy bear during childhood. But among the different types of soft stuffed bears, there is undoubtedly a highlight: the famous Care Bears. With their catchy name and nice colors, these stuffed animals arrived in the 1980s to transform the world of plush toys.

Originally conceived as illustrations for greeting cards, these adorable bears quickly won the public's hearts, evolving into toys and later becoming the stars of numerous TV shows and movies. You're remembering your favorite teddy bear right now, aren't you?

Image: Nik

In 1989, Nintendo launched the Game Boy, one of the most recognized handheld game consoles by those who lived their childhood or adolescence in those years.

Aimed at a diverse audience, the Game Boy provided the freedom to transport your favorite games wherever you went! You probably know a Tetris fan who loved this iconic console, or maybe you are one of them yourself!

Image: Alex Zabavsky

Playing with miniature toy cars has an undeniable appeal for children and, let's admit it, adults too. Made from different materials and designs that were once far simpler than those of today, these tiny vehicles have been a staple for centuries.

However, the world of miniature cars changed dramatically with the arrival of Hot Wheels in the late 1960s. So much so, that many renowned car brands have forged partnerships with Hot Wheels to produce scaled-down models of their real-life cars.

Image: Julietta Watson

One of the most successful toys of all time, Play-Doh started to enchant children in the 1950s, and more than 70 years later, its popularity is still high.

But there's something you may not know: Play-Doh wasn't originally created for playing. It was actually invented as a wallpaper cleaner!

Yes, you heard that right. So, the next time you're facing household chores, picture yourself playing with Play-Doh, and suddenly, cleaning becomes a great adventure.

Image: Boris Langvand

Introduced in the late 1970s, the Atari console was one of the earliest home video game systems to reach widespread success. Bringing the world of video games to the comfort of our living rooms, the Atari remains a fond memory for those who love virtual adventures.

This pioneering device introduced several legendary games, including "Space Invaders," "Pong," and the classic "Pac-Man." Did you have the pleasure of experiencing its magic?

Image: Olav Ahrens Røtne

Among the many trends that emerged in the 1980s, one stood out: the Rubik's Cube. Since then, this cube-shaped puzzle has challenged the intellect and skills of young and old alike.

The small cube serves as a great tool for exercising the mind. Its popularity was so strong that, over the years, it has given rise to a multitude of tournaments and competitions dedicated to its solution.

The Rubik's cube is today an icon of pop culture and has even evolved into a decorative object in the home of many young adults.

Image: Stijn Swinnen

Despite technology's presence in our lives, the appeal of action figures and dolls among children remains unbeatable. And a great example of this is the G.I. Joe.

Presented in the 1960s, this iconic action figure was the favorite toy of many generations.

G.I. Joe can be seen as a modern version of the classic toy soldier. With its larger size and mobility, this figure offers children a more dynamic and detailed experience, leading to more and better adventures for the little ones who imagine fighting like him.

Image: Elena Mishlanova

When discussing dolls, it's impossible to overlook the icon of toys: Barbie. Created by Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel, and introduced in the late 1950s, Barbie revolutionized the toy world.

Despite the numerous controversies surrounding her figure, Barbie has always been among children's favorites.

Over the years, Barbie has evolved to reflect changing trends and fashions, having different roles, professions, and friends. To this day, Barbie remains a preferred choice not only for children but also for some adults who collect the many versions of the doll.

Image: Nick Fewings

As straightforward as a carpet adorned with colorful circles, Twister, introduced in the 1960s, became a sensation in the last century. Children and adults delighted with the joy of contorting themselves into peculiar positions and struggling to maintain balance.

If you don't have plans this weekend, we encourage you to gather a few friends and revisit this fun game. Though, unlike in childhood, joints may complain a bit the morning after!